Limoncello Lemon Mousse

Name: Limoncello Lemon Mousse
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup Limoncello; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking Joy

I love making Limoncello Lemon Mousse when I want to impress my guests with a delightful, light dessert. This recipe combines the bright flavors of fresh lemons with the subtle kick of Limoncello liqueur, creating a dessert that feels both refreshing and indulgent. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, and the creamy texture, paired with the citrusy zing, makes for an unforgettable finale to any meal. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat for myself, this mousse never fails to satisfy.

Created by

Rhea Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-10T18:01:36.095Z

When I first tried making Limoncello Lemon Mousse, I was amazed at how quickly the flavors came together. The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and Limoncello creates a refreshing balance that perfectly complements the creamy whipped topping. It took a bit of trial and error to get the consistency just right, but I found that using chilled mixing bowls and ingredients really helps achieve that airy texture.

One of my favorite touches is to garnish the mousse with a sprinkle of lemon zest and a sprig of mint. Not only does it add a pop of color, but the fresh aroma elevates the whole experience. Serving it in individual cups also adds a nice touch, making each serving look special and inviting.

Why You'll Love This Limoncello Lemon Mousse
Light and airy texture that's incredibly satisfying
Bright lemon flavor with a hint of Limoncello for added depth
Quick and easy to make, but feels luxurious

The Importance of Ingredient Quality

When making Limoncello Lemon Mousse, the choice of ingredients significantly impacts the final flavor. Use fresh lemons for the juice and zest; they'll offer a vibrant brightness that's crucial to this dessert. Bottled lemon juice may compromise the freshness and complexity you want in this dish. Similarly, opt for a high-quality Limoncello. The character of the liqueur will shine through, enhancing the creamy mousse with delicate citrus notes.

Mascarpone cheese must also be of good quality. It adds a rich, creamy flavor that balances the acidity of the lemon. If you're in a pinch, cream cheese can be a substitute, but it will alter the flavor profile—aim for a smooth, well-blended consistency if you do.

Tips for Perfect Whipping

Achieving the perfect whip on the heavy cream is essential for creating that light, airy texture. Start by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters for at least 15 minutes. This will help the cream whip up faster and increase volume, leading to a fluffier mousse. Aim for soft peaks; overwhipping can lead to a grainy texture, making it harder to fold into the mascarpone mix without deflating it.

If you accidentally overwhip the cream, don’t panic! You can bring it back slightly by gently folding in a tablespoon or two of fresh cream that hasn’t been whipped. This will help restore a bit of the original lightness.

Make-Ahead and Serving Suggestions

One of the great aspects of Limoncello Lemon Mousse is its make-ahead capability. You can prepare it up to a day in advance. After assembling, cover the individual cups with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully, and the mousse will be even more refreshing when served cold.

For a delightful presentation, consider garnishing each serving with a fresh mint leaf or additional lemon zest before serving. A sprig of mint adds a nice contrast in color while enhancing the overall freshness of the dish. You could also drizzle a little more Limoncello over the top for an extra punch of flavor!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious Limoncello Lemon Mousse:

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup Limoncello
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Pinch of salt

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to create this delightful dessert!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your Limoncello Lemon Mousse:

Whip Cream

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.

Mix Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, Limoncello, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until smooth.

Fold Together

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until just combined. Be careful to maintain the light texture.

Chill

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

Enjoy your delicious Limoncello Lemon Mousse as a light summer dessert!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding crumbled biscuits or fresh berries as a layer in the serving cup for additional texture and flavor.

Variations to Explore

While Limoncello is a delightful pairing, you can experiment with other flavored liqueurs that complement citrus, such as orange liqueur or even a light berry liqueur. These can provide a unique twist on the classic recipe, changing the flavor profile while maintaining the same delightful texture.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace the Limoncello with a non-alcoholic lemon soda or a splash of lemon extract. The sweet soda will still give that refreshing quality, making this mousse accessible for everyone, even those avoiding alcohol.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep them covered to prevent any absorption of other fridge odors. However, best enjoyment is within the first 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor.

Freezing is not recommended for the mousse as the whipped cream may separate or become grainy once thawed. Instead, prepare smaller portions to minimize waste if you don't think you'll finish them within a couple of days.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your mousse isn't setting properly, it could be due to under-whipped cream or insufficient chilling. Make sure the cream is whipped to the soft peak stage, and if needed, increase the refrigeration time. Ideally, allow at least 4 hours for the mousse to fully firm up.

Another common issue is a grainy texture, often caused by overwhipping the cream or improperly incorporating the mascarpone. To prevent this, always fold gently and avoid vigorous stirring, which can deflate the air you've incorporated into your cream.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Yes! The mousse can be made a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

→ Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Absolutely! You can replace Limoncello with lemon juice and a bit of lemon-flavored soda for an alcohol-free version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be covered tightly and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I use a different citrus?

Yes, you can substitute lemon with lime or orange for a different flavor profile!