Introduction
Craving something sweet, creamy, and refreshing with zero baking involved? This Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is the ultimate no-bake dessert—light, tangy, and silky smooth with a zesty lemon flavor that’s perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you need a bright pick-me-up.
Ingredients List
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Optional toppings: crushed graham crackers, fresh berries, lemon slices, or whipped cream
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the lemon base
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. Beat until light and creamy.
Step 2: Whip the cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Step 3: Fold it together
Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon cheesecake mixture until fully incorporated and airy.
Step 4: Chill and serve
Spoon into serving glasses or jars. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Add toppings right before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 4)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Healthier Alternatives
- Use light cream cheese and whipped topping
- Substitute powdered sugar with a natural sweetener like erythritol
- Add Greek yogurt to reduce fat and boost protein
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in mini mason jars or dessert glasses
- Top with crushed graham crackers or lemon cookie crumbles
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese: Will result in a lumpy mousse
- Overwhipping cream: Can turn grainy—stop at stiff peaks
- Skipping the chill time: Helps the mousse set and develop flavor
Storing Tips
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Not recommended for freezing due to texture changes
Conclusion
This Lemon Cheesecake Mousse (No-Bake) is bright, creamy, and effortlessly elegant. It’s an ideal dessert for entertaining or simply treating yourself to a citrusy delight.
Give it a try and leave a comment below with your twist! Don’t forget to subscribe for more no-bake dessert recipes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream in place of whipped cream.
Q: Can I turn this into a pie filling?
A: Definitely! Spoon it into a graham cracker crust and chill—it makes a great no-bake pie.
