Frosty Lemon Mascarpone Mousse Recipe
Introduction
This Frosty Lemon Mascarpone Mousse is a light and creamy dessert with a bright citrus twist. Perfect for warm days or as an elegant finish to any meal, it combines the richness of mascarpone with refreshing lemon flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside carefully to maintain the texture.
- Step 2: In another bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mascarpone. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Step 4: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until no streaks remain, being careful not to deflate the mousse.
- Step 5: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls and chill for at least 2 hours until set.
- Step 6: Before serving, garnish with fresh berries, extra lemon zest, or mint leaves for a fresh touch.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor and avoid bottled juice.
- For a sweeter mousse, increase the powdered sugar slightly to taste.
- Try adding a splash of limoncello for an adult version of the dessert.
- Substitute lime juice and zest for a different citrus twist.
Storage
Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, serve chilled and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long periods. If the mousse separates slightly, gently whisk before serving to restore creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this mousse in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mousse up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. This also allows the flavors to meld nicely.
What can I use if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?
You can substitute mascarpone with an equal amount of cream cheese softened to room temperature, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different—cream cheese is tangier and less rich.
PrintFrosty Lemon Mascarpone Mousse Recipe
This Frosty Lemon Mascarpone Mousse is a light, creamy dessert combining the rich texture of mascarpone cheese with the bright, fresh flavors of lemon. Perfectly whipped heavy cream makes this mousse fluffy and airy, while the subtle notes of vanilla and a pinch of salt balance the tartness. It’s an elegant treat that sets beautifully in the fridge and is ideal for summertime or any occasion needing a refreshing dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Mousse Base
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its point firmly without collapsing. Set the whipped cream aside.
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Combine Ingredients: Add powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the mascarpone cheese. Beat the mixture until fully combined and smooth, creating a creamy lemon-flavored base.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone and lemon mixture. Use a spatula to incorporate the whipped cream carefully to maintain the airiness, mixing until there are no visible streaks.
- Chill the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the mousse to set and develop flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the mousse with fresh berries, additional lemon zest, or mint leaves to add color and complementary flavors.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the mascarpone cheese is softened at room temperature before use to avoid lumps.
- Whipping the cream to stiff peaks is crucial for the mousse to have a light and airy texture.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar according to your preferred sweetness.
- Fresh lemon juice is recommended over bottled for a brighter, fresher flavor.
- This mousse can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and is perfect for make-ahead desserts.
Keywords: lemon mousse, mascarpone mousse, no bake dessert, creamy lemon dessert, airy mousse, easy mousse recipe
