Description
A quick and creamy no bake lemon cheesecake mousse that is light, airy, and ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a refreshing dessert without the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- ½ cup (120ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Graham cracker crumbs (optional, for serving)
- Fresh berries (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, for extra tang)
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese by leaving it out at room temperature for 5 minutes or microwaving for 15 seconds without melting.
- Whip the cold heavy cream in a clean bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, then set aside in the fridge.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and mix until combined and silky.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula, folding slowly to keep the airiness.
- Chill the mousse for at least 30 minutes to set, or serve immediately for a softer texture.
- Before serving, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs and top with fresh berries if desired.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for best texture. Whip cream to soft peaks only and fold gently to keep mousse airy. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best texture. Can be made ahead and stored in fridge up to 3 days. Avoid freezing. Optional sour cream adds extra tang. Variations include berry swirl, coconut cream substitution, lavender infusion, and ginger addition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6 of the rec
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no bake, lemon cheesecake, mousse, easy dessert, quick dessert, creamy, lemon mousse, no oven dessert