Simple Lemon Mousse

This Simple Lemon Mousse is a refreshing, no-bake dessert that combines the zing of lemon with a creamy, smooth finish. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for when you’re looking for an uncomplicated sweet treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • ½ cup sugar
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • Optional: Additional whipped cream and lemon slices for garnish

Directions

  1. In a small heavy saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add egg yolks, followed by milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in lemon juice.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Continue cooking and stirring for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest.
  3. Transfer mixture to a bowl; press plastic wrap onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely cooled.
  4. In a small bowl, beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold into cooled lemon mixture.
  5. Spoon into dessert dishes. If desired, garnish with additional whipped cream and lemon slices.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 215
  • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 24g
    • Sugars: 21g
  • Protein: 4g

The Zing of Lemon in Every Bite

Lemon is a versatile ingredient that works beautifully in both sweet and savory dishes. In this Simple Lemon Mousse, the tangy acidity of the lemon perfectly balances the creaminess of the mousse, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion. The bright and zesty lemon flavor gives this dessert a light, clean taste that doesn’t feel too heavy, even after a rich meal. It provides that perfect balance between sweetness and tartness that makes it so irresistible.

What makes the lemon mousse even more enjoyable is the delicate texture it offers. The richness from the egg yolks and heavy cream combined with the smoothness created by the lemon juice and zest results in a velvety consistency that simply melts in your mouth. This dessert will leave you wanting more after every spoonful, which is why it is the ideal choice when you crave something light yet satisfying.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

One of the best aspects of Simple Lemon Mousse is its simplicity. This is a no-bake recipe that takes only a few ingredients, a little time, and minimal effort to prepare. In just a matter of minutes, you can have a bowl of fresh lemon mousse chilling in the fridge, ready to be served in no time. It’s the kind of dessert you can prepare on a whim, without needing a complicated list of ingredients or advanced culinary skills.

Despite the simplicity, the end result feels indulgent, making it a great choice when you want a treat without investing hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual get-together or for a family dinner, it’s easy to pull together at the last minute without breaking a sweat.

A Dessert That’s Perfect for Any Occasion

Simple Lemon Mousse is perfect for various occasions, from a light summer dessert to a sophisticated treat at holiday gatherings. Its refreshing lemon flavor makes it a great choice for warm weather, while its rich creaminess makes it satisfying during the colder months. It can be served as a standalone dessert or paired with other dishes, depending on the occasion.

It’s also a great dessert for those who are trying to avoid heavy, overly rich sweets. The mousse offers a refreshing break from richer desserts like cakes or pies, offering a lighter alternative that’s still indulgent. Garnishing it with whipped cream and fresh lemon slices adds a touch of elegance, making it suitable for everything from casual family dinners to formal events.

A Healthier Dessert Option

Another great benefit of Simple Lemon Mousse is that it offers a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. While this dessert does include some sugar and cream, it doesn’t have an overwhelming amount of calories compared to other rich desserts like chocolate mousse or cheesecakes. The lemon adds a layer of freshness and brightness, which means you can enjoy a satisfying treat without feeling weighed down by sweetness or heaviness.

For those who are watching their calorie intake, this lemon mousse is a great option as it’s lighter than many traditional desserts. It contains only 215 calories per serving, making it a great choice if you want a flavorful dessert that won’t leave you feeling overly full or indulgent.

Customizing Your Lemon Mousse

One of the best things about Simple Lemon Mousse is that it’s easily customizable to fit your preferences. If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, you can always add more lemon zest or juice. For an extra layer of richness, you could experiment with different types of citrus zest or even add a touch of vanilla extract to enhance the depth of flavor.

You can also modify the texture of the mousse to your liking. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can simply adjust the amount of heavy cream or cornstarch. Alternatively, for a lighter version, you could use a bit less heavy cream and incorporate whipped egg whites to make it airier and more mousse-like.

Make-Ahead Convenience

If you’re short on time but still want to impress guests or provide a sweet treat for yourself, Simple Lemon Mousse is the perfect make-ahead dessert. This mousse needs at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly, and it’s often best when made the day before. Preparing the mousse in advance ensures that it’s ready when you need it and allows the flavors to meld together, intensifying the lemony goodness.

Additionally, the mousse can be stored in individual servings, which makes for an easy grab-and-go dessert if you need something quick for later. It’s also easy to prepare in large batches if you’re entertaining guests, making it both practical and efficient.

Nutritional Benefits of Lemon Mousse

Not only is Simple Lemon Mousse delicious, but it also comes with a few nutritional benefits that make it a more wholesome dessert choice. While it does contain cream and sugar, it also includes lemon juice, which is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system, improving skin health, and combating oxidative stress. The egg yolks in the mousse also provide protein and nutrients, contributing to a well-rounded dessert option.

Although it’s indulgent, this mousse is much lighter than other rich, sugar-laden desserts, offering a balance of sweet, tart, and creamy that can satisfy your cravings without overloading you with calories. Additionally, the recipe can easily be adjusted to accommodate different dietary needs, making it a versatile dessert choice.

Conclusion: A Refreshing, Effortless Dessert

In conclusion, Simple Lemon Mousse is an exceptional choice for those seeking a refreshing, easy-to-make dessert that delivers on flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests, treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, or looking for a light yet satisfying dessert, this lemon mousse is sure to impress. Its balance of sweetness and tartness, combined with its creamy texture, makes it a dessert that everyone will love.

What makes this dessert stand out is its simplicity and versatility. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen. So why not give this recipe a try? Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a quick treat at the end of the day, Simple Lemon Mousse will be a hit with everyone who tries it!

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