Lemon mousse is a timeless, refreshing dessert that is a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Whether served on its own, as a topping, or as part of a layered dessert, this mousse brings a burst of citrus flavor that makes every spoonful a delight. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent yet light enough to enjoy year-round, then Creamy & Refreshing Lemon Mousse is your answer.
In this article, we’ll not only share the recipe but also provide you with some tips and ideas for customizing and serving this treat, as well as some background on why this dessert is such a classic. From the step-by-step preparation to creative serving ideas, let’s get started!
Why Lemon Mousse?
Lemon mousse combines the best of both worlds: a refreshing tang from citrus, and the indulgence of a rich, creamy texture. It has an airy, light texture thanks to the whipped cream and cornstarch, which helps thicken and stabilize the mousse.
The reason lemon mousse stands out is because of its ability to balance rich creaminess with a burst of citrusy freshness. The mousse is also incredibly versatile—perfect for garnishing cakes, filling tarts, or serving as a standalone dessert. This dessert is also dairy-free, thanks to the plant-based cream, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we begin, let’s look at the ingredients. You don’t need a long list of complex items, which makes this dessert super easy to whip up. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 100ml lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the best option. It provides the bright, citrusy flavor that is the essence of this mousse.
- 100ml orange juice – The addition of orange juice adds a natural sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon juice.
- 40g sugar – To add sweetness without overpowering the citrusy tang.
- 250ml plant-based cream – Use a plant-based cream such as coconut cream or oat cream. This gives the mousse its creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free.
- 20g cornstarch – This thickening agent helps create the smooth, stable texture of the mousse.
Once you have all the ingredients, you’re ready to start!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making lemon mousse is incredibly simple. The process involves cooking the citrus juice mixture to create a custard-like base, then combining it with the whipped plant-based cream to form the mousse. Let’s break it down into easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Citrus Mixture
Start by adding the 100ml of lemon juice and 100ml of orange juice into a small saucepan. Add 40g of sugar to the juices, and whisk to combine. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to dissolve the sugar into the juices.
While the mixture heats up, mix 20g of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water (about 2 tablespoons). This helps dissolve the cornstarch and avoids lumps when you add it to the hot mixture. Once your citrus juice mixture begins to warm up, add the cornstarch mixture to the pan, continuing to stir to combine.
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens. The cornstarch will help create a smooth, custard-like consistency. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Whip the Plant-Based Cream
While your citrus mixture is cooling, it’s time to whip the plant-based cream. Place 250ml of plant-based cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-5 minutes. You want the cream to be light, airy, and fluffy, but not overly stiff.
If you want your mousse to be extra smooth, you can fold in the whipped cream in smaller batches. This will ensure you maintain that light and airy texture.
Step 3: Combine the Citrus Mixture with the Whipped Cream
Once the citrus mixture has cooled to room temperature, it’s time to combine it with the whipped cream. Begin by gently folding the citrus mixture into the whipped cream. Use a spatula and fold the ingredients together in a circular motion. Be careful not to deflate the cream, as the airy texture is what gives the mousse its signature lightness.
The goal is to create a homogeneous mixture with a smooth consistency. The whipped cream should maintain its volume, while the citrus custard will infuse the mousse with its vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Chill the Mousse
Once your mousse is fully combined, it’s time to chill it. Spoon the mousse into serving bowls or dessert glasses, and cover them with plastic wrap or airtight lids. Place the mousse in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the mousse to set up to its perfect, light texture.
Serving Ideas
This lemon mousse is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve your Creamy & Refreshing Lemon Mousse:
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