My Creamy and Dreamy Easy Lemon Mousse Recipe

Whenever I crave something light and refreshing, this easy lemon mousse is my go-to treat. It’s one of those lemon desserts that tastes like sunshine in a spoon, smooth, tangy, and effortlessly elegant. The first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how quickly it came together. With just a few ingredients, I had a creamy mousse that looked and tasted like something from a fancy bakery, yet it was made right in my own kitchen.

Recipe Note

Easy Lemon Mousse Recipe

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• Author: danyrecipes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

 

A creamy and refreshing easy lemon mousse made with fresh lemon juice, zest, and whipped cream. This no-bake dessert is light, tangy, and perfectly sweet.

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Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream, chilled

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 to 3 lemons)

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Optional: 2 tablespoons lemon curd, berries, or crushed shortbread cookies

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Instructions

1. Zest and juice the lemons.
2. Whisk lemon juice, zest, condensed milk, vanilla, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture until combined.
5. Spoon into cups or ramekins and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Garnish with berries, lemon zest, or crushed cookies before serving.

Notes

 

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. This mousse can be made ahead and chilled overnight. For extra tang, add lemon curd.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake / Whipped
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 28
• Sodium: 90
• Fat: 16
• Saturated Fat: 10
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 30
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 5
• Cholesterol: 55

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Lemon Mousse

You’ll love this mousse for its simplicity and bright, cheerful flavor. It’s rich but airy, sweet but not too sweet, and the lemony aroma fills the kitchen beautifully. It’s perfect for entertaining because you can prepare it ahead of time and serve it chilled. I often make it for brunches or after-dinner treats, and it always gets rave reviews. Plus, it’s flexible and easy to adapt. You can top it with fruit, spoon it into parfait glasses, or layer it with a soft lemon cake for an extra treat.

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What You’ll Need to Make It

Here’s what I keep on hand when I make my easy lemon mousse:

• Heavy cream for that rich, whipped texture
• Fresh lemon juice for the zesty citrus brightness
• Lemon zest to deepen the lemon flavor
• Sweetened condensed milk to create a creamy, smooth base
• Vanilla extract to balance the tartness
• A pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors

Optional Add-ins: Lemon curd for more tang, crushed shortbread cookies for crunch, or fresh berries for a pop of color.

How I Make My Easy Lemon Mousse (Step-by-Step in My Kitchen)

Step 1: Prep the Lemons
I start by zesting and juicing my lemons. The zest releases a wonderful fragrance, and the juice gives that classic lemony tang.

Step 2: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and salt. As I stir, the mixture thickens slightly thanks to the natural reaction between the lemon juice and the milk.

Step 3: Whip the Cream
In another bowl, I pour in the cold heavy cream and beat it until soft peaks form. The cream should hold its shape but still look glossy and smooth.

Step 4: Fold It Together
I gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture a little at a time. This is where the magic happens. The mousse becomes pale yellow, fluffy, and light as air. I take my time so I don’t lose that delicate texture.

Step 5: Chill and Set
I spoon the mousse into small glass cups or ramekins and chill them for at least two hours. Overnight chilling gives the best texture, creamy and firm enough to hold its shape when scooped.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Just before serving, I top each mousse with a few raspberries or a sprinkle of extra lemon zest. Sometimes I pair it with my Meyer Lemon Bars for a beautiful citrus dessert pairing.

Fun Twists and Ways to Make It Your Own

• Berry Swirl: Add a swirl of raspberry or blueberry puree before chilling.
• Lemon Cake Parfait: Layer the mousse with cubes of soft lemon cake for a beautiful presentation.
• Coconut Lemon Mousse: Replace half the cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist.
• Meyer Lemon Mousse: Use Meyer lemons for a naturally sweeter, floral flavor. You can also try my Meyer Lemon Marmalade if you love that special citrus taste.
• Fudgy Pairing: Serve this mousse with pieces of my Fudgy Lemon Brownies Blondies for a delightful mix of creamy and chewy textures.

A Few Final Thoughts from My Kitchen

This easy lemon mousse reminds me why I love simple desserts. It’s quick to make but feels special every time. Each spoonful is creamy, cool, and full of bright lemon flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoons to elegant dinners. If you love lemon desserts as much as I do, this mousse is one to save and make again. So grab your lemons, whip up some cream, and enjoy a spoonful of homemade sunshine.

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My Creamy and Dreamy Easy Lemon Mousse Recipe