Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen on a sweltering summer day, the thought of a heavy dessert instantly made me sweat. Instead, I craved something light and refreshing—enter my Quick No-Bake Lemon Mousse! With just 4 simple ingredients, this egg-free delight captures the essence of bright, zesty lemon without overwhelming sweetness. Not only is it incredibly easy to whip up (perfect for a quick dessert fix), but it also offers a light, airy texture that feels like a delightful cloud with every spoonful. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself after a long day, this lemon mousse is sure to elevate any occasion. Curious how to bring this delightful, sunny treat to your table? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Is Lemon Mousse a Must-Try? Light and Refreshing: This lemon mousse is the perfect antidote to heavy summer desserts, offering a refreshing alternative that’s sure to please. Quick and Easy: With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time, making it a fantastic option for spontaneous get-togethers or weeknight indulgences. Egg-Free Delight: Enjoy all the creamy goodness of mousse without the hassle of eggs, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Versatile Serving Ideas: Serve it plain, or elevate your dessert with crumbled vanilla wafers or a garnish of lemon zest for an elegant touch. Crowd-pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, this mousse is a guaranteed hit at any gathering! You might also enjoy checking out my Lemon Blueberry Muffins for an easy way to incorporate refreshing flavors into your baking repertoire. Lemon Mousse Ingredients • This delightful recipe requires only four simple ingredients that come together to create a light and refreshing dessert. For the Mousse Heavy Cream – Provides a rich, creamy base for the mousse; make sure it’s very cold for easier whipping. Confectioner’s Sugar – Adds sweetness without the grains of granulated sugar; adjust based on the sweetness of your lemon curd. Pinch of Salt – Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully. Lemon Curd – The star ingredient that offers a bright lemon flavor; feel free to adjust it to your taste preference. Lemon Zest – Adds a vibrant zest and aroma; 1 tablespoon is usually the zest from one large lemon, amplifying the mousse’s lemony notes. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Mousse Step 1: Whip the Cream In a large mixing bowl, pour in cold heavy cream, add confectioner’s sugar, and a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, or until medium peaks start to form. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape but is still silky and smooth. Step 2: Fold in the Lemon Curd Gently add lemon curd and lemon zest to the whipped cream mixture. Using a spatula, carefully fold the ingredients together until fully combined, ensuring you maintain the airy texture created by the whipped cream. This creamy mixture is the heart of your delightful lemon mousse, bursting with bright citrus flavor. Step 3: Portion the Mousse Using a spoon, divide the lemon mousse mixture into small dessert glasses, filling each one with approximately ½ heaping cup. Make sure to leave a little space at the top for any optional garnishes later. Visually, your dessert should look fluffy and inviting, ready to chill for maximum deliciousness. Step 4: Chill the Mousse Cover each glass with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the lemon mousse to chill and firm up. This step is crucial for achieving the light, airy texture that makes this lemon mousse so irresistible. You can also refrigerate it for up to 24 hours if you’d like to prepare it in advance. Step 5: Serve and Garnish Once chilled, carefully remove the mousse from the refrigerator. You can unearth the fresh, vibrant taste of your lemon mousse while adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top. The mousse is now ready to enchant your taste buds and impress your guests with its delightful flavor and creamy consistency. How to Store and Freeze Lemon Mousse Fridge: Keep your lemon mousse refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. For the best texture, consume within 1-2 days. Portioning: Consider portioning the mousse into individual dessert cups before storing. This makes serving easy and helps maintain the mousse’s delightful lightness. Freezer: Freezing lemon mousse is not recommended as it may change the texture. The whipped cream can separate upon thawing. Reheating: Since this recipe is served chilled, there’s no need to reheat. Enjoy your lemon mousse straight from the fridge as a refreshing treat! Tips for the Best Lemon Mousse Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure your heavy cream is very cold, and consider chilling your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand; cold equipment helps achieve better whipped cream. Taste Test: The sweetness of the lemon mousse largely depends on the lemon curd. Before serving, taste and adjust with more confectioner’s sugar if necessary to suit your preference. Gentle Folding: When combining the whipped cream and lemon curd, use a gentle folding technique to maintain that airy texture. Avoid stirring vigorously, which can deflate the mixture. Proper Refrigeration: Don’t skip the chilling process! Allow the mousse to set in the fridge for at least an hour to achieve the perfect light and airy texture. Creative Serving Ideas: Enhance your dessert by serving it in layered parfaits with crumbled cookies or adding garnishes like fresh mint or extra lemon zest for visual appeal. Enjoy this refreshing lemon mousse! Lemon Mousse Variations & Substitutions Feel free to tailor this delightful lemon mousse recipe to your taste and dietary needs for a truly personal touch! Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version that’s just as creamy. Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, adding protein and a tangy flavor while keeping it light. Sweetness Adjustment: If you like it sweeter, add a bit of honey or maple syrup instead of confectioner’s sugar for a natural touch. Flavor Boost: Mix in a bit of vanilla extract or almond extract for an intriguing flavor depth that complements the lemon. Texture Twist: Layer crumbled graham crackers or shortbread cookies in your serving glasses for a delightful crunch. Fruit Fusion: Incorporate pureed strawberries or blueberries into the mousse for a fruity twist that adds color and flavor. Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted almonds or pistachios for an elegant finish and a satisfying crunch. Zesty Theme: Add a little lime juice and zest for a citrus medley, bringing another layer of brightness I’m sure you’ll enjoy. These variations make it easy to express your culinary creativity, just like when you elevate your desserts with my heavenly Lemon Truffles Tangy or the delightful Raspberry Lemon Heaven. Enjoy experimenting! What to Serve with Quick No-Bake Lemon Mousse Delightful companions can elevate your lemon mousse experience, creating a full-course meal perfect for any occasion. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their rich and buttery texture beautifully contrasts the light mousse, making for a well-rounded meal. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: The tangy flavors in the chicken complement the citrus notes in the mousse, creating a delicious harmony. Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp lettuce and vibrant veggies provide a refreshing crunch that perfectly balances the creamy dessert. Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks can serve as the perfect vessel to mop up leftover mousse—and are always a crowd favorite! Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits like strawberries and blueberries echo the lightness of the mousse, enhancing its refreshing profile. Sparkling Lemonade: A zesty drink that mirror the mousse’s flavor, adding fizz and fun to your gathering! Coconut Sorbet: This light and refreshing dessert brings a tropical twist, with its texture and flavor effortlessly complementing the mousse. Cheese Platter with Crackers: An assortment of soft cheeses adds a creamy richness, pairing majestically with fresh fruit and the mousse. These pairings create a delightful dining experience that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds! Make Ahead Options These Quick No-Bake Lemon Mousse cups are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can whip up the lemon mousse mixture up to 24 hours in advance, simply refrigerate the filled dessert glasses covered with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. If prepping ahead, be sure to fold the lemon curd gently into the whipped cream to keep it light and airy. When you’re ready to serve, simply garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest for that extra touch. Enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making your dessert planning a breeze! Lemon Mousse Recipe FAQs How do I know if my lemon curd is ripe enough? Absolutely! The best lemon curd should have a vibrant yellow color and a fresh, zesty aroma. It should taste tangy and sweet, without any bitterness. If you see any dark spots or it appears too thick, it may not be fresh, so seek out a product that looks and smells delightful! How should I store leftover lemon mousse? Store your lemon mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. However, for the best flavor and texture, I recommend consuming it within 1-2 days. Portioning the mousse into individual cups can make serving later much easier! Can I freeze lemon mousse? Freezing lemon mousse is not recommended, as it can alter the texture. The whipped cream may separate when thawed, leading to a less desirable consistency. Enjoy your mousse fresh instead—trust me, it’s worth it! What if my mousse turns out too runny? Very! If your lemon mousse isn’t setting properly, it’s usually due to the whipped cream not being whipped enough. Make sure to achieve medium peaks when whipping—this means the cream should hold its shape but still be creamy. If you find it’s too runny, you can fold in a little more whipped cream that has been whipped to the right consistency. Can I make this lemon mousse ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make this mousse and refrigerate it in your dessert glasses for up to 24 hours before serving. This way, it’s ready to impress your guests without any last-minute fuss. Just remember to cover the glasses so they don’t absorb any unwanted fridge odors! Is this lemon mousse safe for my pets or people with allergies? While the ingredients are suitable for most people, this no-bake lemon mousse contains heavy cream and sugar, which might not be suitable for pets or individuals with dairy allergies. I recommend checking for allergies especially if serving to guests. Always consult your veterinarian regarding pet consumption. Light and Silky Lemon Mousse That’s Egg-Free and Easy This egg-free lemon mousse is light, refreshing, and easy to make, perfect for summer desserts. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 4 cupsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Mousse2 cups Heavy Cream Very cold for easier whipping.1/2 cup Confectioner's Sugar Adjust based on the sweetness of your lemon curd.1 pinch Salt Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.1 cup Lemon Curd The star ingredient for bright lemon flavor.1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Usually the zest from one large lemon. Equipment Mixing bowlElectric MixerSpatulaDessert glasses Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon MousseIn a large mixing bowl, pour in cold heavy cream, add confectioner's sugar, and a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until medium peaks start to form.Gently add lemon curd and lemon zest to the whipped cream mixture. Carefully fold the ingredients together until fully combined.Divide the lemon mousse mixture into small dessert glasses, filling each one with approximately ½ heaping cup.Cover each glass with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the lemon mousse to chill and firm up.Once chilled, remove the mousse from the refrigerator and add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor best results, chill your ingredients and mixing tools before preparation. Taste and adjust the sweetness of the mousse before serving if necessary. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and within a few days after making. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!