Lemon Mousse

User Reviews

4.9

267 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    25 mins

  • Cooling time

    1 hr 15 mins

  • Total Time

    35 mins

  • Servings

    3 cups

  • Calories

    675 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Lemon Mousse

The Lemon Mousse is a chilled dessert combining eggs, sugar, lemon juice and zest, and heavy cream for a light, airy texture balancing tartness and sweetness. The eggs and sugar cook gently over simmering water to thicken, then are chilled before folding with whipped egg whites and cream to create a smooth, mousse-like finish.

Description

This recipe starts with a base of whole eggs and egg yolks whisked with sugar, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cooking this mixture gently over simmering water slowly thickens it while preventing curdling. After cooling and chilling, the mixture forms the lemon flavor foundation of the mousse.

Separately, egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks with a small addition of sugar, and heavy cream is whipped to stiff peaks. Folding both whipped whites and cream carefully into the lemon base results in a mousse with lightness from the beaten whites and richness from the cream, maintaining brightness from the lemon.

This dessert can be served chilled as a refreshing treat that balances zesty citrus with creamy sweetness. It is suitable as a light finale to meals, especially during warmer seasons.

The recipe notes its origin from Ina Garten, indicating a classic preparation approach. Chilling times and careful folding are important for achieving the desired airy texture.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 6 large egg
  • 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar , separated
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice 3-4 lemons, fresh
  • salt
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Fill a large saucepan with a few inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. In a large heat-proof bowl, whisk together 3 whole eggs, 3 egg yolks (reserve the whites in a separate bowl), 1 cup sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. 
  3. Place the bowl over the pan of simmering water and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for about 15 minutes, or until mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Remove from heat and set aside for 15 minutes. Pour into a bowl and place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mixture. Refrigerate for at least 1 - 2 hours or until completely chilled.
  5. Place the 3 remaining egg whites in a mixing bowl and beat on high speed for 1 minute. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and continue to beat until the whites are stiff. Carefully fold the beaten whites into the cold lemon mixture.
  6. Add the cream to a bowl and beat on high speed until stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture.
  7. Chill for at least 30 minutes and serve cold. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • This recipe was adapted from Ina Garten.
  • Careful folding maintains the mousse's light texture.
  • Chill the mousse thoroughly before serving for best consistency.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 675kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 72g (24%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 38g (58%) Saturated Fat 21g (105%) Cholesterol 458mg (153%) Sodium 164mg (7%) Potassium 231mg (5%) Sugar 67g (134%) Vitamin A 1675IU (34%) Vitamin C 16.3mg (18%) Calcium 104mg (10%) Iron 1.6mg (9%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 675 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 675kcal 34%
Carbohydrates 72g 24%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 38g 58%
Saturated Fat 21g 105%
Cholesterol 458mg 153%
Sodium 164mg 7%
Potassium 231mg 5%
Sugar 67g 134%
Vitamin A 1675IU 34%
Vitamin C 16.3mg 18%
Calcium 104mg 10%
Iron 1.6mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.9

267 reviews
Excellent

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