Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake Recipe

Zesty Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake Recipe

Crafting a delectable lemon blueberry shortbread mousse cake promises a delightful culinary adventure that sparks pure joy.

Creamy layers blend tangy citrus with sweet berries in a harmonious dance of flavors.

Soft, crumbly shortbread creates a perfect foundation for this dreamy dessert.

Delicate mousse swirls capture the essence of summer’s most beloved fruits.

Each bite transports you to a world of elegant indulgence.

Subtle notes of lemon zest complement the rich, velvety texture.

Prepare to experience a dessert that will become your new signature treat.

Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake Flavor Highlights

Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake Flavor Highlights
  • Craft a stunning dessert without professional baking skills, perfect for home cooks looking to impress with minimal effort.
  • Combines beloved flavors of tangy lemon and sweet blueberries, appealing to both kids and adults at gatherings and celebrations.
  • After preparing the crust, the remaining steps require no additional baking, making it a cool and refreshing summer dessert that saves time and energy.
  • Layers of buttery shortbread crust, creamy lemon mousse, and juicy blueberries create a delightful contrast of textures in every single bite.

Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake

Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake
Crust Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the shortbread base.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the delicate crumbly texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
Mousse Filling:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light and airy texture when whipped to soft peaks.
  • Lemon Curd: Delivers a tangy and bright citrus flavor to the mousse.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps stabilize the mousse.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mousse and helps create a smooth consistency.
  • Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor and adds aromatic notes.
Topping:
  • Fresh Blueberries, Granulated Sugar, Lemon Juice: Combine to create a sweet and slightly tart fruity layer that complements the lemon mousse.

Making a Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake at Home

Making a Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake at Home

Step 1: Create Buttery Shortbread Base

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350F.

Grab a mixing bowl and combine flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Work the ingredients until they transform into a crumbly dough.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even layer.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.

Once done, let the crust cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Lemon Cloud

Grab your electric mixer and whip the heavy cream until soft, billowy peaks emerge.

In another bowl, blend lemon curd, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and fresh lemon zest until silky smooth.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture, creating a light and airy mousse.

Step 3: Layer Luscious Mousse

Spread the velvety lemon mousse evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.

Use a spatula to create a smooth, pristine surface.

Step 4: Add Burst of Berry Goodness

Toss fresh blueberries with a sprinkle of sugar and a splash of lemon juice.

Scatter the glistening berries across the mousse layer, creating a beautiful, vibrant topping.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 2 hours.

The mousse will set, and the flavors will meld together.

Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Mousse Cake

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Mousse Cake
  • Use room temperature butter and press the shortbread mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid, compact base that won't fall apart when slicing.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and whisk before beating heavy cream to help it form stable, fluffy peaks faster and maintain its structure.
  • Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the lemon mousse evenly, ensuring a smooth and professional-looking surface.
  • Macerate blueberries in sugar and lemon juice for 10-15 minutes before topping to intensify their sweetness and release natural juices.
  • This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Store and Serve Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake Right

Store and Serve Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake Right
  • Store the lemon blueberry mousse cake in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly and preserve texture.
  • Cut the cake into slices before storing. Separate each slice with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make grabbing a quick serving easier.
  • Avoid microwaving, as it can destroy the delicate mousse texture. Instead, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavors.

Drinks and Sides for Mousse Cake Moments

Drinks and Sides for Mousse Cake Moments
  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the cake's bright lemon and blueberry flavors, cutting through the creamy mousse with its acidity.
  • Serve with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Brew a delicate Earl Grey tea with subtle lavender notes that enhance the cake's citrusy and berry profile, creating a sophisticated and harmonious taste experience.
  • Match with Lemon Sorbet: Add a small scoop of tangy lemon sorbet alongside the cake to amplify the citrus notes and provide a palate-cleansing, refreshing contrast to the rich mousse.
  • Garnish with Fresh Mint: Sprinkle a few fresh mint leaves on the plate to add a vibrant, herbal touch that brightens the dessert and provides a clean, aromatic finish to each bite.

Fun Ways to Switch Up Mousse Cake Flavors

Fun Ways to Switch Up Mousse Cake Flavors
  • Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake: Replace flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for the entire recipe.
  • Vegan Citrus Berry Mousse Cake: Swap butter with coconut oil, use vegan cream cheese, replace heavy cream with coconut cream. Create lemon curd using aquafaba and plant-based sweeteners.
  • Low-Sugar Blueberry Lemon Mousse: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free lemon curd and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining flavor intensity.
  • Keto-Friendly Berry Mousse Dessert: Use almond flour for crust, replace sugar with erythritol, incorporate full-fat cream cheese, and use fresh blueberries sparingly to keep carbohydrate count low.

FAQs

FAQs
  • Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before adding to the cake to prevent excess moisture.

  • How do I know if my lemon curd is the right consistency?

Good lemon curd should be smooth, thick, and coat the back of a spoon. It shouldn’t be runny or too stiff when you’re making the mousse.

  • What if I don't have a springform pan?

You can use a regular cake pan with parchment paper lining. Just ensure you can easily remove the cake without breaking the delicate mousse layer.

  • Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar in the mousse slightly and use tart, fresh blueberries. You can also adjust the lemon zest for more citrusy tartness to balance the sweetness.

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Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake Recipe

Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky lemon blueberry shortbread mousse cake promises a delightful journey through sweet and tangy layers of pure indulgence. Creamy textures and zesty notes will dance across palates, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this irresistible dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Mousse and Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) lemon curd, store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Craft the shortbread foundation by blending flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt into a cohesive mixture. Press the dough uniformly across the base of a springform pan, ensuring an even layer.
  2. Roast the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-18 minutes until achieving a golden hue. Allow the crust to cool completely, creating a sturdy base for the mousse.
  3. Whip heavy cream until soft, billowy peaks emerge, creating a light and airy texture. Set aside for subsequent layering.
  4. In a separate mixing vessel, harmonize lemon curd, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest, whisking until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  5. Delicately incorporate the whipped cream into the lemon mixture, folding gently to maintain the mousse’s ethereal structure and prevent deflation.
  6. Spread the luscious lemon mousse across the cooled shortbread crust, using a spatula to create a smooth, elegant surface.
  7. Macerate fresh blueberries with a sprinkle of sugar and a hint of lemon juice, allowing them to release their natural sweetness and vibrant juices.
  8. Artfully distribute the macerated blueberries across the mousse layer, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed topping.
  9. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 2 hours, enabling the mousse to set and flavors to meld, resulting in a chilled, refreshing treat.

Notes

  • Swap flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour to make the crust suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture in the mousse.
  • Use fresh blueberries at peak ripeness for maximum flavor and vibrant color in the topping.
  • Freeze the cake for a firmer, ice cream-like texture that provides a delightful contrast to the creamy mousse.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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