Description
Jamie Oliver’s zesty lemon mousse delivers creamy Italian-inspired elegance with minimal ingredients. Silky smooth citrus notes dance across palates, promising refreshing delight that lingers between sweet and tangy sensations you’ll savor to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (separated)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (236 milliliters)
Flavoring:
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare a large saucepan by filling it with water and heating until it reaches a gentle, steaming simmer over medium heat.
- Create a smooth, tangy base by whisking together 3 whole eggs, 3 egg yolks, 1 cup (200 grams) of granulated sugar, freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a heat-resistant glass bowl.
- Position the bowl atop the simmering water, ensuring the bottom does not touch the water directly. Stir the mixture continuously for 12 to 15 minutes, watching for a slight thickening of the custard-like consistency.
- Remove the bowl from heat and allow the lemon mixture to cool at room temperature for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent skin formation.
- Transfer the cooled lemon mixture to a clean bowl and cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure. Refrigerate for 1 to 1.5 hours until thoroughly chilled.
- Separate the reserved 3 egg whites into a clean, dry mixing bowl. Whip at high speed for 45 to 60 seconds until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 2 tablespoons (25 grams) of sugar and continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks develop.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chilled lemon mixture using a spatula, maintaining the airy volume of the whites.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream (236 milliliters or 8 fluid ounces) until firm, voluminous peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture, preserving the light, airy texture.
Notes
- Mastering the egg separation technique ensures your mousse develops a luxurious, cloud-like texture without dense or lumpy sections.
- Gentle folding prevents air bubbles from collapsing, maintaining the delicate structure that makes this lemon mousse remarkably light.
- Resting the mixture in the refrigerator allows citrus flavors to intensify and the dessert to set into a perfect creamy consistency.
- Selecting fresh, ripe lemons guarantees a vibrant, zesty punch that transforms this simple dessert into a memorable culinary experience.
- Preparing components in advance reduces last-minute stress, making this elegant dessert ideal for sophisticated gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 336
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 71 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg