A perfect blend of tangy lemon and rich cheesecake, this Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is a light, airy, and velvety dessert that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something sweet and refreshing, this mousse is sure to impress. With a simple yet elegant presentation, it offers the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zing, making it an irresistible treat for all occasions.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp gelatin powder
- 2 tbsp water (for blooming gelatin)
- A pinch of salt
- Graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)
- Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
- Lemon slices or zest (for decoration)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over 2 tablespoons of water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. Once bloomed, microwave it for 10 seconds to dissolve completely. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Whip the Heavy Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip. Refrigerate the whipped cream until needed.
- Mix the Cream Cheese: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate the Gelatin: Gradually pour in the dissolved gelatin while continuously mixing to ensure it blends evenly into the cream cheese mixture. This will help set the mousse and give it a light yet stable texture.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the prepared whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Fold in small batches to maintain the airy consistency of the mousse. Avoid overmixing, as it can deflate the mousse.
- Assemble the Mousse: Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses or dessert cups. For added texture and flavor, layer the bottom of each glass with graham cracker crumbs before adding the mousse.
- Chill the Mousse: Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2-3 hours, or until fully set. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the overall texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top the mousse with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, and a thin lemon slice or additional lemon zest for a beautiful presentation.
- Enjoy Your Dessert: Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors that make this Lemon Cheesecake Mousse an absolute delight.