Lemon Mousse Cake Recipes

LEMON MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line the bottom of a 10 inch spring form pan with parchment paper but do NOT grease the sides. Greasing the sides will not allow the cake to rise well and since the cake is cooled in the pan, the ungreased sides provide support for the cake as it cools so that it will not shrink. (See NOTE for 9 inch Springform Pan)
• In the bowl of an electric mixer, using a whisk attachment, combine the sugar, eggs and vanilla extract and beat on medium high speed for about 10 minutes until the mixture is foamy and pale in color.
• Reduce the speed of the mixer to medium low and with the mixer running, begin to continuously sprinkle in rounded tablespoons of the flour. Stop the mixer as soon as the flour is fully incorporated.
• Remove 1 to 2 cups of the sponge cake batter and mix it with the melted butter.
• Immediately add this mixture back into the main batter, folding it in very gently with a rubber spatula. Make sure the butter mixture is fully mixed in but be careful not to over mix the batter when folding as this can cause the batter to deflate.
• Pour the batter into the prepared 10 inch spring form pan and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the top springs back fully when pressed lightly. Watch this cake closely as it will over bake easily if left for 5 minutes too long. Start checking it at the 40 minute mark just to be sure, although it always takes the full 45 minutes in my oven.
• Cool the cake completely IN THE PAN for at least a couple of hours before carefully and slowly running a sharp knife around the outside edge of the pan to release the cake from the sides. Be sure that you are holding the knife straight at a 90 degree angle, pressing it firmly against the side of the pan as you run it around the edge. This will ensure that you do not damage the sides and they will come out looking perfect in your presentation.
• Release the sides of the spring form pan and peel the parchment paper off the bottom of the cake before placing it back into the spring form pan. The pan then acts as a mould to add the lemon mousse and allow it to set.
• In a small saucepan combine the egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice and zest.
• Cook slowly over medium low heat for about 10 minutes stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
• Remove from heat and stir in the butter a few pieces at a time until completely smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and chill completely in the fridge.
• Note: I don't mind leaving the finely minced lemon zest in my lemon curd because I think it develops even more flavour as it chills, but if you prefer it smoother, you can run it trough a fine sieve before chilling.
• Whip the whipping cream, icing sugar and vanilla extract to firm peaks.
• Using a rubber spatula, fold 1/2 of the chilled lemon curd through the whipped cream until thoroughly blended. (The other half of the lemon curd is reserved for the top of the cake.)
• Once you have the sponge cake back in the spring form pan as directed, you can sprinkle it with the Limoncello liqueur if you are using it. (See NOTE for 9 inch Springform Pan)
• Add the prepared lemon mousse to the pan and chill for several hours or overnight.
• When the cake is well chilled and the mousse has set, run a small sharp knife around the edge of the mousse to loosen it from the pan.
• Slide the cake from the bottom of the pan onto a serving plate. Spread the reserved lemon curd evenly over the cake.
• Pipe the vanilla whipped cream around the border or just use rounded teaspoonfuls to dollop around the edge. Garnish with the candied lemon peel if desired.
• Cut a large lemon in thick slices and then cut the slices in half. Remove the lemon flesh from the peel.
• Bring the 3/4 cup sugar and water to a slow simmer and add the lemon peel.
• Slowly simmer for 15-20 minutes, then remove the peels from the syrup and drain for a minute or two on a wire rack before tossing the sticky peel into the additional sugar until it cools.

LEMON MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans; line with parchment. Butter parchment, then dust with flour, tapping out excess. Whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla seeds.
• In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt on low speed until well combined. Continue beating while gradually adding butter until mixture is crumbly, about 3 minutes.
• Slowly add half of milk mixture; increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Slowly add remaining half of milk mixture, scraping down bowl as needed. Add lemon zest. Beat until incorporated, about 1 minute more.
• Remove bowl from mixer; divide batter evenly between prepared pans, spreading to edges using a small offset spatula. Tap pans on counter to release any air bubbles. Bake until golden brown and a tester inserted in centers comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack; let cool completely. Turn cakes out of pans and remove parchment.
• Filling: Sprinkle gelatin over water; let stand until softened, about 5 minutes. Whisk together yolks, sugar, and lemon zest and juice in a small, heavy saucepan. Cook, whisking constantly, over medium-low heat, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat; add gelatin mixture, stirring constantly, until gelatin is dissolved and mixture is slightly cool. Add butter a few pieces at a time, stirring well after each addition, until smooth. Using a rubber spatula, press filling through a fine sieve into a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto surface to prevent skin from forming, and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Stir filling; gently fold in whipped cream. Refrigerate 1 hour. Stir before using.
• Using a serrated knife, split each cake horizontally into two equal layers. Place a cake layer, bottom-side down, on a serving platter. Spread 1 heaping cup filling evenly over it. Repeat process with two more cake layers. Top with remaining cake layer, bottom-side up. Refrigerate while you make meringue.
• Meringue: Combine sugar, egg whites, and salt in the heatproof bowl of a mixer set over (not in) a pot of simmering water. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and mixture is warm to the touch and feels completely smooth when rubbed between fingertips, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer bowl to mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; whisk on low speed until foamy. Increase speed to medium-high and whisk until stiff, glossy peaks form and mixture has cooled completely, about 10 minutes. Add vanilla, cornstarch, and vinegar; whisk until incorporated, about 1 minute more.
• Assembly: Evenly spread top and sides of cake with a 1/2-inch thickness of meringue, smoothing with an offset spatula. Transfer remaining meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a 3/4-inch round tip. Position tip parallel to top of cake, about 1 inch from edge. Pipe meringue, using an even amount of pressure and dragging tip along surface of cake and down side of cake, on the diagonal, and working from right to left. Continue piping, rotating cake, to cover completely.
• Using a kitchen torch, move flame back and forth along top edge of meringue until evenly browned. Top with raspberries just before serving.

LUSCIOUS LEMON MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Mix the cake according to the recipe, adding the zest to the dry ingredients and the lemon extract with the vanilla.
• Divide the batter between two 8" pans lined with a parchment round or buttered and floured. Bake as instructed in the recipe. Wrap the cooled layers and chill until firm (I like to bake the cake a day ahead)
• When you're ready to assemble the cake, trim the browned edges and domed top off both cakes. Split each cake horizontally so you have a total of 4 cake layers. See how to prep the layers here. Have your syrup and buttercream ready before you begin making the Lemon Mousse.
• Place the Limoncello (or cold water) and lemon extract into a microwave safe bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the liquid in an even layer. Whisk briefly to combine and set aside to bloom. Whip the cream with the powdered sugar and set aside.
• Place the 1 1/4 cups lemon curd in a large mixing bowl and use a spatula to smooth out the curd to break up any lumps. Fold 1/3 of the the cream into the lemon curd until no lumps of curd remain. Fold in the remaining cream until it's about 1/2 way incorporated.
• Heat the bloomed gelatin in the microwave in 10 second increments until it's hot to the touch. Working quickly, add a 1/2 cup of the mousse to the warmed gelatin. Whisk immediately until completely incorporated. Pour the gelatin mixture back into the mousse. Immediately whisk until the mousse is smooth and the gelatin is evenly incorporated. If the mousse is very soft, refrigerate briefly to let it thicken before assembling the cake.
• Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with buttercream (or use a disposable bag with the tip cut).
• Set one layer of the cake, flat side down, onto a cardboard cake round or a serving plate. Brush the layer generously with the Limoncello syrup. Pipe a ring of buttercream around the edge of the layer to form a "dam" for the mousse. Scoop half the lemon mousse onto the layer and smooth until even.
• Gently place the second cake layer onto the mousse, careful not to squish the mousse layer. Brush the layer with syrup and pipe a dam of buttercream. Set aside a 1/2 cup of the lemon curd and scoop the rest onto the layer. Smooth the curd until even (be careful not too press hard or you might squish the mousse layer beneath).
• Place the 3rd cake layer, brush with syrup and pipe a dam. Fill with the remaining lemon mousse. Top with the 4th layer, brush with syrup. Set the cake into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to set the buttercream "dams" and the mousse.
• Ice the cake with a thin crumb coat of buttercream. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to set the buttercream and allow the mousse time to gel. Ice the cake with a final coating of buttercream.
• Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe a border around the top of the cake. Spread the last 1/2 cup of curd onto the cake. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours to make sure the filling is completely set, preferably over night.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator 1/2 hour before serving.

SIMPLE LEMON MOUSSE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch and salt; whisk in egg yolks and milk until smooth. Whisk in lemon juice until blended; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened slightly, 2 minutes longer. Stir in lemon zest., Transfer mixture to a bowl. Cover surface with plastic wrap; refrigerate until cold., To serve, in a small bowl, beat cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Fold into lemon mixture. Spoon into serving dishes. If desired, top with additional whipped cream and lemon slices.

NO-BAKE LEMON MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by flipping the base so that the lip is on the bottom of the
• pan and then latch the pan in place. Spray the inside lightly with nonstick spray.
• For the crust: Combine the cookie crumbs and lemon zest in a medium bowl and toss to combine. Add the butter and toss to combine. Press the mixture firmly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside.
• For the mousse: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream on medium-high speed until medium peaks form. Transfer the cream to a separate large bowl and set aside.
• Combine the mascarpone, confectioners' sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon extract, vanilla and salt in the same bowl used to whip the cream. Beat on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape the bowl and whisk attachment and continue to beat until thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds longer. Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a rubber spatula to fold about a third of the whipped cream into the mascarpone cream. Fold the remaining cream into the mascarpone mixture in thirds.
• For assembly: Spread a third of the lemon mousse over the crumb crust. Arrange half of the ladyfingers in a single layer over the mousse. Add another third of the mousse and spread it evenly over the top. Add another layer of lady fingers. Spread the remaining mousse over the ladyfingers and smooth the top. Refrigerate the cake at least 6 hours or overnight.
• To serve, gently run a spatula between the mousse and the edge of the springform pan. Unlatch the pan and slide the cake off the base and onto a serving platter (or serve the cake right from the springform bottom). Smooth the sides of the cake with an offset spatula if desired. Sprinkle the coarsely crushed cookie crumbs in a ring around the outer edge of the top of the cake. Serve chilled.

LEMON MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Bring sugar and water to a boil in saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar.
• Add lemons;return just to boil.
• Pour lemons and syrup into bowl, and let stand at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours.
• Grease 9" spring form pan; line bottom with parchment or wax paper.
• Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Beat in eggs, one at a time, and lemon rind.
• Combine dry ingredients together and add to butter mixture alternately with milk making 3 additions of flour and 2 of milk.
• Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean.
• Cool completely.
• MOUSSE:.
• Bring sugar, lemon rind and juice to boil.
• In a bowl beat eggs; pour in hot lemon mixture and mix well.
• Pour back into pan and bring to just a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Cook and stir constantly for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
• Scrape into a bowl.
• Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in small saucepan; let stand 5 minutes.
• Heat over low heat until dissolved; stir into lemon mixture, mixing well.
• Place plastic wrap on surface of mousse and let cool, stirring once, gently,for 30 minutes or until no longer warm.
• In another bowl, whip cream and fold into lemon mixture.
• Refrigerate.
• Line 10" spring form pan (I use the same pan for baking the cake and assembling) with enough plastic wrap to leave overhang to cover top.
• Arrange lemon slices over bottom of pan, reserving syrup.
• Spoon half of mousse over lemons.
• Cut cake in half and brush cut sides with 3/4 cup reserved lemon syrup.
• Place one cake layer over mousse, cut side up.
• Spoon remaining mousse over cake.
• Place second cake layer over mousse, cut side down, and press to surround cake with mousse.
• Cover with plastic wrap and place on tray to catch any leaks.
• Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or up to three days.
• Uncover cake and invert gently onto plate, remove plastic wrap and smooth sides if necessary with metal spatula.
• Garnish with fresh raspberries.

LEMON MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 F. Line the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment but do not grease pan.
• Warm eggs in their shells in a bowl of hot water for 2 to 3 minutes.
• In a mixer or with an electric beater, whip eggs with sugar over high speed for15 minutes.
• Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.
• In a separate bowl mix butter, vanilla, lemon juice and zest. With the mixer on medium low speed, add flour mixture all at once. Let mix 30 seconds and add butter mixture all at once.
• Pour batter into pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, until cake springs back when you touch it.
• Heat sugar, lemon juice and water together until sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
• Soften gelatin in lemon juice with lemon zest added.
• Whip cream to soft peaks and chill.
• Warm eggs in their shells in warm water for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Whip eggs with sugar on high speed for 5 minutes. While eggs are whipping, melt gelatin mixture over low heat, stirring. When eggs have doubled in volume, fold in whipped cream by hand. With mixer on low speed, add gelatin mixture and blend for 10 seconds.
• Place an 8-inch ring mold (or springform pan ring) on a plate. Trim sponge cake to6 inches in diameter and slice into 2 horizontally.
• Place one disc inside the mold. Brush lightly with lemon syrup. Pour half of the mousse over the cake, letting it spill over the sides.
• Spread mousse with a palette knife, getting mousse into every space. Place second cake disc on top of mousse and brush with syrup.
• Pour the rest of the mousse on top and spread evenly. Chill for 3 hours.
• Removing the mold is easy with the use of a blow dryer! Blow hot air over metal ring to warm slightly. Gently lift mold (if it seems to be sticking, keep warming with the dryer.) You will have a cake with sharp edges and perfect sides!
• Garnish cake in the center with fresh berries.

FRESH LEMON MOUSSE

Steps:

• In a large heat-proof bowl, whisk together the 3 whole eggs, 3 egg yolks, 1 cup sugar, the lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for about 10 to 12 minutes until the mixture is thick like pudding. (I change to a whisk when the mixture starts to get thick.) Take off the heat and set aside for 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, until completely chilled.
• Place half the egg whites and a pinch of salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on high speed. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and continue to beat until the whites are stiff and shiny. Carefully fold the beaten whites into the cold lemon mixture with a rubber spatula. Place the cream in the same bowl of the electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (no need to clean the bowl) and beat on high speed until the cream forms stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture. Fold in the lemon curd, and pour into a 7-inch-diameter, 3-inch-deep souffle dish. Decorate with sweetened whipped cream and lemon slices that have been cut into quarters. Chill and serve cold.
• Place the cream, sugar, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip on medium and then high speed until the cream just forms still peaks. Spoon the whipped cream into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.

LEMON MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Make, bake and cool cake as directed on box for two 8- or 9-inch rounds.
• In medium bowl, gently stir pie filling into frosting.
• Place 1 cake layer, rounded side down, on serving plate. Spread with 1 cup of the lemon mixture to within 1/4 inch of edge. Top with second layer. Frost side and top of cake with remaining lemon mixture. Store loosely covered.