Lemon Mousse

Light, fluffy mousse infused with the sweet flavor of lemon… this sweet treat is delicious all on its own or topped with fresh berries. The perfect way to welcome spring!

I’ll never forget the first time I hosted a baby shower. It was back when I was 28, and living in our first house, and pregnant with our second child. It was for a friend who was due just weeks apart from me, and even though I was super pregnant at the time, all I remember was how much fun I had.

Probably because I was hosting it with another friend, and the two of us together were a bit unstoppable. We pulled out ALL the bells and whistles to make it feel special… and we were ALL about sticking to our blue & yellow color scheme. Right down to the food. Meaning lots of blueberry and lemon desserts. Because… she was having a boy! And… it just made sense!

The truth is, blueberry and lemon is one of those combos that ALWAYS makes sense. Especially in spring. And this Lemon Mousse, while delicious all on its own, is even better topped with fresh blueberries. Or raspberries. Or blackberries. Or ALL THE BERRIES.

What is mousse?

Mousse is a rich dessert made with heavy whipping cream that incorporates air bubbles to give it a light and airy texture. It can either be light and fluffy or creamy and thick, depending on how it is prepared.

Lemon Mousse is a lighter twist on the popular Chocolate Mousse and is perfect for the warmer seasons of spring and summer.

Not only is this Lemon Mousse delicious, and impressive, but it’s also SO easy to make. Almost too easy. All you need is 5 ingredients (okay, 5 ingredients plus water), a cold mixing bowl, and 10 minutes. Max.

And voila… you have yourself a light, fluffy, lemony mousse that really is the perfect spring treat.

Ingredients 🍋

• fresh lemon juice
• lemon extract
• unflavored gelatin
• granulated sugar
• heavy cream

I highly recommend getting fresh lemons and squeezing them fresh just before making this. The store-bought stuff has all sorts of additives and doesn’t come close to the taste.

The lemon extract gives it that extra kick to round out the flavor profile.

Instructions

Mousse is surprisingly easy to make, usually with just a handful of ingredients. Here are the important things to know:

1. Gather all of the equipment you will need, including one small mixing bowl, one large mixing bowl, a hand mixer, a spatula, and 4-6 individual serving dishes.
2. Gather all of your ingredients, including both cold water and boiling water, before you start mixing.
3. Chill the whipping cream, large mixing bowl, and beaters for 10 minutes.
4. Begin by blooming your gelatin in cold water, then dissolving it in boiling water.
5. Combine the sugar, lemon juice, lemon extract, and whipping cream in your cold mixing bowl and begin mixing at medium speed until stiff peaks form.
6. Add your gelatin mixture and beat at medium-high speed until well-blended.
7. Spoon or pipe mousse into individual serving dishes.
8. Refrigerate, covered, about 1 hour or until ready to serve.

This Lemon Mousse would be ideal for Easter, baby showers, wedding showers, you name it. Not just because it’s spring, and lemon desserts were MADE for spring, but because who doesn’t love a single-serving dessert they can have all to themselves!?

Serving sizes

Speaking of… there are a few important things to consider when portioning out this Lemon Mousse. First, think about who you’re serving and how much they’re likely to eat. Even though this mousse is light and fluffy, it’s also on the rich side.

This recipe will typically serve 4-6, but could also be stretched to serve 8 as more of a bite-sized dessert.

Second, think about presentation. What type of dish do you want to use for serving? Do you want to spoon or pipe your mousse? How do you want to garnish it?

There’s no right or wrong… only endless possibilities!

These days, I’m not hosting many baby showers. Or wedding showers, for that matter. But! This Lemon Mousse isn’t just for baby showers. And to be honest, it’s not just for special occasions, either. It’s easy enough to make for a weeknight treat, picnic dessert, or last minute ladies’ night.

If you love lemon, you’re going to ADORE this mousse. I guarantee it.

Recipe

Lemon Mousse

This easy Lemon Mousse is the perfect way to welcome spring! Light, fluffy mouse infused with the sweet flavor of lemon…this sweet treat is delicious all on its own or topped with fresh berries. Whether you’re looking for a last minute Easter dessert or the perfect dessert for spring showers, this 5-ingredient Lemon Mousse is sure to be a hit!

4.84 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 303kcal

Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. unflavored gelatin
• 1 Tbsp. cold water
• 2 Tbsp. boiling water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp. lemon extract
• 1 cup heavy cream very cold

Instructions

1. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in small bowl; stir and let stand 1 minute to soften.
2. Add boiling water; stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Mixture will be clear.
3. In a large cold mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon extract, and heavy cream.
4. Beat at medium speed until stiff peaks form; pour in gelatin mixture and beat until well blended.
5. Spoon or pipe into individual serving dishes.
6. Cover loosely and chill 1 hour or until ready to serve.
7. Garnish with fresh berries and/or whipped cream as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 18mg | Sugar: 27g

Best topping: berries 🍓

Berries make the perfect topping for this dish. I’d recommend:

• blackberries
• raspberries
• blue berries