Lemon Mousse Cups Shortbread (Printable)

Light lemon mousse layered with buttery shortbread crumble for a refreshing spring dessert.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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, approximately 2 lemons
08 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar, optional for stability

→ Garnish

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

# How To Make:

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

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Easy to prepare, requiring no advanced techniques.
  • Elegant presentation perfect for entertaining guests.
  • Refreshing lemon flavor balances the rich, buttery shortbread base.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and adaptable to gluten-free diets.
02 -
  • Use cold cubed butter for the crumble to ensure a flaky texture.
  • Whisk the lemon yolk mixture constantly over the double boiler to prevent curdling.
  • Chill the mousse thoroughly to allow flavors to develop and texture to set.
Go Back