This Lemon Yogurt Mousse Dessert is a delightful, refreshing treat with a creamy yogurt layer and a zesty lemon topping. The crispy biscuit base provides the perfect contrast to the smooth layers of yogurt and lemon mousse. The addition of turmeric or yellow food coloring gives the lemon layer a beautiful, vibrant hue, making this dessert as eye-catching as it is delicious. Topped with a drizzle of melted white chocolate, this dessert is the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and richness. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, this dessert will surely impress!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Base:
- 200g biscuits (such as digestive biscuits)
- 6 tablespoons melted butter (80g)
For the Yogurt Layer:
- 4 cups milk (950 ml)
- 3/4 cup sugar (170g)
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch (45g)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (120g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Layer:
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (100 ml)
- 1 1/4 cups water (300 ml)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (25g)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric or yellow food coloring
- 1/4 cup sugar (50g)
For Decoration:
- Melted white chocolate (for drizzling)
Directions
1. Prepare the Biscuit Base:
- Crush the Biscuits: Crush 200g of biscuits into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a plastic bag and rolling a rolling pin over them or using a food processor.
- Mix with Butter: In a bowl, combine the biscuit crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted butter (80g) and mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press into Mold: Press the mixture into the base of an 8×11 inch (18×28 cm) cake mold or a similar size dish, ensuring the base is evenly spread and compact.
- Chill: Place the mold in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the base to set and harden.
2. Prepare the Yogurt Layer:
- Cook the Milk Mixture: In a saucepan, combine 4 cups of milk (950 ml), 3/4 cup of sugar (170g), and 5 tablespoons of cornstarch (45g). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency.
- Add Yogurt and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of plain yogurt (120g) and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
- Pour over Biscuit Base: Once the biscuit base has set, pour the thickened yogurt mixture over the biscuit layer, spreading it evenly.
- Chill: Return the mold to the fridge and chill for another 30 minutes for the yogurt layer to firm up.
3. Prepare the Lemon Layer:
- Cook the Lemon Mixture: In a separate saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of lemon juice (100 ml), 1 1/4 cups of water (300 ml), 3 tablespoons of cornstarch (25g), 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric or yellow food coloring, and 1/4 cup of sugar (50g). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a mousse-like consistency.
- Pour over Yogurt Layer: Once the lemon mixture has thickened, carefully pour it over the chilled yogurt layer, spreading it evenly.
- Chill: Place the mold back in the fridge for 1 hour to allow the lemon mousse to set.
4. Decorate and Serve:
- Decorate: Once the dessert is fully set, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top in decorative swirls or patterns, as desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy this refreshing dessert with a burst of lemon flavor and creamy layers!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fresh fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or citrus fruits for added freshness and color.
- Top with whipped cream: For extra indulgence, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Serve with tea or coffee: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a delightful after-meal treat.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the layers set well: Allow each layer to chill thoroughly before adding the next. This helps maintain the distinct layers and prevents them from mixing.
- Use room temperature ingredients: For a smoother texture, make sure your yogurt and milk are at room temperature before using them in the recipes.
- Make it dairy-free: You can use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and non-dairy yogurt if you want to make this dessert dairy-free.
- Customize the fruit: You can experiment with other fruits, such as berries or mango, for a twist on the classic lemon flavor.
Variations to Try
- Add a fruit layer: Try adding a layer of fruit puree (such as strawberry, raspberry, or mango) between the yogurt and lemon layers for added flavor and color.
- Use lime juice: For a twist on the classic lemon flavor, substitute lime juice for the lemon juice in the lemon layer.
- Add a crunchy topping: Sprinkle crushed nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, over the top for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
This Lemon Yogurt Mousse Dessert provides a good source of calcium and protein from the yogurt and milk. The lemon adds vitamin C, which is essential for boosting the immune system. The biscuit base and cornstarch provide some carbohydrates, while the sugar content gives this dessert a balanced sweetness without being overly rich. Overall, it’s a refreshing and light dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth with a burst of citrus flavor.
Conclusion
This Lemon Yogurt Mousse Dessert is a refreshing, creamy, and vibrant treat that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of the tangy lemon layer, smooth yogurt filling, and crunchy biscuit base makes for an indulgent yet light dessert. Whether you’re serving it for a special event or as an everyday treat, this dessert is sure to impress with its delightful flavors and beautiful presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use other fruits for the topping? Yes, you can use other fruits like berries, peaches, or even a fruit compote for a different flavor combination.
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Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Absolutely! This dessert can be made the day before and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
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Can I make this dessert without turmeric? Yes, you can skip the turmeric and still get a delicious lemon flavor. The turmeric is simply used to give the lemon layer a vibrant yellow color, but it’s optional.
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How long will this dessert keep in the fridge? The dessert will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first 2 days for optimal texture and flavor.
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Can I make this dessert gluten-free? Yes, the dessert is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any flour. Just ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free, and you’re all set!