This lemon mousse with raspberry sauce is a refreshing, creamy dessert that balances the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of raspberries. A perfect treat for any occasion, the lemon curd gives the mousse a smooth, zesty base, while the raspberry sauce adds a bright, fruity layer. Topped with whipped cream, this dessert is a delight for the senses and easy to prepare, making it a go-to choice for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Curd:
- 2 lemons, juiced (100 ml / ~2/5 cup)
- 100 ml (about 2/5 cup) water
- 120 g (2/3 cup) sugar
- 30 g (3 tbsp) cornstarch
- 1/3 tsp turmeric (for color)
For the Raspberry Sauce:
- 100 g (3.5 oz) raspberries
- 70 g (1/3 cup) sugar
- 3 g (2/3 tsp) pectin
For the Whipped Cream:
- 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream (33-38% fat content)
- 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar
Directions:
- Prepare the Lemon Curd:
- In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, water, sugar, cornstarch, and turmeric.
- Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Raspberry Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and pectin.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool, then chill in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar together until stiff peaks form.
- Reserve 3-4 tablespoons of whipped cream for garnish.
- Assemble the Mousse:
- Fold the chilled lemon curd into the whipped cream until well combined.
- Pipe the mixture into serving glasses or bowls.
- Drizzle with raspberry sauce and garnish with reserved whipped cream.
- Serve:
- Serve chilled and enjoy this tangy, creamy dessert!
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
- Serve with shortbread cookies or a light biscuit on the side.
- Pair with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing treat.
- Top with a few mint leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Serve alongside a fruit salad for a light, balanced meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to continuously stir the lemon curd as it cooks to prevent it from curdling.
- If you don’t have pectin, you can substitute it with a little extra cornstarch in the raspberry sauce.
- Whip the cream just until stiff peaks form, as over-whipping can cause it to become grainy.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and vibrant color in the curd.
- Chill the mousse for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and flavonoids, which help boost the immune system and support skin health.
- Raspberries: High in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C and K, supporting digestion and overall health.
- Whipped Cream: Provides a source of healthy fats and vitamin A, supporting skin and eye health.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe contains no gluten ingredients.
- Vegetarian: Made with dairy and plant-based ingredients, this is suitable for vegetarians.
- Nut-Free: This recipe does not include any nuts.
- Low Sugar: Can be adapted for lower sugar content by reducing the sugar in the mousse and raspberry sauce.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store the mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This mousse is not suitable for freezing, as the texture may change once thawed.
- Raspberry Sauce: Store any leftover raspberry sauce in a separate container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- The combination of tangy lemon and sweet raspberry is a classic flavor pairing that everyone will enjoy.
- It’s a light and refreshing dessert, perfect for warmer months or a special occasion.
- This recipe is quick to prepare and doesn’t require any baking, making it a simple yet elegant treat.
- The mousse is incredibly creamy, and the raspberry sauce adds a burst of fresh flavor.
Conclusion: This lemon mousse with raspberry sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to impress guests or provide a refreshing treat on a warm day. The creamy texture and vibrant colors make it visually appealing, while the combination of lemon and raspberry provides an unforgettable taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a dinner party or a family gathering, it’s a delightful dessert that will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen raspberries for the raspberry sauce? Yes, frozen raspberries work well in the sauce. Just ensure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
- Can I use a different citrus fruit for the curd? Yes, you can substitute the lemons with oranges, limes, or even grapefruits for a different twist.
- How long does the mousse need to chill? It’s best to chill the mousse for at least 1 hour for the best texture and flavor.
- Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, the mousse and raspberry sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free? To make this dessert dairy-free, you can use a non-dairy whipped cream alternative and coconut-based yogurt for the lemon curd.
- Can I add other fruits to the mousse? Yes, you can add other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries to the mousse for variety.
- Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe? Yes, you can reduce the sugar, especially in the whipped cream and raspberry sauce, to make it less sweet.
- What’s the best way to serve this dessert? The mousse is best served in individual serving glasses or bowls, topped with fresh whipped cream and raspberry sauce.
- Can I use store-bought lemon curd? Yes, store-bought lemon curd can be used, but homemade curd offers a fresher, more vibrant flavor.