Description
This Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake features a buttery shortbread crust, a silky lemon mousse, and a juicy blueberry topping. It’s a no-bake dessert that’s light, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors—perfect for warm-weather gatherings or an elegant treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) shortbread cookie crumbs (or graham cracker crumbs)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp sugar
For the Lemon Mousse:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp unflavored gelatin + 2 tbsp cold water
For the Blueberry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups (225g) fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
Instructions
Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- In a bowl, mix shortbread crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the fridge while preparing the mousse.
2. Make the Lemon Mousse
- Bloom the Gelatin – Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let sit for 5 minutes. Then microwave for 10 seconds until dissolved.
- Whip the Cream – In a bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture – In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine – Stir in the dissolved gelatin, then gently fold in the whipped cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble – Pour the mousse over the crust, spreading evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
3. Make the Blueberry Topping
- In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until berries soften and release juices (about 5 minutes).
- Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into the blueberries. Simmer until thickened. Let cool completely.
4. Assemble & Serve
- Once the mousse is set, spread the cooled blueberry topping evenly over the cake.
- Chill for another 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Want a crunchier crust? Bake the shortbread crust at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then cool before adding mousse.
- Make ahead! This cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Dairy-free version? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese