Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Published: May 26, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: The simple steps make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Refreshing Flavor: Bright lemon notes create a vibrant dessert that’s not overly sweet.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for individual servings at parties or a family-style dessert.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance, allowing flavors to meld while saving you time on the day of serving.
Garnish Possibilities: Customize with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or mint for an elegant touch.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this delicious Lemon Cheesecake Mousse, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure that your mousse turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Dessert cups or glasses

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: These provide ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: They save time and effort when whipping cream and mixing batter to achieve the right texture.

Ingredients

A favorite lemon dessert! A bright, luscious, and heavenly treat that’s perfect for spring and summer. Layered with a graham cracker base and filled with a rich cheesecake flavored lemon mousse filling.

For the Crust

3/4 cup crushed graham crackers (6 full sheets)
2 Tbsp (26g) granulated sugar
3 Tbsp (42g) salted butter, melted

For the Mousse Filling

2 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 Tbsp water
1 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin powder
1 1/2 cups (355ml) heavy cream
1 cup (110g) powdered sugar, divided
Yellow food coloring (optional)
12 oz (340g) cream cheese, softened
1 (10 oz) jar lemon curd (tested with Dickenson’s)

For Garnish

Sweetened whipped cream
Lemon wedges
Blueberries
Mint leaves

How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the crushed graham crackers and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until evenly moistened. Divide this mixture among 8 to 10 dessert cups. Lightly press into an even layer at the bottom of each cup and set aside.

Step 2: Dissolve Gelatin

Pour the fresh lemon juice and water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the surface. Let it rest for five minutes. Meanwhile, whip heavy cream in a medium mixing bowl until soft peaks form.

Step 3: Whip Heavy Cream

Add in 1/3 cup of the powdered sugar to the whipped cream. If desired, tint with yellow food coloring. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form but be careful not to over-whip.

Step 4: Mix Cream Cheese and Lemon Curd

In another large mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Then mix in the lemon curd along with the remaining 2/3 cup of powdered sugar until well combined.

Step 5: Prepare Gelatin Mixture

Heat the rested gelatin mixture in the microwave on high power for about 30 seconds. Whisk thoroughly for one minute to dissolve completely, then let cool for three minutes—do not let it sit too long or lumps may form.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

While mixing the cream cheese mixture with your hand mixer, slowly pour in the cooled gelatin mixture. Blend until everything is thoroughly combined.

Step 7: Fold in Whipped Cream

Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it up. Follow by adding in the remaining whipped cream; gently fold until just combined for a light texture.

Step 8: Chill before Serving

Spoon or pipe the creamy mixture into your prepared dessert cups over the graham cracker layer. Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or up to one day ahead if desired before serving cold. Garnish as desired before enjoying!

How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is not only a delightful dessert but also a versatile one. It can be served in various ways to enhance its presentation and flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your guests.

Individual Dessert Cups

Serve the mousse in small cups for a charming individual portion. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy their treat without any fuss.

Garnished with Fresh Fruits

Top each serving with fresh blueberries or slices of strawberries. The fruits add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.

Whipped Cream Topping

Add a dollop of sweetened whipped cream on top. This extra layer enhances the richness of the mousse while providing a light, airy finish.

Lemon Zest Sprinkles

Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the mousse before serving. This adds an aromatic burst of citrus flavor that complements the overall taste.

Mint Leaves

Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of elegance. The coolness of mint balances the tartness of the lemon, making each bite delightful.

How to Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Perfecting your Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out flawlessly every time.

Use room temperature cream cheese: This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture, preventing lumps in your mousse.
Don’t over-whip the cream: Aim for stiff peaks, but be careful not to over-whip, as this can lead to a grainy texture.
Allow gelatin to cool: Letting the gelatin mixture cool slightly before adding it prevents clumping and ensures a silky smooth mousse.
Fold gently: When combining whipped cream with the cream cheese mixture, fold gently to maintain airiness and lightness.
Chill adequately: Refrigerate the mousse for at least two hours to allow it to set properly and enhance its flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Consider these options to create a well-rounded dessert spread.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus offers a refreshing balance.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The sweetness of chocolate contrasts beautifully with tangy lemon flavors.
Mini Tartlets: Individual tart shells filled with fruit or custard provide an elegant touch alongside the mousse.
Lemon Sorbet: This chilled treat accentuates the lemon flavor while cleansing the palate between bites.
Pistachio Cookies: Nutty cookies add crunch and depth, enhancing the creamy texture of the mousse.
Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons with coconut provide another layer of flavor that pairs nicely with lemon.

These suggestions will elevate your Lemon Cheesecake Mousse experience, making it a memorable dessert for any occasion!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Cheesecake Mousse, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

Skipping the Gelatin Step: Gelatin is crucial for the mousse’s texture. Make sure to properly dissolve it before adding it to the mixture.
Overwhipping the Cream: Whipping cream too much can lead to a grainy texture. Stop when soft or stiff peaks form, but remember it should remain smooth.
Not Prepping Ingredients: Having all your ingredients ready before starting makes the process smoother. Measure everything in advance to avoid confusion while mixing.
Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese is softened at room temperature. Cold cream cheese can create lumps in the mousse.
Skipping Refrigeration Time: Allowing the mousse to set in the refrigerator is key for achieving that perfect consistency. Don’t rush this step; refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Lemon Cheesecake Mousse in airtight containers.
It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Ensure that it’s covered well to prevent drying out or absorbing other odors.

Freezing Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
Use freezer-safe containers or tightly sealed plastic wrap.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Oven: Not recommended, as this dessert is best served cold.
Microwave: Do not microwave as it may change the texture negatively.
Stovetop: Avoid heating on the stovetop; serve chilled for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought lemon curd in my Lemon Cheesecake Mousse?

Yes, using store-bought lemon curd can save time and still yield delicious results! Just ensure it’s of good quality for the best flavor.

How do I customize my Lemon Cheesecake Mousse?

You can add fruit toppings like berries or use different flavored curds. Experimenting with flavors like raspberry or passionfruit can give a fun twist!

What if I don’t have gelatin?

For a vegetarian option, you may substitute gelatin with agar-agar. Be sure to follow package instructions for proper usage.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Lemon Cheesecake Mousse, simply replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or crust alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of spring and summer. Its creamy, tangy flavor combined with a crunchy base makes it a hit at any gathering. Plus, you have plenty of options for customization—add fruit toppings or experiment with different flavors! Give this recipe a try and enjoy a refreshing treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

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