Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No baking required, making it simple and quick to prepare.
- Versatile: Perfect for layering with graham crackers or serving solo with elegant garnishes.
- Refreshing Flavor: Combines the richness of cheesecake with the tanginess of fresh lemon.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at parties, potlucks, or just as an after-dinner treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon zest
- Fresh lemon juice
- Heavy cream
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon extract (optional for extra lemon flavor)
- Crushed graham crackers (for layering or garnish)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Directions
- Beat the Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. - Incorporate Lemon Zest and Juice
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture, blending until well combined. Set aside. - Whip the Cream
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with granulated sugar and lemon extract (if using) until soft peaks form. - Combine Mixtures
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Mix carefully to maintain the mousse’s light and airy texture. - Chill the Mousse
Refrigerate the mousse for at least 1 hour to set and enhance the flavors. - Assemble and Garnish
Spoon the mousse into dessert glasses or bowls. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top, or layer them between mousse for added crunch. Finish with whipped cream and a lemon slice for garnish. - Serve
Enjoy your tangy and creamy Lemon Cheesecake Mousse as a delightful dessert!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings, depending on portion size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Berry Twist: Add a layer of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Lemon: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the mousse for a decadent finish.
- Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle crushed almonds or pistachios for a nutty crunch.
- Mini Parfaits: Layer the mousse and graham crackers in mini mason jars for individual servings.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or skip them altogether.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the mousse in an airtight container or cover dessert glasses with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the mousse in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Not applicable; this dessert is best served chilled.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought lemon juice?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.
2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mousse up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. What can I use instead of graham crackers?
You can substitute with digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or crushed vanilla wafers.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream as substitutes.
5. Can I skip the lemon extract?
Yes, the lemon zest and juice provide plenty of flavor, but the extract adds an extra lemony boost.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! Simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch.
7. How do I prevent the mousse from being too runny?
Ensure the heavy cream is whipped to soft peaks and gently fold it into the mixture to maintain the mousse’s structure.
8. Can I use a piping bag to serve the mousse?
Yes, a piping bag can create a neat and professional presentation.
9. What other toppings can I use?
Try adding candied lemon peel, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
10. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a kid-friendly dessert. However, you can adjust the tanginess if needed by reducing the lemon juice.
Conclusion
Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the zesty brightness of lemon. Whether served in elegant glasses for a dinner party or as a fun layered treat, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and full of flavor. Try it today and enjoy a refreshing twist on a classic favorite!
Lemon Cheesecake Mousse
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the creamy, tangy goodness of Lemon Cheesecake Mousse, a no-bake dessert that’s simple, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. With its balance of zesty lemon and rich cheesecake, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon zest
- Fresh lemon juice
- Heavy cream
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon extract (optional)
- Crushed graham crackers (for garnish or layering)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Beat the Cream Cheese: Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Blend in lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
- Whip the Cream: Whisk heavy cream with granulated sugar and lemon extract until soft peaks form.
- Fold and Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Assemble: Layer mousse with crushed graham crackers in glasses or bowls. Garnish with whipped cream and lemon slices.
Notes
- For an extra tang, add more lemon zest or extract.
- To keep the texture airy, avoid overmixing when folding in the whipped cream.
- Customize toppings for unique variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
