Lemon Cheesecake Mousse: A Refreshing Delight

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and zesty lemon, offering a light yet indulgent dessert. This mousse is easy to make and requires no baking, making it ideal for a quick and impressive treat. With its smooth texture and bright citrus flavor, this dessert is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Mousse:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Garnish (optional):

• Whipped cream
• Lemon zest
• Fresh berries (such as raspberries or blueberries)
• Mint leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Gelatin:

1. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom, which means the gelatin will absorb the water and become gel-like.
2. Dissolve the Gelatin: After blooming, heat the bowl in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir and let it cool slightly.

2. Make the Mousse:

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Flavorings: Gradually add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, beating until well combined and smooth.
3. Incorporate the Gelatin: Slowly pour the slightly cooled, dissolved gelatin into the cream cheese mixture, mixing well to ensure it is fully incorporated.
4. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and smooth. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much; you want to maintain the mousse’s light and airy texture.
6. Add Sour Cream: Fold in the sour cream gently until fully incorporated.

3. Chill and Serve:

1. Chill the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or glasses. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
2. Garnish (optional): Before serving, top with whipped cream, additional lemon zest, fresh berries, or mint leaves if desired.
3. Serve: Enjoy the mousse chilled. It’s a light and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Tips and Variations

• For a Lighter Texture: You can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of this mousse.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange. Simply replace the lemon juice and zest with lime or orange juice and zest.
• Crust Layer: For a more decadent treat, add a layer of crushed graham crackers or a shortbread cookie base at the bottom of each serving dish.

Conclusion

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is a delightful dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the bright, tangy flavor of lemon. It’s an easy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply want a refreshing treat. This mousse is sure to impress with its smooth texture and vibrant flavor. Enjoy making and savoring this deliciously light and creamy dessert!

Feel free to adjust the recipe according to your taste or dietary preferences. Happy mousse-making!