Iced Lemon Mousse

Iced Lemon Mousse is a refreshing and elegant dessert that perfectly balances tangy citrus with smooth creaminess. Each spoonful feels airy yet indulgent, making it a standout choice for warm-weather gatherings or as a light finale to a rich meal. Served chilled in dainty glasses or layered jars, it instantly elevates any dessert table.

What makes this mousse special is its effortless preparation and no-bake simplicity. The fresh lemon juice and zest provide a natural brightness, while the whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk create a luscious, velvety texture. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, an afternoon tea, or simply craving a cool treat, this lemon mousse delivers both flavor and style with ease.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

• Thin lemon slices, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

2. In a separate bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, and sweetened condensed milk, whisking until smooth.

3. Gently fold the lemon mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined and airy.

4. Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses or bowls.

5. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and mousse to set.

6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)

Kcal: 270 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Iced Lemon Mousse – A Refreshing, Tangy, No-Bake Dessert

There’s something magical about a dessert that can be both rich and light at the same time. Iced Lemon Mousse is exactly that, a creamy, cloud-like treat infused with the vibrant, zesty brightness of fresh lemons. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer get-together, a holiday dinner, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this no-bake mousse is guaranteed to delight. Its cool, refreshing nature makes it perfect for warm weather, but its elegance means it works just as beautifully during winter festivities.

This mousse is a wonderful example of how a few simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. The combination of airy whipped cream, tangy lemon juice, fragrant zest, and sweetened condensed milk produces a luscious texture with a balanced flavor profile, sweet, tart, and irresistibly smooth. What’s even better is how quick it is to prepare; you can make it in advance, chill it, and have a ready-to-serve dessert without turning on the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

1. Refreshingly Light yet Satisfying
Unlike heavy baked desserts, this mousse melts in your mouth, leaving behind a cool citrusy sensation. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, making it ideal after a rich main course.

2. No-Bake Convenience
There’s no need to heat up the kitchen. All you need is a whisk or mixer, a bowl, and about 15 minutes of active preparation. The refrigerator does the rest of the work for you.

3. Flexible Presentation
Serve it in fancy stemmed glasses, layered in jars, or even as part of a dessert platter. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, edible flowers, or thin lemon slices for an elevated look.

4. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
Lemon has a universal appeal. Its tanginess cuts through sweetness, making this dessert enjoyable for both those with a sweet tooth and those who prefer something lighter.

Ingredient Spotlight

Heavy Whipping Cream – This is the base of the mousse’s fluffy texture. Whipped to stiff peaks, it traps air, creating that light-as-a-cloud mouthfeel. Always use chilled cream for the best volume and stability.

Powdered Sugar – It sweetens the cream while maintaining a silky texture. Powdered sugar dissolves easily without leaving a grainy mouthfeel, unlike granulated sugar.

Fresh Lemon Juice – The heart of the dessert’s flavor. Freshly squeezed juice is a must for a bright, clean citrus taste. Bottled lemon juice simply can’t match the freshness.

Lemon Zest – This is where much of the lemon’s aromatic oils are concentrated. Zest adds an extra layer of fragrance and flavor that enhances the mousse beautifully.

Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds creaminess and sweetness while helping stabilize the mousse. It also contributes to a smooth, velvety consistency.

Mint Leaves & Lemon Slices (for garnish) – While optional, they add a burst of color and a touch of elegance to the presentation.

Tips for the Perfect Iced Lemon Mousse

• Chill Your Tools – Place your mixing bowl and whisk/beaters in the fridge or freezer for about 10 minutes before whipping the cream. Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and stay fluffy.

• Use Gentle Folding – When combining the lemon mixture with the whipped cream, fold gently to avoid deflating the air you’ve whipped into it.

• Balance the Flavors – Taste your lemon mixture before folding it into the cream. If it’s too tart, add a touch more powdered sugar; if it’s too sweet, a little extra lemon juice will brighten it.

• Serve Chilled – This dessert should be thoroughly chilled before serving. Not only does it taste more refreshing, but chilling also helps the mousse set properly.

Serving Ideas

1. Classic Glasses – Spoon or pipe the mousse into cocktail or wine glasses for an elegant presentation.

2. Layered Parfaits – Alternate layers of mousse with crushed cookies (like shortbread or graham crackers) for added texture.

3. Berry-Topped Mousse – Fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries make a colorful and tasty garnish.

4. Mini Dessert Jars – Perfect for parties or picnics, these can be made in advance and easily transported.

5. On a Dessert Platter – Serve alongside other mini desserts for a varied and visually stunning dessert spread.

Variations to Try

• Lemon-Lime Mousse – Replace half of the lemon juice with lime juice for a tangier, tropical twist.

• Coconut Lemon Mousse – Add a few tablespoons of coconut cream to the whipped cream for a richer flavor, and top with toasted coconut flakes.

• Lavender Lemon Mousse – Infuse the cream with edible lavender before whipping for a floral, aromatic dessert.

• Berry Swirl Lemon Mousse – Fold in a swirl of raspberry or blueberry puree for a beautiful marbled effect.

• Chocolate-Dipped Garnish – Serve with a chocolate-dipped lemon peel for a striking flavor contrast.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Iced Lemon Mousse is best enjoyed within 1–2 days of making it, as the whipped cream can start to lose its structure over time. Store it in the refrigerator in airtight containers or covered glasses to maintain freshness. If you need to prepare it ahead for a gathering, make it the night before and garnish just before serving to keep the toppings fresh and vibrant.

Freezing is possible, but it changes the texture slightly, making it more like a frozen mousse or semifreddo. If freezing, thaw gently in the fridge for a softer consistency.

Pairing Suggestions

• With Drinks – Pair it with iced tea, champagne, or a light sparkling wine. The mousse’s tanginess complements bubbly beverages perfectly.

• With Other Desserts – Serve alongside shortbread cookies, lemon bars, or a slice of pound cake for a complete dessert experience.

• After a Hearty Meal – This light and zesty mousse works wonderfully after rich dishes like creamy pasta, roasted meats, or stews, helping cleanse the palate.

Conclusion

Iced Lemon Mousse is the epitome of a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Its airy texture and bright lemon flavor make it a crowd favorite for all occasions, from casual backyard picnics to sophisticated dinner parties. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, it’s a recipe that even beginner home cooks can master with confidence.

What makes it truly special is its versatility, it can be dressed up for formal events, kept simple for everyday enjoyment, or transformed into a completely new creation with just a few tweaks. The balance of sweetness and tang, combined with the smooth creaminess, is a guaranteed delight for the taste buds.

Once you try making this Iced Lemon Mousse, it’s bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire, a go-to treat whenever you want something refreshing, light, and absolutely delicious.