Lemon Mousse Recipe | Classic French Dessert

Lemon Mousse — a french recipe (desserts) with 4 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 17, 2026

140

Total Time (min)

6

servings

244

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Lemon Mousse Recipe | Classic French Dessert

Ingredients

Servings:
6
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
  • 3 large egg yolks

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Prepare the lemon mixture

    In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and lemon juice until fully combined.

    Make sure to use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
  2. Heat the mixture

    Place the lemon mixture over a double boiler and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.

    Do not let it boil to avoid curdling the eggs.
  3. Cool the mixture

    Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

    This step is crucial for the mousse texture.
  4. Whip the cream

    In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.

    Be careful not to over-whip the cream.
  5. Combine mixtures

    Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled lemon mixture until fully incorporated.

    Use a spatula to keep the mixture light and airy.
  6. Chill the mousse

    Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

    Chilling helps the flavors to meld beautifully.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Low Potassium, Kidney-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free. Diet: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 5 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

What to Serve With

Complete your french meal with these perfect pairings:

A cup of espresso or café au lait
🍦Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side
🍓Fresh berries or seasonal fruit

About This Dish

Lemon Mousse Recipe | Classic French Dessert is a beloved dish from French cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 140 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

French cuisine is considered one of the world's finest culinary traditions. Known for its refinement and attention to detail, it has influenced cooking around the globe for centuries.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 4 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

While fresh lemon juice is recommended, bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

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Nutrition Facts

6 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories220kcal
Total Fat15gg
Sodium50mgmg
Total Carbohydrates20gg
Dietary Fiber0gg
Total Sugars16gg
Protein2gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineFrench
CategoryDesserts