Lemon Mascarpone Mousse

Lemon Mascarpone Mousse is a light, creamy dessert bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with rich mascarpone cheese, fresh lemon juice, and whipped cream, this no-bake mousse is easy to prepare yet elegant enough for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mousse strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, thanks to the combination of mascarpone and lemon. It’s silky, refreshing, and versatile—you can serve it in individual glasses, use it as a tart filling, or layer it into trifles. Best of all, it comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Mascarpone cheese (cold)
• Heavy cream or whipping cream (cold)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Granulated or powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

directions

1. In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with a pinch of salt and vanilla (if using) until soft peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until light and fluffy.
4. Fold in the lemon juice and zest, mixing just until combined.
5. Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

• Fold in lemon curd for extra lemon flavor
• Use Greek yogurt to lighten the texture
• Add a dash of limoncello for an adult twist
• Serve layered with crushed graham crackers or fresh berries
• Swap lemon with lime or orange for a citrus variation

storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months, though texture may change slightly
• Serve chilled—no reheating required

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

Yes, but the flavor and texture will be tangier and slightly denser.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes, this mousse is perfect for making a day ahead.

What can I serve it with?

Try fresh berries, shortbread cookies, or a lemon tart shell.

Can I pipe this mousse?

Yes—it holds its shape well for piping onto tarts or into glasses.

How do I prevent curdling when adding lemon?

Use cold ingredients and add lemon juice after combining the cream and mascarpone.

Is it egg-free?

Yes, this recipe contains no eggs, making it safe for those with egg allergies.

What if I don’t have lemon zest?

You can skip it, but zest adds a concentrated lemon aroma and flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream and a dairy-free mascarpone substitute for a vegan version.

How do I get a firmer mousse?

Chill longer or reduce the lemon juice slightly for a thicker consistency.

Can I flavor it differently?

Yes—substitute other citrus or try almond, raspberry, or chocolate extracts.

Conclusion

Lemon Mascarpone Mousse is a dreamy, no-fuss dessert that combines the richness of mascarpone with the zing of lemon for a refreshing finish. Whether enjoyed on its own or dressed up with berries or crusts, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is elegant.

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