Lemon Mascarpone Mousse: A Light and Creamy Citrus Dessert to Impress Your Guests Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in this light and creamy Lemon Mascarpone Mousse, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tangy brightness of fresh lemon with the rich creaminess of mascarpone cheese. It’s an elegant treat that’s simple to make and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh berries (for garnish, optional)
• Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream on medium speed using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, combine 1 cup mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Start by adding a small amount to lighten the mixture, then gradually fold in the rest until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mousse into individual serving cups or a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and set.
5. Step 5: While chilling, wash and dry fresh berries and mint leaves for garnish.
6. Step 6: Once chilled, serve the mousse. If stored in a large bowl, scoop into individual cups before serving.
7. Step 7: Garnish each serving with fresh berries and a mint leaf. Optionally, sprinkle with extra lemon zest for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer mousse, use full-fat mascarpone and heavy cream.
• Try adding a splash of limoncello for an adult twist.
• Serve with lemon shortbread cookies or pound cake for a delightful pairing.
• If fresh lemon juice is unavailable, use high-quality bottled lemon juice.

Storage

Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it well sealed to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. Re-chill before serving. The texture is best on the first day but remains delicious for several days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and covered until ready to serve.

What can I use if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

You can substitute mascarpone with an equal amount of cream cheese softened, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different—less rich and tangy.

Lemon Mascarpone Mousse: A Light and Creamy Citrus Dessert to Impress Your Guests Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

A light and creamy Lemon Mascarpone Mousse that perfectly balances the tangy brightness of fresh lemon with the rich smoothness of mascarpone cheese. This elegant dessert is quick to prepare, chilled to perfection, and garnished with fresh berries and mint leaves, making it an impressive treat for any occasion.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mousse Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Garnish

• Fresh berries (optional)
• Mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of heavy cream. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip the cream until soft peaks form, which takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip to maintain a smooth texture.
2. Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, the zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, starting by adding a small amount to lighten the mascarpone, then gradually folding in the rest until fully blended without deflating the mixture.
4. Chill the Mousse: Transfer the combined mousse mixture into individual serving cups or a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the mousse chill and set properly.
5. Prepare Garnishes: While the mousse is chilling, wash and dry fresh berries and mint leaves to use as garnish.
6. Serve: After chilling, remove the mousse from the refrigerator. If prepared in a large bowl, portion the mousse into individual cups for serving.
7. Garnish and Enjoy: Top each serving with fresh berries and a mint leaf. Optionally, add a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for enhanced flavor before serving.

Notes

• This mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it is well covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors.
• For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside lemon shortbread cookies or lemon pound cake.

Keywords: lemon mascarpone mousse, lemon dessert, no bake mousse, creamy lemon dessert, mascarpone cheese dessert, easy mousse recipe, elegant dessert