A light and creamy lemon mascarpone mousse made with fresh lemon juice, whipped cream, and mascarpone cheese. Perfect for elegant dinners and springtime desserts.
8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream (divided)
2 tbsp powdered sugar (for cream)
1 tsp unflavored gelatin (optional)
1 tbsp cold water (for blooming gelatin)
Crushed butter cookies or sponge cake (optional base)
Fresh berries, lemon curd, or mint (optional garnish)
Zest and juice lemons. Bloom gelatin in cold water if using.
Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Chill.
Beat mascarpone with 1/2 cup powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
Melt bloomed gelatin gently (if using) and stir into mascarpone mixture.
Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture gently until fluffy.
Spoon or pipe into glasses. Chill for 2+ hours until set.
Garnish with berries, lemon curd, or mint before serving.
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Chill well for ideal mousse texture.