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There’s something undeniably refreshing about citrus desserts, especially when paired with the smooth, creamy richness of mascarpone cheese. The Orange Mascarpone Mousse is the perfect balance of both worlds—bright, tangy orange flavor combined with the luxurious, velvety texture of mascarpone cheese and whipped cream. It’s a no-bake dessert that requires minimal effort yet delivers a decadent treat that will impress anyone who tastes it.

What makes this mousse so irresistible is its light and airy texture that’s both refreshing and indulgent. With just a few simple ingredients like fresh orange juice, mascarpone cheese, and heavy cream, you can create a dessert that’s elegant enough for dinner parties, yet easy enough to make for an everyday treat. The use of fresh orange juice not only adds natural sweetness and citrusy zing but also makes this mousse a feel-good dessert that’s packed with vitamin C.

The mousse is incredibly versatile, offering a luxurious and creamy base that can be garnished with various toppings like fresh orange zest, mint leaves, or slices of citrus fruit. The flavors are perfectly balanced, with the mascarpone providing a mild richness that complements the bright and tangy orange. Whether you serve it in elegant glasses for a special occasion or in simple bowls for a family dessert, this orange mascarpone mousse is sure to become a go-to favorite for any dessert lover.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

500 ml (2 cups) orange juice – freshly squeezed (approximately 4-5 medium oranges)
100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
3 medium eggs

50 g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
250 g (8.8 oz) mascarpone cheese

500 ml (2 cups) cold whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Orange Mixture

Begin by juicing 4-5 fresh oranges to yield 500 ml (2 cups) of orange juice. For the best results, strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.

In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice and granulated sugar. Stir the mixture gently over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.

2. Incorporate the Egg Mixture

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs and cornstarch until a smooth, lump-free mixture forms.
Gradually pour this egg mixture into the saucepan with the orange juice, stirring continuously to ensure a well-blended mixture.

3. Cook the Mixture

Place the saucepan on medium heat and cook, stirring continuously. The mixture should start to thicken after about 2-3 minutes and reach a gentle boil. Ensure that you keep stirring to prevent the eggs from curdling.
Once it thickens, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set it aside to cool to room temperature.

4. Whip the Cream

In a large mixing bowl, pour the cold whipping cream. Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, beat the cream until stiff peaks form. The cream should hold its shape when the whisk is lifted.

5. Combine and Fold

Once the orange mixture has cooled, gently fold in the mascarpone cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Gradually fold in the whipped cream. Use a spatula to gently fold, ensuring that the light, airy texture of the cream isn’t deflated.

6. Chill and Serve

Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Smooth the tops with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let it set.

Serve chilled. For an extra touch, garnish with orange zest, mint leaves, or thin slices of fresh orange.

Preparation and Cooking Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Yield and Servings

Servings: 6-8 servings

Explanation of Why This Recipe Is Timeless

Orange mascarpone mousse is a dessert that effortlessly blends citrus and creaminess, a pairing celebrated across generations. Its preparation is straightforward, making it accessible to beginners, yet the result is elegant enough for special occasions. The no-bake nature of this dish is particularly appealing for busy cooks or for warm weather when turning on the oven isn’t ideal. The timeless quality lies in the universally loved flavors of fresh oranges and the luxurious texture of mascarpone and whipped cream. The combination feels light on the palate, making it a perfect ending to any meal, whether casual or formal.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: ~310 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25 g

Protein: 5 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g

Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sodium: 80 mg
Fiber: 0 g

Sugars: 20 g
Vitamin C: 50% of the Daily Value

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving sizes.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought orange juice? Yes, but for the best flavor, fresh orange juice is recommended. Store-bought juice may contain added sugars and preservatives that can alter the flavor.

2. What can I use as a substitute for mascarpone? If mascarpone is not available, you can use cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream as a substitute to mimic the smooth texture.

3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Absolutely! This mousse can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. It’s a great make-ahead option for entertaining.

Tips for Perfect Mousse

Chill your tools: For the best whipped cream, chill your bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before using.
Fold gently: When mixing the whipped cream into the orange-mascarpone mixture, use a gentle folding motion to keep the mousse light and airy.
Test for doneness: The orange mixture should coat the back of a spoon before removing it from the heat. This ensures it has thickened properly.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, avoid freezing, as it may separate upon thawing.

Conclusion

This no-bake orange mascarpone mousse is a bright, citrus-infused dessert that is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that looks sophisticated and tastes like it came from a high-end patisserie. The combination of the fresh orange flavor, velvety mascarpone, and whipped cream makes this dessert stand out. Perfect for hot days, holidays, or any time you need a treat that doesn’t require baking, this mousse checks all the boxes for simplicity, taste, and elegance. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a cherished recipe in your collection.