Here’s a simple and refreshing recipe for Lemon Cheesecake Mousse—a creamy, tangy dessert that’s perfect for spring or summer! It combines the lightness of a mousse with the rich, smooth flavor of cheesecake and the zing of fresh lemon.
Lemon Cheesecake Mousse
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 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
- Crumbled graham crackers (for topping, optional)
- Fresh berries (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
2. Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Combine the Mixtures:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much; the goal is to keep it light and airy.
4. Add Lemon Flavor:
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined and the mousse is smooth.
5. Chill the Mousse:
- Spoon the lemon cheesecake mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to firm up.
6. Serve:
- Before serving, top the mousse with crumbled graham crackers for a cheesecake-like crust effect, and garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips:
- For an extra lemony flavor, add more lemon zest to taste, or even a bit of lemon extract if you want a stronger citrus note.
- This mousse can also be served in a large trifle dish or in mason jars for a fun, rustic presentation.
- If you don’t have heavy cream or want a lighter option, you can use whipped topping instead, though it may slightly change the texture.
This Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor—an irresistible treat for any occasion! Enjoy!