Lemon Mousse

Lemon Mousse is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for finishing a meal. This classic treat combines the zesty flavour of citrus with a soft and airy texture. It only requires a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Most people enjoy serving this chilled in individual glasses or small bowls.
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Why lemon mousse is a good choice

You will enjoy making Lemon Mousse because it is quick to prepare and tastes like sunshine. The balance between the tart fruit and the sweet cream makes it very satisfying without being too heavy. It is a great choice for dinner parties or a simple family weekend treat. This recipe is straightforward and does not require any complicated baking techniques.

How to get lemon mousse ready

Step 1
Mix the base: Separate the eggs and put the yolks into a large bowl with the sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture looks pale and slightly thickened. Grate the zest from the lemons and squeeze the juice into the bowl. Stir everything well so the Lemon Mousse has a strong citrus flavour throughout.
Step 2
Whisk the whites: Place the egg whites in a clean and dry bowl. Use a whisk to beat them until they form stiff peaks that hold their shape. This process adds the necessary air to the dessert. Be careful not to overbeat the whites or they might become grainy.
Step 3
Prepare the cream: Pour the double cream into a third bowl and whisk it until it is thick. You want the cream to hold its shape but still look smooth and soft. Fold the whipped cream gently into the egg yolk and lemon mixture. This creates a rich and creamy base for the Lemon Mousse.
Step 4
Combine and chill: Gently fold the egg whites into the lemon mixture using a large spoon. Use a slow figure of eight motion to keep as much air in the mixture as possible. Divide the mousse into four small glasses or ramekins. Place them in the fridge to set for at least two hours before serving.

Good advice for making lemon mousse

To get the best results with Lemon Mousse, always use fresh fruit rather than bottled juice. The zest provides most of the aroma, so make sure to grate it finely. If you want a smoother texture, you can pass the lemon juice through a sieve to remove any bits. Make sure your mixing bowls are completely clean when whisking the egg whites. If there is any grease or yolk in the bowl, the whites will not fluff up properly. You can decorate the top with a small sprig of mint or some extra zest just before you serve the Lemon Mousse to your guests.

Preparing the dessert a few hours in advance allows the flavours to develop fully.

You might also enjoy classic caramelised potatoes, rolled pork roast with prunes or slow-roasted beef brisket.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 3 lemons
  • 3 eggs
  • 100 grams caster sugar
  • 200 ml double cream

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1632 kJ / 390 kcal
  • Fat:28.7 g
  • - of which saturates:16.7 g
  • Carbohydrates:27.5 g
  • - of which sugars:26.2 g
  • Protein:5.2 g
  • Fibre:0.2 g
  • Salt:68 mg

People also ask

This Lemon Mousse needs at least two hours to set properly. If you have time, leaving it for four hours or even overnight will result in a firmer texture. Always keep the dessert covered so it does not absorb other smells from the fridge.
You can easily swap the lemons for limes to make a different citrus version. Use the same number of fruits and follow the steps exactly as written. The Lemon Mousse method works well with most citrus fruits as long as you adjust the sugar to taste.
Ensure you whisk the egg whites and the cream until they are both firm. Gently folding the ingredients together instead of stirring them fast keeps the air inside. This air is what gives the dessert its light and stable structure.
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