Name: Lemon Mousse Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar; Pinch of salt; 1 cup lemon curd; 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

I absolutely love making this Lemon Mousse Recipe whenever I need a bright, refreshing dessert that’s both light and indulgent. The creamy texture combined with a zingy lemon flavor always feels like the perfect treat after a meal or as a special afternoon pick-me-up. It’s incredibly simple to make, yet it feels fancy enough to impress guests without any fuss. I’m excited to share this one with you because it quickly became a personal favorite of mine!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Mousse Recipe

What I adore most about this Lemon Mousse Recipe is the balance it strikes between tartness and sweetness. The lemon curd brings that vibrant citrus kick, while the whipped heavy cream gives it a dreamy, velvety smoothness that just melts in your mouth. I always find it exhilarating to enjoy something that’s both light and satisfying, and this mousse nails that combination perfectly.

Another big win for me is how easy it is to prepare. It doesn’t require complicated techniques or strange ingredients — just basic pantry staples with an upgrade in the form of lemon curd and fresh zest. Plus, the chilled texture makes it ideal for warm days or anytime you want a cool and refreshing dessert. I serve it at family dinners, weekend gatherings, and even holiday meals because it’s so wonderfully versatile and sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collage of four images showing whipped cream being prepared in a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface. The first image shows a metal whisk lifting fluffy white whipped cream, with soft peaks forming. The second image captures a red silicone spatula folding a yellow liquid into the thick white cream inside the bowl. The third image shows lemon zest added to the cream, with the yellow strands sitting on top of the white mixture, and the spatula slightly stirring. The fourth image shows the creamy mixture fully combined, smooth and thick, being gently lifted by the red spatula. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love how this recipe keeps the ingredient list delightfully simple, allowing each element to shine through. Every ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s creating the mousse’s airy texture, its luscious lemon flavor, or even lending an inviting pop of color.

2 cups heavy cream: This gives the mousse its rich, airy texture when whipped to soft peaks.
2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the lemon.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness and citrus notes.
1 cup lemon curd: The star ingredient that delivers that vibrant lemony tang and creamy consistency.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds fresh brightness and a beautiful aroma to elevate the mousse.

Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream, confectioner’s sugar, and add a pinch of salt. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until you see medium peaks form — soft but with a bit of structure that will hold as you fold in other ingredients.

Step 2: Gently fold in the lemon curd and lemon zest using a spatula. This part is important to do slowly and carefully so you keep all that lovely air from the whipped cream intact. Mix just until everything is evenly incorporated and the mousse looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Spoon the mousse into 8 small dessert glasses or bowls, aiming for about a half heaping cup per serving. If you want to get extra fancy, add a small dollop of whipped cream or sprinkle some extra lemon zest on top as a garnish to brighten the presentation.

Step 4: Refrigerate the mousse for at least 1 hour so it can chill and set nicely. You can also leave it for up to 24 hours if you’re prepping ahead of time — this resting period allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to firm up beautifully. Serve it cold and enjoy every refreshing spoonful.

Servings and Timing

This Lemon Mousse Recipe makes 8 delightful servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The prep time is quick — about 10 minutes tops — as whipping cream and folding in lemon curd doesn’t take long at all. There’s no actual cooking required, but you do need to budget at least 1 hour for chilling in the fridge. Altogether, expect a total time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. This makes it an excellent dessert for last-minute plans or an easy weekend treat.

How to Serve This Lemon Mousse Recipe

Two clear glass cups filled with two layers of smooth white lemon mousse topped with a swirl of whipped cream layer and sprinkled with small yellow lemon zest pieces. The cups have a dotted texture around the rim. They are placed on a white marbled surface next to three slices of fresh lemon stacked and a shiny metal spoon on the right. In the background, there is a folded yellow cloth with a white flower-like pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I love presenting this mousse in small, elegant glasses or clear bowls to showcase its creamy texture and pale yellow hue. It looks delightful layered with a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. The lightness of the dessert calls for equally fresh accompaniments, so I often serve it alongside crisp shortbread cookies or buttery biscotti to add some crunch and complement the creamy lemon flavor.

For drinks, this lemon mousse pairs wonderfully with a sparkling wine like Prosecco or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc — both help balance the mousse’s richness with their acidity. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a chilled herbal iced tea infused with citrus or a refreshing lemonade is a fantastic match. I’ve served this dessert chilled at summer parties, holiday dinners, and even casual weekend get-togethers, and it never fails to impress guests with its fresh, vibrant flavor and stunning simplicity.

I always recommend serving this dessert cold for that satisfyingly cool treat effect. Portion sizes of about ½ cup per person feel just right — indulgent but light enough that everyone can enjoy seconds if they wish. And if you want to elevate your presentation, try layering the mousse with lemon curd or whipped cream for a gorgeous parfait-style dessert.

Variations

One of the best things about this Lemon Mousse Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to switch things up, you can substitute the lemon curd with lime or orange curd for a different citrus twist. I’ve also experimented with mixing in a bit of fresh fruit puree like raspberry or passion fruit before folding the mousse to add pops of flavor and color.

If you’re looking for a vegan or dairy-free version, swapping heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream works beautifully. You’ll need to whip chilled coconut cream similarly until fluffy and fold in a vegan lemon curd or homemade citrus sauce. This adjustment keeps the mousse light and creamy but suits those with dietary restrictions.

You could even experiment with layering the mousse in glasses with crushed cookies or granola for added texture, turning it into a more substantial dessert parfait. For a softer texture, folding in marshmallow fluff or using Greek yogurt instead of some of the cream produces a tangier, creamier finish. The recipe invites creativity, and I encourage you to find your favorite twist!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, I recommend storing the mousse in airtight containers or tightly covered dessert glasses to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. Keep it refrigerated, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Because of the whipped cream base, the texture is best when eaten fairly soon after making it.

Freezing

Freezing lemon mousse is generally not ideal because the delicate airy texture can be compromised, often resulting in a grainy or icy consistency once thawed. However, if you want to freeze it, place individual portions in freezer-safe containers with tight lids. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge rather than at room temperature to help preserve the smoothness as much as possible.

Reheating

This lemon mousse is best served cold and should not be reheated because heat will break down the whipped cream and lemon curd, causing the mousse to lose its texture and become watery. If the mousse needs to be ‘revived’ in texture after resting, a gentle fold with a clean spatula before serving can help fluff it back up, but avoid applying any heat. Staying chilly ensures that refreshing, velvety experience I adore.

FAQs

Can I make this Lemon Mousse Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This mousse actually benefits from some resting time in the fridge, so you can make it a few hours or even a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve to maintain its freshness and delightful texture.

Is lemon curd easy to find or can I make it myself?

Lemon curd is commonly available in most grocery stores, usually near jams and jellies. If you’re up for it, making your own lemon curd is a fun and rewarding option that adds a fresh, homemade touch. It typically requires lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter, gently cooked until thickened. Homemade curd can elevate the mousse with brighter, fresher flavors.

Can I use less sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness to your taste by reducing the amount of confectioner’s sugar or choosing a less sweet lemon curd. Keep in mind that lemon curd itself is quite sweet, so a pinch of sugar in the whipped cream is usually enough to balance the tartness without making it overly sugary.

What if I don’t have lemon zest? Can I skip it?

You can skip the lemon zest, but I highly recommend keeping it if possible because it adds a fantastic burst of fresh citrus aroma and flavor that really lifts the mousse. If you don’t have fresh lemons, a small dash of lemon extract can be used as a substitute, but the zest’s texture and natural oils are hard to replicate.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Lemon Mousse Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use any flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be mindful of any garnishes or accompaniments you serve with it if gluten sensitivity is a concern.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both light and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, I can’t recommend this Lemon Mousse Recipe enough. It’s an absolute showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make but feels luxurious with every creamy, tangy spoonful. I’m confident you’ll find it as delightful to prepare and enjoy as I do. So go ahead, give it a try, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special!