Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

If you ask me, lemon cheesecake mousse is one of those perfect desserts that makes everyone smile.

This no-bake treat combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the light, airy texture of mousse. Fresh lemon zest and juice bring a bright, citrusy pop that keeps it from feeling too heavy.

It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and the best part? You don’t even need to turn on the oven. Just whip, fold, and chill.

It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s great for warm summer days or anytime you want something cool and refreshing.

What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

Regular full-fat cream cheese is your best bet for this mousse recipe – it creates the smoothest, creamiest texture and helps the dessert hold its shape. While you might be tempted to use low-fat cream cheese to cut calories, it can make your mousse less stable and not quite as rich-tasting. The most important thing is making sure your cream cheese is properly softened before you start – leave it out on the counter for about an hour, or until it’s soft enough to easily press your finger into it. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the cream cheese into cubes to help it soften faster, but avoid microwaving it as this can make it too soft and affect the final texture of your mousse.

Options for Substitutions

This light and creamy dessert can be adapted with several substitutions if needed:

• Lemon gelatin: If you can’t find lemon gelatin, use unflavored gelatin (1 envelope) plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons sugar. Orange gelatin works too for a different citrus twist!
• Cream cheese: Regular cream cheese is best here, but you could use light cream cheese. Mascarpone cheese is another option, though it will make the dessert richer. Just avoid non-fat cream cheese as it won’t give you the right texture.
• Whipped topping: Don’t have whipped topping? Use 1 cup of heavy cream whipped to stiff peaks instead. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can work, but the texture will be less fluffy.
• Berries: Any fresh fruit works great here! Try sliced peaches, mandarin oranges, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest. You can skip the fruit entirely and top with crushed cookies or chocolate shavings.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making lemon cheesecake mousse is getting the temperature of your ingredients just right – using cream cheese that’s too cold will result in lumps, while gelatin that’s too hot can create an uneven texture. Let your cream cheese soften at room temperature for about an hour before starting, and allow the gelatin mixture to cool until it’s just warm to the touch before combining with other ingredients.

Another common mistake is rushing the setting process – this dessert needs at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to achieve that perfect mousse-like consistency, so plan ahead and give it enough time to set properly.

To prevent a grainy texture, make sure your gelatin is completely dissolved in the hot water before adding it to the mixture, and when folding in the whipped topping, use gentle motions to maintain the light, airy texture that makes this dessert special.

What to Serve With Lemon Cheesecake Mousse?

This light and creamy lemon dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee – I especially love it with Earl Grey tea since the bergamot complements the citrus flavors so nicely. Fresh berries are already suggested as a topping, but you can take it further by making a quick berry sauce by cooking down some mixed berries with a bit of sugar. For something extra special, try serving the mousse with thin, crispy shortbread cookies on the side – they add a nice crunch and work great as a little scoop for the mousse. If you’re serving this at a party, a small glass of prosecco or champagne makes this dessert feel even more festive!

Storage Instructions

Keep Cool: This creamy lemon cheesecake mousse needs to chill out in the fridge! Place it in an airtight container and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The texture is best within the first 24 hours, when it’s at its fluffiest and most luxurious.

Make Ahead: You can whip up this mousse a day before your special event – it’s actually perfect for planning ahead! Just wait to add any fresh berry toppings until right before serving to keep them looking fresh and pretty.

Not Suitable for Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this mousse since the texture can become grainy when thawed. The gelatin structure might break down, and nobody wants a weird, separated mousse! It’s best to enjoy it fresh from the fridge.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	120-135 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 8-12 g
• Fat: 50-60 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

• 1 box lemon-flavored gelatin (4 servings)
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 package of cream cheese (8 oz/250g, softened)
• 1/2 cup chilled water
• 1 cup whipped topping
• Berries for decoration

Step 1: Dissolve the Jello

Add lemon Jello to a bowl, then pour in the boiling water.

Stir until the Jello is completely dissolved.

Make sure there are no granules left to ensure a smooth consistency.

Step 2: Blend with Cream Cheese

Carefully transfer the dissolved Jello mixture into a blender.

Add in the cream cheese and cold water, then blend for 1 minute or until smooth.

This creates a creamy and tangy base for the dessert.

Step 3: Mix in Cool Whip

Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl.

Add in the Cool Whip and use a spatula or whisk to mix everything together until well blended and smooth.

This will give the dessert its light and fluffy texture.

Step 4: Portion and Chill

Spoon the mixture into four to six dessert dishes, depending on the serving size you desire.

Place the dishes in the fridge and allow them to chill for at least 2 hours, so the dessert can set and become firm.

Step 5: Top and Serve

When you are ready to serve, top each dessert with berries or an additional dollop of Cool Whip for an extra touch of sweetness and freshness.

Enjoy your lemony, creamy treat!