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Velvety lemon cheesecake mousse topped with bright zest using the lemon-sugar maceration technique for deep citrus flavor.

Easy Lemon Cheesecake Mousse

Rebecca Blumer
Enjoy the bright, tangy flavors of cheesecake in a light and airy mousse. This no-bake lemon treat uses a clever sugar-zest technique to deliver maximum citrus punch in just minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Chilling time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 158 kcal

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Small bowl
  • Zester or Microplane
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon

Ingredients
 

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Fat free cottage cheese
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp Powdered sugar (confectioner's)
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon zest
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup Light aerosol whipped cream, divided
  • 3 square Graham crackers, crushed

Instructions
 

Perfume the sugar first

  • In a small bowl, press and rub the powdered sugar and lemon zest together with the back of a spoon until the sugar looks a little damp and smells intensely citrusy.

Puree the cheesecake base

  • Add the cottage cheese to a food processor and run it on high for about 1 minute, stopping when it looks glossy and completely smooth, like a thick cream.
  • Tip in the lemon-sugar mixture, then add the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract. Process again until everything is fully blended and fragrant.

Fold, portion, and finish

  • Spoon the mixture into a medium bowl, then gently fold in 1/2 cup of the light whipped cream. Use slow, sweeping turns until the color is uniform and the mousse looks puffed, being careful not to deflate it.
  • Divide evenly among 4 small bowls. Right before serving, top with the crushed graham crackers and the remaining whipped cream so the crumbs stay crisp.

Notes

Setting Strategy: For the best structure, allow the mousse to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps the dairy proteins settle and hold air for a steadier, more cloud-like texture.
Texture Tip: Ensure the cottage cheese is processed until it is perfectly glossy and smooth before adding the liquid ingredients to prevent any unwanted graininess in the final mousse.
Serving Suggestion: Always add the crushed graham crackers immediately before serving. This maintains the essential crunchy contrast against the silky citrus base.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 12gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword Cheesecake, Lemon, mousse, No-bake
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