Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lime mousse offers a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, providing a satisfying end to any meal. Its light and airy texture makes it an ideal choice for warm days, and the simplicity of the recipe ensures that even novice cooks can achieve impressive results.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons (10 g) lime zest
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) powdered sugar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Lime Juice and Zest: Wash the limes thoroughly. Zest the limes, avoiding the bitter white pith, and set the zest aside. Juice the limes to obtain 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice.
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, combine the unflavored gelatin with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to absorb the water.
- Combine Lime Juice, Zest, and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the lime juice, lime zest, and granulated sugar. Place over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
- Dissolve the Gelatin: Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm lime mixture, stirring continuously until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, ensuring it doesn’t set completely.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip. Set aside.
- Beat the Egg Whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks hold.
- Combine the Components: Gently fold the cooled lime mixture into the whipped cream until fully incorporated. Next, fold in the beaten egg whites in thirds, being careful not to overmix to maintain the mousse’s light texture.
- Chill the Mousse: Divide the mixture evenly among serving glasses or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. For optimal flavor and texture, chill overnight.
- Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, garnish with extra lime zest, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprig of fresh mint. Serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: At least 4 hours (preferably overnight)
Variations
- Lime and Coconut Mousse: Replace half of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
- Lime Mousse Pie: Spread the mousse in a graham cracker crust and top with whipped cream and lime zest for a classic dessert.
- Frozen Lime Mousse: Pour the mousse into a freezer-safe dish and freeze until firm. Serve scoops like ice cream or in slices with fresh berries.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
What type of limes should I use for lime mousse?
Fresh limes, such as Persian or Key limes, are ideal for their vibrant flavor.
Can I substitute the gelatin with a vegetarian alternative?
Yes, agar-agar can be used as a substitute for gelatin.
How can I ensure my mousse has a light and airy texture?
Gently fold the whipped cream and beaten egg whites into the lime mixture without overmixing to maintain airiness.
Is it safe to consume raw egg whites in this recipe?
Consuming raw egg whites carries a risk of salmonella. Use pasteurized egg whites to reduce this risk.
Can I make lime mousse without eggs?
Yes, you can omit the eggs and use stabilized whipped cream to achieve a similar texture.
How do I prevent the mousse from becoming too sour?
Adjust the amount of sugar to balance the tartness of the lime to your preference.
Can I add other flavors to the lime mousse?
Yes, flavors like vanilla extract or finely chopped fresh mint can complement the lime.
What can I use as a garnish for lime mousse?
Garnishes like lime zest, whipped cream, fresh mint, or berries enhance presentation and flavor.
How long should I chill the mousse before serving?
Chill the mousse for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly.
Can I prepare lime mousse in advance for an event?
Yes, lime mousse can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until serving.
Conclusion
Lime mousse is a delightful dessert that combines zesty citrus flavor with a creamy, airy texture. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. By following this guide, you can create a refreshing treat that is sure to impress and satisfy.
Lime mousse
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lime mousse is a refreshing and light dessert that combines the tangy zest of lime with a creamy, airy texture. Perfect for warm days or elegant dinners, this versatile treat is easy to prepare and always impresses. Serve it as a standalone dessert or pair it with fresh fruit for a delightful twist.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons (10 g) lime zest
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Lime Juice and Zest
- Wash limes thoroughly. Zest the limes, avoiding the bitter white pith. Juice the limes to obtain 1/2 cup of fresh juice.
- Bloom the Gelatin
- In a small bowl, mix unflavored gelatin with water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
- Combine Lime Mixture
- In a saucepan, combine lime juice, zest, and granulated sugar. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and mix in bloomed gelatin until dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
- Whip Cream
- In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Set aside.
- Beat Egg Whites
- Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Fold and Combine
- Fold cooled lime mixture into whipped cream gently. Add beaten egg whites in thirds, folding carefully to maintain airiness.
- Chill and Set
- Divide mousse into serving glasses. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve
- Garnish with lime zest, whipped cream, or mint. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use pasteurized egg whites to reduce health risks.
- Adjust sugar for preferred sweetness.
- Substitute agar-agar for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: At least 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Whipping and Folding
- Cuisine: International
