Limoncello Lemon Mousse

Name: Limoncello Lemon Mousse
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup limoncello; 3 large egg yolks; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 packet unflavored gelatin; 1/4 cup cold water; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Oven Cooking

I absolutely love the bright, refreshing taste of lemons, and when combined with limoncello, it takes dessert to an entirely new level. This Limoncello Lemon Mousse is incredibly light and fluffy, making it a perfect treat for warm days or special occasions. I enjoy how the tangy flavor contrasts with the sweetness, creating a delightful balance. It's surprisingly simple to make, and I promise your guests will be raving about it long after the last spoonful is gone. Let me share my secrets to achieving the perfect mousse texture with you!

Created by

Xanthe Beaumont

Last updated on 2026-02-10T22:21:36.242Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was searching for a light dessert that would impress my friends during a summer gathering. I decided to blend the classic flavors of lemon and limoncello, and it was a hit! I discovered that incorporating whipped cream in stages created the perfect airy texture, making each bite melt in your mouth. The addition of fresh lemon zest brightens the mousse, elevating the flavor significantly.

One important tip I learned is to let the mousse chill for at least two hours prior to serving. This not only helps the flavors meld beautifully but also ensures the mousse sets correctly, making it easy to serve. If you like, you can also garnish it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The delightful combination of zesty lemon and limoncello creates a refreshing dessert experience.
Airy and light texture that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Perfect for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or simply for a sweet treat at home.

Understanding the Role of Gelatin

Gelatin is a crucial ingredient in achieving the perfect mousse texture. It helps stabilize the mousse so that it maintains its light, airy quality rather than collapsing. When blooming gelatin, it's essential to use cold water, as this allows the gelatin granules to absorb moisture without clumping. After blooming, ensure you dissolve it completely in your warm limoncello mixture, which will create a smooth consistency in the final product.

If you find yourself without gelatin, you can experiment with agar-agar, a plant-based alternative. However, note that agar-agar requires careful handling and may produce a firmer texture. If substituting, use about 1 tablespoon of agar-agar in place of the gelatin, and remember to bring it to a boil in water for it to activate properly.

Perfecting the Whipped Cream

Whipping the heavy cream until stiff peaks form is essential for the lightness of the mousse. Use a chilled bowl and beaters; this helps stabilize the cream and will speed up the whipping process. Be cautious not to over-whip, as this can turn the cream grainy and lead to butter formation. You want your whipped cream to hold its shape while still being smooth and airy.

Incorporating the whipped cream into the limoncello mixture requires a gentle hand. Folding in the cream in two batches helps maintain volume. Start by folding half to lighten the mix, then add the remaining cream using a sweeping motion, ensuring you preserve all that valuable air from the whipped cream.

Serving and Storing Your Mousse

Chilling the mousse for at least two hours allows it to set beautifully. If you're preparing this dessert ahead of time, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving. Just cover it with plastic wrap to prevent any odor absorption from the refrigerator. The mousse can also be made several days in advance for efficiency during busy occasions.

For serving, consider garnishing with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and flavor that complements the citrusy notes. Additionally, if you're looking for variation, you can layer the mousse in small glass cups with crumbled shortbread or ladyfingers for a delightful textural twist.

Ingredients

For the Mousse

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup limoncello
3 large egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 packet unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Prepare the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes.

Make the Egg Yolk Mixture

In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. Gradually stir in the limoncello until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Incorporate Gelatin

Remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in the bloomed gelatin until thoroughly dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature.

Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold half of the whipped cream into the cooled limoncello mixture, then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until fully combined.

Chill the Mousse

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

Pro Tips

For an added zing, consider garnishing the mousse with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest or lemon slices before serving.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of limoncello is crucial—opt for a high-quality brand to ensure the best flavor. A well-made limoncello will have a balanced sweetness and a strong lemon flavor, which elevates the mousse. If you're looking to cut back on alcohol, you can reduce the limoncello slightly and compensate with more lemon juice and zest. However, this might affect the final flavor profile, so adjustments should be tasted cautiously.

Each element of this recipe plays a role. For instance, lemon zest contributes more than just flavor; it infuses aromatic oils that enhance the overall citrusy experience. Using freshly grated zest is advisable for maximum impact; pre-packaged zest may lose its potency and can leave a bittersweet taste.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your mousse doesn’t set properly, it may be due to insufficient gelatin or not allowing it to cool adequately before folding in the whipped cream. Ensure that the gelatin is fully dissolved and that you allow the limoncello mixture to reach room temperature before combining it with the whipped cream. If this happens, try chilling the mousse longer, as sometimes a little extra time can work wonders.

On the other hand, if you find it too sweet, consider adding a touch more lemon juice to balance out the sweetness with acidity. This not only enhances the flavor but also enriches the overall taste experience, creating a refreshing contrast you might be looking for.

Mousse Variations

While this recipe beautifully highlights limoncello, feel free to explore other flavors! You can replace limoncello with a fruit puree—think strawberry, mango, or passion fruit—for a different take. If using fresh fruit, strain it to remove seeds and ensure a smooth texture for a similar light mousse experience.

Another fun variation would be to incorporate a layer of flavored whipped cream on top of the mousse. Try infusing heavy cream with lavender or mint for a contrasting flavor profile. Not only does this look beautiful, but it adds a layered complexity that can make your dessert even more enjoyable!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this mousse in advance?

Absolutely! This mousse can be made a day ahead. Just make sure to cover it well before refrigerating.

→ What can I substitute for limoncello?

If you prefer not to use limoncello, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice mixed with a bit of additional sugar to keep the sweetness.

→ Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, you can use sugar substitutes that measure like granulated sugar, but be sure to check the sweetness level.

→ How long does the mousse last in the fridge?

The mousse can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it to prevent it from absorbing any odors.