Mary Berry Lemon Mousse

Introduction

Mary Berry Lemon Mousse is the kind of dessert that feels like a breath of fresh air, both light and refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness. The tangy citrus flavor from the lemon is perfectly balanced by the smooth, creamy texture of the mousse, creating a dessert that’s as elegant as it is simple to make. Made with fresh lemon juice, whipped cream, and a hint of sweetness, this mousse is the ideal way to round off any meal. It’s a treat that is just as comforting as it is refreshing—perfect for both everyday moments and special occasions.

The first time I made Mary Berry Lemon Mousse, I was surprised by how easily the ingredients came together to create such a light, fluffy texture. Whipping the cream and mixing it with the zesty lemon juice felt like an effortless task, yet the result was a dessert that looked as if it belonged in a five-star restaurant. When I took the first bite, I was hooked—the creamy mousse and the sharp, citrus flavor were the perfect pairing, and it left me wanting more.

What I love most about this mousse is how versatile it is. It can be served in individual cups for a special treat or layered into a larger bowl for a more casual family dinner. You can even add a bit of zest or a few mint leaves on top for a fun twist. No matter how you serve it, Mary Berry Lemon Mousse is sure to impress and bring a touch of elegance to your table, making every bite a reminder of the simple joys in life.

Perfect for:

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• Summer gatherings
• Afternoon tea
• Special occasions
• Dinner parties
• Citrus lovers

Why You’ll Love This Mary Berry Lemon Mousse Recipe

Here’s why Mary Berry Lemon Mousse will become your go-to dessert:

• Light and Refreshing: The mousse has a light, airy texture with just the right balance of citrusy tartness, making it a refreshing dessert that isn’t too heavy.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few common ingredients, this mousse is quick and easy to make—perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
• Make-Ahead: This dessert can be made in advance, allowing you to prepare it the day before your event or gathering, giving you more time to enjoy.
• Classic British Flavors: Inspired by traditional British desserts, this mousse showcases Mary Berry’s signature style—elegant yet uncomplicated.
• Versatile Garnishing Options: You can get creative with garnishes, from fresh berries to mint leaves or even a dusting of lemon zest for extra flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2.5 hours
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Mary Berry Lemon Mousse:

• 2 large lemons (zest and juice)
• 100g caster sugar (plus extra for garnish)
• 200ml double cream
• 100g mascarpone cheese, softened
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a vibrant, tangy flavor to the mousse, giving it a zesty kick without being overpowering.
• Double Cream: This rich cream adds the perfect smoothness and decadence to the mousse, creating a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Mascarpone provides richness and helps stabilize the mousse while keeping it light and airy.
• Egg Whites: Whipped egg whites are key to giving the mousse its fluffy, cloud-like texture, making it delicate and light.
• Caster Sugar: Caster sugar dissolves easily, ensuring that your mousse has a smooth, even sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Mary Berry Lemon Mousse:

Prepare the Lemon Mixture:

1. Zest and Juice the Lemons: Using a fine grater, zest both lemons, then juice them into a separate bowl. Set both aside.
2. Heat the Lemon Juice and Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice and sugar. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

Prepare the Whipped Cream:

3. Whip the Double Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the double cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to over-whip it, as it can turn into butter.
4. Add Mascarpone: Fold the mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream until smooth and combined.

Whisk the Egg Whites:

5. Whip the Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. You can add a pinch of salt to help stabilize them if necessary.
6. Add the Lemon Mixture: Gradually pour the warm lemon juice and sugar mixture into the egg whites while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the egg whites form stiff peaks.

Combine the Mixtures:

7. Fold Together: Carefully fold the lemon mixture into the whipped cream and mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula to combine gently, keeping the mousse light and airy.
8. Chill the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or a large serving dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2.5 hours to allow it to set.

Serve:

9. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of caster sugar, lemon zest, and fresh mint or berries if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

How to Serve Mary Berry Lemon Mousse

Mary Berry Lemon Mousse is a versatile dessert that can be served in many delightful ways:

• In Individual Glasses: Present the mousse in small glasses for a personal touch, perfect for dinner parties or special gatherings.
• With Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a burst of color and sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemon.
• With a Touch of Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves to add a pop of green and an additional layer of refreshing flavor.
• In a Large Dish: For a family-style dessert, serve the mousse in a large bowl or dish and allow guests to scoop their own portions.
• With Lemon Zest: Sprinkle extra lemon zest on top for an extra citrusy punch that enhances the flavors of the mousse.

Additional Tips for Mary Berry Lemon Mousse

Here are some tips to ensure your Mary Berry Lemon Mousse turns out perfectly:

• Fresh Lemons Are Key: Use fresh lemons rather than bottled lemon juice for the best flavor. The zest is also important for that extra citrusy kick.
• Don’t Overwhip the Cream: Whip the double cream to soft peaks rather than stiff peaks to keep the mousse airy and light.
• Stabilize Egg Whites: Ensure the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks to provide structure and texture to the mousse.
• Chill for Longer: For the best results, chill the mousse for at least 2.5 hours. You can even prepare it the night before for extra convenience.
• Experiment with Flavors: You can infuse the mousse with other citrus flavors like lime or orange if you prefer a twist on the classic lemon flavor.

Recipe Variations for Mary Berry Lemon Mousse

Here are 10 variations you can try for Mary Berry Lemon Mousse:

• Lime Mousse: Swap the lemons for limes to create a tangy lime mousse with a refreshing twist.
• Orange Mousse: Substitute lemon with orange juice and zest for a sweeter, more mellow citrus mousse.
• Berry Lemon Mousse: Add blended berries like raspberries or strawberries to the mousse mixture for a fruity addition.
• Mango Lemon Mousse: Mix in pureed mango for a tropical, creamy twist on this classic dessert.
• Lemon and Lavender Mousse: Add a few sprigs of lavender to the lemon mixture for a floral touch.
• Lemon and Coconut Mousse: Fold in some shredded coconut for a creamy, tropical flavor combination.
• Chocolate Lemon Mousse: Drizzle melted chocolate on top or mix it into the mousse for a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Lemon and Almond Mousse: Add a few drops of almond extract to the mousse for a nutty flavor that pairs well with citrus.
• Lemon and Ginger Mousse: Add some finely grated fresh ginger to the mousse for a spicy-sweet kick.
• Mini Mousse Pots: Serve the mousse in mini jars or pots for an elegant, portioned presentation that’s perfect for individual servings.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: While it’s best to serve the mousse fresh, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover mousse in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh.

Special Equipment for Mary Berry Lemon Mousse

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Mary Berry Lemon Mousse easier:

• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer will help you whip the cream and egg whites to the perfect consistency.
• Zester or Grater: A zester or fine grater is essential for extracting fresh lemon zest without including the bitter pith.
• Serving Glasses or Bowls: Individual serving glasses are great for a sophisticated presentation, while a large bowl works for family-style serving.
• Whisk: A whisk is needed to beat the egg whites and combine the lemon mixture into the cream.
• Sifter: A sifter is useful for evenly dusting the mousse with sugar and zest before serving.

FAQ Section for Mary Berry Lemon Mousse

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
2. Can I make this dessert the day before?
   Yes, you can make the mousse the night before and refrigerate it overnight for better flavor and texture.
3. Can I make this mousse without eggs?
   If you prefer an egg-free version, you can omit the egg whites and use a store-bought egg-free mousse mix instead.
4. Can I use a different type of cream?
   Double cream is best for this recipe, but you can substitute with heavy whipping cream if double cream is unavailable.
5. Can I add more sweetness to the mousse?
   If you prefer a sweeter mousse, you can adjust the sugar to taste, but be mindful not to overpower the lemon flavor.

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Conclusion

Mary Berry Lemon Mousse is the ultimate refreshing dessert, offering a perfect balance of tangy lemon and creamy sweetness. With its light and airy texture, it’s the ideal way to end any meal on a bright note. Whether you’re serving it at a formal gathering, a casual family dinner, or as a special treat for yourself, this mousse is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a must-try dessert that can be customized to suit your preferences. So, grab some fresh lemons and get ready to enjoy this delicious, zesty indulgence!

I can’t wait to see your lemon mousse creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make it your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Enjoy making this refreshing treat!