Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Recipe

The Dreamiest Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Recipe Ever Made

Sweet, silky dreams come alive with this decadent lemon cheesecake mousse that dances between tangy brightness and creamy richness.

Zesty lemons infuse each spoonful with vibrant, refreshing energy.

Cream cheese provides a luxurious base that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Whipped to cloud-like perfection, this dessert promises a sophisticated twist on classic cheesecake flavors.

Light, airy textures blend seamlessly with intense citrus notes, creating an irresistible treat.

Elegant yet simple, this mousse transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent lumps in my cheesecake mousse?

Whip the cream cheese at room temperature and use a hand mixer or stand mixer to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture. Always beat the cream cheese before adding other ingredients to guarantee a silky consistency.

  • Can I make this recipe without gelatin?

No, gelatin is crucial for setting the mousse and providing the right texture. Without gelatin, the mousse will be too soft and won’t hold its shape properly when served.

  • What's the best way to fold whipped cream into the mixture?

Use a spatula and gently cut through the center of the mixture, then fold it over. Rotate the bowl and repeat until the cream is just combined, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse: Pure Bliss Unveiled

  • Whip Up a Quick Dessert: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a stunning treat without complicated steps.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Elegance: This lemon cheesecake mousse delivers restaurant-quality dessert with minimal kitchen skills required, making it ideal for impressing guests or family gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple variations like adding fresh berries, different citrus zests, or decorative toppings to match personal taste preferences or special occasions.
  • Prepare Ahead Convenience: Make this dessert in advance and store in the refrigerator, reducing last-minute stress and allowing more time to enjoy with loved ones.

All The Must-Haves For Cheesecake Mousse

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the dessert.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the graham cracker crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, cohesive texture.
Cream Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a light and airy texture to the mousse.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
  • Yellow Food Coloring: Optional ingredient that enhances the visual appeal of the mousse.
Mousse Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy base for the mousse.
  • Lemon Curd: Adds a tangy and bright citrus flavor to the dessert.
  • Gelatin, Lemon Juice, Water: Work together to help set and stabilize the mousse structure.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides additional sweetness to the cream cheese mixture.

Easy Steps To Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Magic

Step 1: Create Crumbly Crust Foundation

Grab a mixing bowl and combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar.

Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir until everything looks evenly coated and moist.

Distribute the crumbly mixture into dessert cups, pressing firmly to create a solid base.

Set aside while preparing other components.

Step 2: Activate Gelatin Magic

Select a small bowl and blend lemon juice with water.

Sprinkle gelatin across the liquid surface, allowing it to rest and bloom for 5 minutes.

This process helps gelatin dissolve smoothly and create a silky texture.

Step 3: Whip Dreamy Cream Clouds

Take a medium mixing bowl and whip heavy cream until soft peaks start forming.

Gradually introduce powdered sugar and optional yellow food coloring.

Continue whipping until cream transforms into stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape beautifully.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until it becomes smooth and exceptionally fluffy.

Incorporate lemon curd and remaining powdered sugar, blending until perfectly combined and silky.

Step 5: Merge Gelatin with Cheese Mixture

Microwave the rested gelatin mixture for 30 seconds.

Whisk thoroughly to ensure complete dissolution, then allow it to cool for 3 minutes.

Slowly pour the gelatin into the cream cheese mixture, stirring continuously to create a uniform consistency.

Step 6: Fold Whipped Cream Gently

Carefully fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten its texture.

Add remaining whipped cream and fold gently until ingredients are harmoniously blended.

Step 7: Layer and Chill

Spoon or pipe the luxurious mousse over the graham cracker crust in dessert cups.

Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, allowing the mousse to set and flavors to meld.

Before serving, add optional garnishes like lemon zest, whipped cream, or mint leaves.

Top Tips For The Creamiest Lemon Mousse

  • Heat gelatin gently in microwave and whisk completely to ensure smooth incorporation without lumps in your mousse.
  • Beat heavy cream just until stiff peaks form to maintain ideal texture and prevent over-mixing that could cause separation.
  • Allow gelatin to cool slightly before adding to cream cheese mixture to avoid potential curdling or uneven texture.
  • Adjust lemon curd quantity based on personal preference for tangy or subtle citrus flavor in the mousse.
  • Refrigerate mousse for full 2 hours to allow proper setting and enhance flavor development in the dessert cups.

Tasty Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Variations To Try

  • Gluten-Free Lemon Cheesecake Mousse: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Citrus Mousse: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut whipped cream, and replace gelatin with agar-agar powder for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Zesty Mousse: Substitute powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining a delightful lemony flavor.
  • No-Bake Tropical Variation: Add coconut extract to the mixture and top with toasted coconut flakes for a beachy, exotic spin on the original recipe.

Serve Lemon Mousse With A Zesty Touch

  • Sunset Garden Party: Serve these elegant mousse cups on a beautiful outdoor patio with soft string lights, creating a dreamy dessert experience for summer gatherings.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the cups on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh lemon slices and mint sprigs, making a stunning centerpiece for weekend brunches.
  • Elegant Date Night Dessert: Present the mousse in delicate glass cups with a light dusting of lemon zest and a small chocolate curl on top for a romantic, sophisticated touch.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair the lemon cheesecake mousse with delicate tea sandwiches and serve on a tiered silver tray for an elegant afternoon tea presentation.

Best Ways To Store Cheesecake Mousse Leftovers

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, maintaining the cheesecake mousse's creamy texture and fresh flavor.
  • Wrap individual dessert cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks, preserving the mousse's delicate structure and taste.
  • Move frozen cheesecake mousse to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, gentle thawing. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore optimal texture.
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Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Recipe

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Silky lemon cheesecake mousse brings zesty Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table. Creamy clouds of tangy sweetness melt effortlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of pure culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 10 ounces (283 grams) jar lemon curd

Crust Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (90 grams) crushed graham crackers
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) salted butter (melted)

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons (37.5 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • Yellow food coloring (optional)

Garnish (Optional):

  • Sweetened whipped cream
  • Lemon wedges
  • Blueberries
  • Mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Craft a graham cracker foundation by mixing crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into individual serving vessels to create a compact base layer.
  2. Activate gelatin by sprinkling it over a lemon juice and water blend, allowing it to bloom for 5 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks emerge, then incorporate powdered sugar and optional yellow food coloring, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
  4. Create a smooth cream cheese mixture by blending cream cheese until fluffy, then integrating lemon curd and remaining powdered sugar.
  5. Microwave the gelatin mixture for 30 seconds, thoroughly dissolving it and allowing to cool briefly before gently incorporating into the cream cheese blend.
  6. Delicately fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two stages – first a third of the cream to lighten, then the remaining cream – ensuring a smooth, airy consistency.
  7. Transfer the mousse into prepared cups, layering it atop the graham cracker base. Refrigerate for 2 hours until the mousse sets completely, creating a chilled, silky dessert ready for optional garnishing before serving.

Notes

  • Sprinkle gelatin evenly over liquid and let it bloom for precise texture and smooth consistency.
  • Allow gelatin to cool slightly before mixing to prevent curdling or breaking the delicate cream cheese mixture.
  • Use gentle, circular motions when incorporating whipped cream to maintain airiness and prevent deflating the mousse.
  • This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and meal planning.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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