Lemon Mousse (3 ingredients!)
This lemon mousse has no business being this easy. Three ingredients, no baking, and it tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant and immediately start planning when you can come back and have it again. At least that’s something I do 🙂
Lemon curd and mascarpone give a rich, creamy base with a bright citrus kick to lighten things up, then fresh whipped cream really brings the light texture in for a perfectly balanced lemon mousse. Top it with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of honey and honestly — it’s one of those desserts that looks and tastes impressive, but anyone can make this. Let’s make it!
Ingredients
All you need is mascarpone cheese, a jar of lemon curd and heavy whipping cream! While class lemon mousse will require more ingredients, steps and some cook time. I found this little cheat way works beautifully.
How to make it
Start by whipping heavy cream to stiff peaks — this is what gives the mousse its light, airy texture, so don’t try skip this or try to substitute.
In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone and lemon curd. A rubber spatula works perfectly here — the two come together easier than I expected.
Fold the whipped cream into the lemon-mascarpone mixture until everything is just combined. Try not to overmix — you want to keep that lightness.
Spoon into 6 serving glasses or ramekins. (You can probably stretch to 8 if you’re serving it after a big meal.) Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Just before serving, top each dish with a dollop of whipped cream and a spoonful of strawberries. For the strawberries, chop them first then drizzle with a little honey and let them sit for a few minutes — the honey draws out their juices and makes them feel extra fancy.
Great things about this recipe
- No baking required — perfect for summer!
- Make it ahead — up to the night before serving.
- The toppings are flexible — any berry or mix of berries will work here
- It can be served in individual glasses or ramekins for an easy dinner party dessert. But you can also chill it all in one bowl and serve scooped as needed.
Lemon Mousse
This lemon mousse has no business being this easy. No baking, 3 ingredients and an absolute delight to eat. It’s the perfect summer and spring time treat.
Ingredients
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 10.5 oz jar of lemon curd
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, plus more if you want to use for topping–I used 3/4 cup additional cream
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine lemon curd and mascarpone with a rubber spatula until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. It is helpful to chill the bowl and beaters before starting if you can.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon curd mixture until fully combined. Just don’t overdo it. We want to keep the air in for a light texture.
- Divide the mixture between 6 small serving dishes or ramekins and chill for 30 minutes or more before serving.
- Top with chopped strawberries drizzled with honey and more fresh whipped cream if desired.
More no-bake dessert recipes
I made this with my girls (2 and 6) for our family tonight–wow! It was a hit! We all loved it! So simple to make. The recipe was easy to follow, plus I learned something new–chilling the bowl/beaters before whipping the cream. This was so delicious and we will definitely make it again!
Hi Kathleen! I’m so happy to hear you guys loved it and you learned something new 🙂 Its a new favorite in our house too!