A delicious, no-bake cream cheese based mousse, with a hint of lemon flavor. An easy but elegant dessert ready in 15 minutes!
When it comes to quick, no-fuss desserts, this easy, delicious Lemon Cheesecake Mousse never lets me down!
All you need is five ingredients and an electric mixer and you can literally whip up this easy but elegant dessert in about 10 minutes!
“I make this a lot. If I want to really make the lemon flavor pop I add lemon extract. Everyone loves this dessert.”
Murry
Trust me, no matter how you mix it up, you want the recipe for this mousse! It’s super simple and there’s no baking involved, so with a little help, it’s something even kids could make.
We enjoyed ours with fresh berries and a sprig of fresh mint for garnish, but it’s completely delicious on its own.
I love this kind of easy dessert recipe that will impress guests, but takes almost no time to make. Plus it can be made ahead of time, so it’s great for entertaining.
Tips for making this recipe
- Don’t use light or low-fat cream cheese in this recipe. It doesn’t set up as well, and your mousse may be runny or go flat.
- Get creative with serving this dessert. Small mason jars, shot glasses, or any mini-sized cups or dishes work. You can even use it to fill pre-made phyllo shells or other pastries.
- Use a zip-top bag with the corner cut off as a piping bag to fill dessert dishes with less mess.
I like to serve this mousse in individual dessert dishes. Small Mason jars are fun too! Even shot glasses will work.
You could even add a graham cracker crust in the bottom of your serving dishes for a more cheesecake like dessert experience.
“This is my new “go-to” simple dessert. I serve in two ounce cups.”
Caribe
This mousse also make a great filling for a layer cake, pies, or tarts. It’s such a versatile, pretty, delicious dessert, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Like I said, this lemon mousse is elegant but easy, which makes it perfect for entertaining, special events, or just everyday enjoyment.
Trust me, this Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is destined to become your go to dessert recipe for any occasion.
FAQS
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can make it 24-36 hours in advance, although I don’t recommend adding any garnishes until just before serving.
Can I used thawed, frozen whipped topping, like Cool Whip, in this recipe?
I don’t recommend it. Whipping your own cream to stiff peaks helps give this mousse stability. If you do substitute Cool Whip, you’re dessert won’t be as firm, and you’ll probably want to eat it right away.
What is the best way to whip cream?
Make sure you are using cold heavy cream, or whipping cream. A cold metal bowl also helps speed up the process. I like to whip cream with an electric mixer (hand or stand mixer) fitted with a whisk attachment. For extra stable whipped cream, add a teaspoon or so of corn syrup to the cream during whipping.
More Easy Recipes for Everyday Life
Need more easy meal ideas? Browse our collection of delicious, family friendly recipes that won’t leave you spending hours in the kitchen.
what do I need to make this recipe?
- Whipping cream – also known as “heavy cream” – not light or reduced fat
- Cream cheese – full fat
- Lemon curd – can substitute canned lemon pie filling
- Vanilla – use real vanilla, not imitation
- Powdered sugar – also knows as confectioner’s sugar
Be sure to save this Lemon Cheesecake Mousse recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
What people are saying about this recipe
I made this recipe exactly as given, and it was wonderful! My whole family loved it, and they want a repeat! They said it was light, refreshing, and delicious! Thank you! ~ Lecia
Great lemon cheesecake mousse! My husband ate 1/2 the recipe the first night! Easy recipe to follow and had all the ingredients on hand. I highly recommend this recipe! ~ Kim
Lemon Cheesecake Mousse
Ingredients
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup lemon curd or prepared lemon pie filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Fresh berries for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whip the 1 cup whipping cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the 8 ounces cream cheese and 1 cup lemon curd or prepared lemon pie filling or pie filling until smooth.
- Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/2 cup powdered sugar and mix until combined.
- Fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
- Pipe or spoon the mousse into serving dishes. Refrigerate until serving. Garnish with fresh berries, if desired.
Video
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Nutrition
Never miss a Let’s Dish Recipe:
Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter
If you love this recipe, you might also like:
More Delicious Mousse Recipes
Individual No-Bake Nutella Cheesecakes
These delicious single serving cheesecakes feature sweetened cream cheese, Nutella, and whipped cream in an easy to make, decadent chocolate dessert.
Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cherry Pie
This easy but elegant frozen dessert features cherries and chocolate mousse in a chocolate crumb crust.
No-Bake Cheesecake Mousse
This light, creamy no-bake cheesecake mousse comes together in about 20 minutes and is the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Easy Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse doesn't need to be difficult to make to be delicious. This simple chocolate mousse recipe turns out perfectly every time!
Key Lime Pie Mousse
This light, refreshing citrus dessert tastes like your favorite key lime pie, but it's ready in a matter of minutes! Serve in mini dessert dishes for an easy but elegant dessert everyone will rave about!
Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Parfaits
Layers of chocolate cake, peppermint mousse and whipped cream come together in these pretty and festive holiday parfaits.
59 comments
Mary
How much Lemon Extract do you add, please? Recipe sounds great – makes my mouth water! Can’t wait to try it.
Have you ever heard of making Lime curd?
Thanks much!
Cici
I bought lime curd at the same time I bought lemon ..I imagine the process is the same lemon or lime bet the lime will be good too
Sarah
This is do easy and so good. A great summer recipe.
Kate Jensen
This looks fabulous & easy but do you have a recipe for the lemon curd? I have a tree full of lemons & would love to do a homemade lemon curd. Thanks!
Fran
Do you think marscapone rather than cream cheese would work?
Line Kim
I would love to try this recipe, but in Denmark we don’t use cup for mesurement and I haven’t been able to find lemoncurd converted in to grams or deciliters Sugar is not a problem☺️ So would you be able to tell me how much 1 cup of lemoncurd is in Esther gram or deciliters?
Delsi
1 cup = 237ml
8 oz. = 227g
1 tsp. = 5ml
Download a free converter app or use one online .
Judi
I plan on filling vanilla cupcakes with this mousse. Could I fill the cupcakes the evening before the party?
Danelle
Should work fine as long as you refrigerate the cupcakes.
Lecia Franklin
Today, I made this recipe exactly as given, and it was wonderful! My whole family loved it, and they want a repeat! They said it was light, refreshing, and delicious! Thank you!
Dorothy
Danelle,
Curious if you can use Neufchatel Cheese in this recipe or is regular cream cheese
best?
Jamie
Could these be frozen and defrosted a couple weeks later?
Danelle
I’ve never tried that. I personally don’t think they would freeze well. But if you try, I’d love to hear how it goes.
Kim
Great lemon cheesecake mousse! My husband ate 1/2 the recipe the first night! Light delicate flavor when I used Meyer lemons. Easy recipe to follow and had all the ingredients on hand. I highly recommend this recipe!
Dorothy Phinney
Danelle,
I’ve made this lovely Lemon Cheesecake Mousse twice now.
However, even after having the cream cheese softened at
room temp I still ended up having some lumps in the dessert
after it was prepared. I ran the mixer for quite some time.
Wonder if you can use cream cheese in the tub instead, or
would that not make a difference.
Thanks
Danelle
I think that would be fine. I also find that name brand cream cheese (usually I love generic or store brand) always seems to come out more smooth.
Deanna
How many ounces are in each serving? I want to buy the appropriate size dessert bowls. Looks fantastic!
Dorothy J Phinney
Thanks so much for the reply. I actually used the Philadelphia brick, but
maybe next time I’ll try the tub or a store brand.
Susan
How long do you think this will keep? I would like to make individual desserts for my MIL to have over several days.
Danelle
I’d say 3-4 days at least.
Renee
What about making this coconut flavored ?
Danelle
If you can figure out what to use in place of the lemon curd that would give it a coconut flavor, that would probably work. I’m not sure…..coconut cream maybe?
Anita
Enjoyed this very much. The cream cheese should be blended by it self first. It took forever to get it smooth. I will make it again!
Michele Dodge
Can you make a day ahead?
Barbars
This is wonderful! I’ve made it many times and it’s always a hit. Easy and fast to make! Thanks for the recipe!
Danelle
Yes!
Melissa Lentz
Can you replace the powdered sugar with a sugar substitute to make it keto friendly?
Danelle
I haven’t tried it but I can’t see why not.
Leanne
Does the powdered sugar serve as any other purpose than to sweeten or do you need it for bulk too? I would like to avoid using it if possible. Thanks.
Danelle
It is just for sweetening.
Tina
This will be perfect for the cake that I am making for my parents anniversary! I can’t wait to try this.
Murry
I make this a lot. Often I substitute a dense plain yogurt like Siggies. If I want to really make the lemon flavor pop I add lemon extract. Everyone loves this dessert.
Danelle
Thank you! 🙂
CaribeTraveller
This is my new “go-to” simple dessert. I serve in 2 oz. cups.
Dawn Leonis
Can I use whipped cream instead of whipping cream?
Danelle
Yes, but you would have to use more. 1 cup of whipping cream will whip up to about 2 cups of whipped cream.
Judy
Is the lemon pie filling just a cup of the powder or do you add a cup of the pudding after it’s cooked?
Danelle
You use prepared lemon pie filling or prepared lemon curd, not powder.
Maria
I would love to try this as a filling for a vanilla cake I’m making. Do u think it would be appropriate???as a mousse filling?? Thanks
Danelle
I think that would be fabulous!
Janice
As I was reading the recipe it said it serves 8. are the 8 servings for the same size shot glass you used? If so I may need to double this recipe. Looks delicious and I may want to serve it in a bigger portion such as a wine glass for my guests.
Danelle
I would double the recipe for a wine glass sized serving. You may get a few more than 8, but better than not having enough!
Kate
Wow
What a great easy elegant dessert and would be even easier with that beautiful efficient mixer…
Would love it..
Betty Lemay
it looks great love to oun one of those.i could do so much with this.
Kay
All the wonderful things you can do with a Hamilton Beach stand Mixer, and this delicious sounding Mousse recipe is just one of them.
mary
Oh, I forgot to add earlier… I used the extra dessert as a topping for cupcakes…VERY versatile.
Elise
Any idea how far in advance you could make these? I want to make them for my daughter’s birthday (she loves lemon flavored desserts) but am not sure if it would be okay to make them the night before. What do you think?
Cici
I’ve made them and they were still perfectly good days later and so easy!
Masja
Kind regards from the Netherlands. We’re gonna try this recipe in a day or two. Can’t wait… Thanks!
Alicia Altman
Can I use whipped cream cheese?
Liz
I want to make this recipe for lemon cheesecake dessert and would like to know if you had used a pastry bag to fill the glasses and if so what tip did you use ? Your presentation is flawless!
P.S. forgot to ask what glassware used and what size,high ball,shot glasses etc.Thanks!
Barbara Smock
Sounds really good. Love to win a H.B. mixer
Rachael
I can’t wait to try out this recipe…love lemon!
Danielle
Mousse looks fabulous.
Veronica
Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Joanne
This dessert looks so creamy and fluffy! Thanks!
Natalie
Thanks for the opportunity to win! Would love to have a mixer like this in my kitchen 🙂 Can’t wait to try this recipe out!
Gina
It’s gorgeous!!! I can’t wait to try it.
Katie Mast
I would love to win one of these for a friend of mine. She really needs a mixer.