Light, creamy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, this Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is a delightful no-bake dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. With a smooth, airy texture and vibrant lemon notes, it’s perfect for springtime gatherings, summer dinners, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and zesty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No-Bake Simplicity: No oven required, making it a breeze to whip up.
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Bright & Refreshing: The fresh lemon juice and zest give this mousse a lively, citrusy flavor.
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Light & Creamy Texture: A perfect balance between rich cheesecake and fluffy mousse.
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Elegant Yet Easy: Beautifully served in glasses, this dessert impresses with minimal effort.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for prepping in advance for dinner parties or events.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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1 tbsp lemon zest
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipping cream)
Optional Toppings:
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Lemon zest
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Crushed graham crackers
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Whipped cream
Directions
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Make the Cream Cheese Base:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and light in texture.
Duration: 5 minutes -
Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Duration: 4 minutes -
Fold Together:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon cream cheese mixture using a spatula until fully combined and fluffy.
Duration: 3 minutes -
Chill:
Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set and chill thoroughly.
Duration: 1 hour -
Serve and Garnish:
Just before serving, top with additional whipped cream, lemon zest, or crushed graham crackers if desired.
Duration: 5 minutes
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Chilling Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving
Variations
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Berry Topping: Add fresh raspberries, blueberries, or a berry compote on top for a fruity contrast.
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Lemon Curd Layer: Spoon a thin layer of lemon curd over the mousse for extra tang.
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Graham Cracker Crust Base: Layer the bottom of each serving glass with crushed graham crackers for added texture.
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Herbal Twist: Add a hint of fresh mint or basil for a refreshing herbal note.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze the mousse for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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Reheating: Not applicable, as this dessert is served cold.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
How do I prevent the mousse from deflating?
Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture to preserve the light, airy texture.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making in advance. Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving.
Is it possible to use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and richness. Low-fat versions may result in a thinner mousse.
What can I use instead of graham crackers?
Crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies all make excellent alternatives.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients to serve 8, or adjust proportions as needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the optional toppings like graham crackers are gluten-free, the mousse itself contains no gluten.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest only the yellow outer layer of the lemon skin, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Can I use a piping bag to serve the mousse?
Yes, piping the mousse into glasses makes for a neater and more elegant presentation.
Will the mousse firm up more if chilled longer?
Yes, the texture becomes firmer and more set the longer it chills—overnight is ideal for the best consistency.
Conclusion
Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is a light and luscious no-bake dessert that delivers fresh citrus flavor with every spoonful. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening treat, this mousse offers a delightful balance of tang and creaminess that’s sure to please. Easy to make, beautifully presented, and endlessly adaptable—it’s a perfect choice for any occasion.
Print
Lemon Cheesecake Mousse
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 4-servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brighten your day with Lemon Cheesecake Mousse—a no-bake dessert that’s light, creamy, and bursting with citrusy zing. This mousse is a quick and refreshing treat, ideal for spring gatherings, summer parties, or lemon lovers!
Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
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1 tbsp lemon zest
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipping cream)
Optional Toppings:
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Lemon zest
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Crushed graham crackers
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Whipped cream
Instructions
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Make the cream cheese base: Beat softened cream cheese and ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Whip the cream: In another bowl, whip heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
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Fold together: Gently fold whipped cream into the lemon mixture until light and airy.
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Chill: Spoon into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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Serve and garnish: Before serving, top with whipped cream, lemon zest, and/or crushed graham crackers.
Notes
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For extra texture, layer with crushed graham crackers like a parfait.
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Can be made a day in advance and kept chilled until ready to serve.
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Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tartness.
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