Introduction
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing dessert that doesn’t break the calorie bank, this Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is the perfect choice. This dessert is creamy, tangy, and incredibly satisfying while being mindful of your diet. Perfect for a summer treat or a light dessert, this mousse combines the tanginess of lemon with the richness of cheesecake in a delightful way.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cream (whipping or heavy)
- ½ cup erythritol (or your preferred low-carb sweetener), ground
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon lemon rind (zest)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
- Add Sweetener and Flavors: Add the ground erythritol, lemon juice, lemon rind (zest), and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whisk the cream until firm peaks form. This can be done with a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to mix until the two mixtures are well combined, but be careful to maintain the light and airy texture.
Step 4: Chill the Mousse
- Chill: Transfer the mousse to serving dishes or a large bowl. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the mousse to set properly.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: Just before serving, you can garnish the mousse with fresh berries, a slice of lemon, or a sprig of mint for a touch of color and added flavor.
- Serve: Serve the chilled mousse in individual dessert bowls or glasses. Enjoy this light and refreshing dessert as a satisfying end to any meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Mousse
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. The brightness of fresh lemon really makes this dessert shine.
- Chill Time: Allow the mousse to chill for at least an hour, but if possible, let it sit overnight. This gives the flavors time to develop and the mousse to set perfectly.
- Sweetener Choice: You can adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of erythritol.
FAQs
Can I Use a Different Sweetener?
Yes, you can use other low-carb sweeteners like Stevia, Splenda, or monk fruit sweetener. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to taste, as different sweeteners have different levels of sweetness.
How Long Can I Store This Mousse?
You can store the mousse in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Be sure to check that your sweetener is also dairy-free.
Can I Add Other Flavors?
Absolutely! This mousse is versatile. You can try adding a little bit of almond extract or even some pureed berries for different flavor variations.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, this Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is designed to be Weight Watchers friendly. Just make sure to use the specified ingredients and portion sizes to keep the points low.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 247 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3.7 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 24 g
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is a delightful dessert that balances the tangy flavor of lemon with the creamy texture of cheesecake, all while being light on calories. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising your diet goals. Enjoy this guilt-free treat any time you need a refreshing and delicious dessert!