Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

A delightful Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is the perfect dessert that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion. Its bright and luscious flavor makes it a favorite not just for spring and summer but also as a refreshing treat throughout the year. This airy mousse, layered over a buttery graham cracker base, is both easy to make and a showstopper at gatherings, picnics, or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of lemon curd and fresh lemon juice creates a zesty taste that is both uplifting and satisfying.
• No Baking Required: Enjoy a delicious dessert without the hassle of baking. Simply layer and refrigerate!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, birthday party, or holiday gathering, this mousse fits right in.
• Customizable Presentation: Dress it up with garnishes like whipped cream, lemon wedges, or berries for an elegant touch.
• Light and Airy Texture: The whipped cream mixed with the creamy cheese gives this mousse an irresistible lightness.

Tools and Preparation

To create your fabulous Lemon Cheesecake Mousse, gather some essential tools that will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Dessert cups or glasses

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes whipping cream and mixing ingredients quick and efficient, ensuring smooth textures.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results in flavor and texture.

Ingredients

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 Vegan 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

How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the crushed graham crackers and granulated sugar. Pour in melted butter and stir until evenly moistened. Divide this mixture among 8 to 10 dessert cups, pressing it down lightly to form an even layer. Set aside.

Step 2: Activate the Vegan Gelatin

Pour fresh lemon juice and water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the Vegan Gelatin evenly over the top and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, whip heavy cream in another mixing bowl until soft peaks form.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

Add in one-third cup of powdered sugar to the whipped cream. If desired, tint with yellow food coloring. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form; shake off excess cream from beaters without cleaning them.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a separate large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Mix in lemon curd along with the remaining two-thirds cup of powdered sugar until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Dissolve the Vegan Gelatin

Heat the rested Vegan Gelatin mixture in the microwave on high for about 30 seconds. Whisk thoroughly for one minute to ensure it’s fully dissolved. Let it cool for about three minutes—do not let it sit too long to avoid lumps forming.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

While continuing to mix the cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer, slowly pour in the cooled Vegan Gelatin mixture. Blend until thoroughly combined.

Step 7: Fold in Whipped Cream

Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it up. Then add in the remaining whipped cream gently folding until combined without deflating.

Step 8: Assemble Desserts

Spoon or pipe the luscious filling into dessert cups over the graham cracker layer you prepared earlier. Cover these treats with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or up to one day before serving. Garnish as desired before serving cold.

How to Serve Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is a delightful dessert that can be served in various creative ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience and make it more appealing.

Individual Dessert Cups

• Serve the mousse in small, clear cups for a beautiful presentation. The layers of graham cracker and lemon mousse will look stunning.

Garnish with Fresh Fruits

• Top each serving with fresh lemon wedges or blueberries. This adds a burst of color and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Add Whipped Cream

• A dollop of sweetened whipped cream on top can provide extra creaminess and sweetness, making each bite even more indulgent.

Layered Parfaits

• Create parfaits by layering the mousse with additional ingredients like fresh berries or granola for added texture and taste.

Serve with Mint Leaves

• Placing a few mint leaves on top not only looks lovely but also adds a refreshing flavor that balances the richness of the mousse.

Pair with Tea or Coffee

• Enjoying the mousse alongside a cup of herbal tea or coffee can elevate your dessert experience, making it perfect for gatherings or afternoon treats.

How to Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

To achieve the best results when making Lemon Cheesecake Mousse, follow these helpful tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature cream cheese – This helps in achieving a smooth and creamy consistency in your cheesecake filling without lumps.
• Whip cream properly – Make sure to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will provide the mousse with a light and airy texture.
• Cool gelatin mixture adequately – Allow the gelatin mixture to cool properly before mixing it into the cream cheese. This prevents clumping in your mousse.
• Fold gently – When combining whipped cream with the cream cheese mixture, fold gently to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream.
• Chill before serving – Refrigerate the mousse for at least two hours. This ensures that it sets properly and enhances its flavors.
• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add zest from lemons or other citrus fruits for an extra kick of flavor if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Cheesecake Mousse can create an enjoyable meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this bright dessert beautifully.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides sweetness and freshness, creating a lovely contrast to the rich mousse.
2. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with lemony flavors, making each bite delightful.
3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – These sweet treats add a touch of indulgence and are perfect for dipping alongside your dessert.
4. Shortbread Cookies – Buttery shortbread cookies offer a crunchy texture that complements the smoothness of the mousse beautifully.
5. Coconut Macaroons – These chewy coconut cookies bring in tropical vibes that harmonize well with lemon flavors.
6. Pistachio Crumble – A sprinkle of pistachio crumble on top adds crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing both presentation and taste.
7. Almond Biscotti – Crunchy almond biscotti is great for dipping, providing an Italian twist alongside your luscious dessert.
8. Lemon Sorbet – For an extra refreshing treat, serve lemon sorbet as a palate cleanser between bites of cheesecake mousse.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Cheesecake Mousse, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using stale graham crackers: Ensure your graham crackers are fresh for the best flavor and texture. Stale crackers can lead to a soggy crust.
• Not softening cream cheese properly: If the cream cheese isn’t softened, it will create lumps in the mousse. Leave it at room temperature for about an hour before mixing.
• Overwhipping the cream: Whipping the cream too much can turn it into butter. Stop whipping once stiff peaks form, ensuring a light and airy mousse.
• Skipping the cooling step for gelatin: If you don’t let the gelatin mixture cool adequately, it can set too quickly, creating lumps in your mousse. Always cool for at least three minutes before adding.
• Not chilling long enough: For best results, refrigerate the mousse for at least two hours to set properly. This enhances flavor and firmness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Lemon Cheesecake Mousse in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.

Freezing Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

• You can freeze individual servings of Lemon Cheesecake Mousse.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

• Oven: Not recommended for this dessert as it is meant to be served cold.
• Microwave: If thawing frozen mousse, use low power and heat in short intervals until just softened.
• Stovetop: Avoid using direct heat as it may change the texture of your mousse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Lemon Cheesecake Mousse ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mousse up to a day in advance. Just ensure it’s covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

What if I don’t have vegan gelatin?

You can substitute with regular gelatin if desired. Just follow package instructions for rehydration and use it similarly in the recipe.

How do I customize my Lemon Cheesecake Mousse?

Feel free to add different fruit purees or zest from other citrus fruits like lime or orange for variety!

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Using low-fat cream cheese will alter the texture slightly but can still work well in this recipe while reducing calories.

Is Lemon Cheesecake Mousse gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free graham crackers, this dessert can easily be made gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is a delightful dessert that is both light and refreshing, perfect for any spring or summer gathering. Its creamy texture paired with a tangy lemon flavor makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile—customize with different fruits or toppings as you like! Try making this recipe today; it’s sure to impress your guests!

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Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

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Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is a light and indulgent dessert that captures the essence of summer with its zesty lemon flavor and airy texture. This delectable mousse features layers of creamy cheesecake blended with fresh lemon juice and curd, all beautifully resting atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, from picnics to celebrations, this no-bake treat is as simple to make as it is impressive to serve. Garnish with fresh fruits or whipped cream for an elegant finish that will delight your guests. Enjoy this refreshing dessert all year round!

• Total Time: 56 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately eight (8) 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup crushed graham crackers
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 Tbsp salted butter (melted)
• 2 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 12 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 10 oz jar lemon curd

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers and sugar, then mix in melted butter. Press into dessert cups for the base.
2. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice and water; sprinkle Vegan Gelatin on top and let sit for five minutes.
3. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then add powdered sugar and yellow food coloring if desired.
4. In another bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth, then blend in lemon curd and remaining powdered sugar.
5. Heat gelatin mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds until dissolved; cool slightly.
6. Gradually mix cooled gelatin into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
7. Gently fold in whipped cream until fully integrated.
8. Spoon mousse over the crusts in dessert cups and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth consistency. Experiment with different citrus zest to enhance flavors. For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives.