Lemon Mousse Cake

Introduction

If you love desserts that are light, airy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, this Lemon Mousse Cake is perfect for you! It combines a soft sponge cake base with a creamy, velvety lemon mousse filling, all topped with a glossy lemon glaze or delicate whipped cream.

This cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, afternoon tea, or special occasions where you want to impress guests with a dessert that’s both elegant and refreshing. The balance of sweetness and tangy lemon flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser, and best of all—it’s easier to make than you might think!

Ingredients (in Grams)

For the Cake Base

120g all-purpose flour
100g granulated sugar
3 large eggs
60ml whole milk
30ml vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon

For the Lemon Mousse

250ml heavy whipping cream (cold)
150g cream cheese (softened)
80g powdered sugar
100ml fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon gelatin powder (or 2g agar-agar)
2 tablespoons warm water

For the Lemon Glaze (Optional)

100ml fresh lemon juice
50g sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

(Or top with whipped cream instead of glaze!)

Instructions

1. Make the Cake Base

Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until combined.
Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until smooth, avoiding overmixing.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding the mousse layer.

2. Prepare the Lemon Mousse

In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
In a separate large bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Melt the gelatin in the microwave for 5-10 seconds, then stir it into the cream cheese mixture.
In another bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture until fully combined.

3. Assemble the Cake

Place the cooled cake back into the cake pan or a springform pan.
Pour the lemon mousse over the cake and smooth the top with a spatula.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the mousse is fully set.

4. Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional)

In a small saucepan, mix lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly.
Let it cool for 10 minutes, then pour over the set mousse layer.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Carefully remove the cake from the pan.
Garnish with whipped cream, lemon zest, or fresh berries for an elegant finish.
Slice and serve chilled!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 Slice)

Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g

(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredient substitutions.)

Tips and Tricks

1. How to Get the Perfect Mousse Texture

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
Whip the heavy cream separately and fold it in gently to keep the mousse light and airy.

2. Can I Make This Ahead?

Yes! This cake is best when made a day in advance, as it allows the flavors to develop fully.

3. Substitutes for Gelatin

If you prefer a vegetarian option, agar-agar can be used instead of gelatin. Just follow the package instructions for substitution.

4. How to Store the Cake

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: The mousse cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

5. Creative Variations

Berry Lemon Mousse Cake: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries to the mousse.
Lemon Curd Layer: Spread a thin layer of lemon curd between the cake and mousse for extra citrus punch.
Chocolate-Lemon Mousse Cake: Use a chocolate sponge base for a unique flavor twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Bright, fresh lemon flavor
✅ Soft sponge cake with a light mousse layer
✅ Perfect balance of tangy and sweet
✅ Great for special occasions
✅ Make-ahead and freezer-friendly