Description
Silky lemon mousse delights palates with its bright, tangy essence. Creamy Mediterranean-inspired dessert promises refreshing zest and smooth texture you’ll savor to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Base:
- 3/4 cup graham crackers, crushed
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Mousse Ingredients:
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 10 ounces lemon curd
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
Stabilizing Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup powdered sugar (additional)
- Optional: Yellow food coloring
Garnish:
- Sweetened whipped cream
- Lemon wedges
- Blueberries
- Optional: Mint leaves
Instructions
- Create a textured base by mixing graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Distribute evenly across individual serving dishes, pressing firmly to form a compact foundation.
- Bloom gelatin by sprinkling it over a mixture of lemon juice and water. Allow the powder to absorb liquid for 5 minutes, creating a smooth setting agent.
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks develop. Incorporate powdered sugar and optional yellow food coloring, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Blend cream cheese until silky smooth. Integrate lemon curd and remaining powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform consistency.
- Heat gelatin mixture in microwave for 30 seconds. Whisk vigorously for 1 minute to ensure complete dissolution, then allow to cool slightly.
- Gradually incorporate dissolved gelatin into cream cheese mixture, blending with mixer until fully integrated.
- Lighten the mixture by folding one-third of whipped cream gently. Carefully fold remaining cream to maintain airy texture.
- Transfer mousse into prepared cups, covering graham cracker base. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours or overnight to achieve perfect set.
- Enhance presentation by topping with whipped cream, fresh lemon wedges, blueberries, and mint leaves just before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending and preventing lumps in the mixture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor in the mousse.
- For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or almond flour crust.
- Experiment with different fruit toppings like raspberries or strawberries for variety and added freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg