Lemon mousse cups shortbread (Printable)

Zesty lemon mousse pairs with buttery shortbread crumble for a light, elegant spring dessert.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shortbread Crumble

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Lemon Mousse

05 - 3 large eggs, separated
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

→ Garnish

11 - Fresh berries
12 - Lemon zest curls
13 - Mint leaves

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter cubes. Rub mixture together with fingertips or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Spread evenly on prepared baking sheet.
03 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
04 - In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Place bowl over a pot of simmering water and whisk constantly for approximately 7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
05 - In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
06 - In a separate bowl, whip chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.
07 - Gently fold whipped cream into cooled lemon mixture. Then fold in egg whites until just combined and smooth.
08 - Spoon generous layer of shortbread crumble into bottom of 6 serving glasses or ramekins. Top with lemon mousse. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
09 - Top each cup with fresh berries, lemon zest curls, and mint leaves before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Light and refreshing lemon mousse that's both creamy and zesty.
  • Buttery shortbread crumble adds a satisfying crunch.
  • Simple preparation with minimal ingredients and tools.
  • Elegant presentation perfect for entertaining or casual treats.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and easily customizable to diet needs.
02 -
  • Use a silicone spatula to fold ingredients gently without deflating the mousse.
  • Chilling the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours enhances the flavors and texture.
  • Cream of tartar stabilizes egg whites but is optional.
  • For ease, prepare the crumble a day ahead and store in an airtight container.
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