If you’re looking for a dessert that’s creamy, tangy, and absolutely guilt-free, this keto lemon cheesecake mousse is about to become your go-to treat. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dessert yet fancy enough to impress guests at dinner parties. Plus, it’s packed with that zesty lemon kick and silky cheesecake flavor—without all the carbs.
Here’s the full breakdown: the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and a few pro tips that’ll make your mousse extra amazing.
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional mousse recipes tend to rely on sugar-heavy ingredients, but this one swaps them out for low-carb options. The result? A perfectly fluffy dessert with all the flavor and none of the carb hangover. It’s also no-bake, which means less work for you and less heat in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This keto lemon cheesecake mousse keeps it simple with ingredients you might already have in your keto-friendly pantry:
For the mousse:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered erythritol (or any keto-friendly sweetener)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional toppings:
- Fresh lemon slices
- Keto whipped cream
- A sprinkle of crushed keto cookies or almond flour “crumbs”
Equipment You’ll Need
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Zester or grater (for that lemon zest magic)
- Piping bags or spoons for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Take the cream cheese out of the fridge and let it soften to room temperature. This makes it easier to whip and ensures no lumps in the mousse. While you wait, zest your lemon and juice it. Pro tip: Roll the lemon on the counter with your palm before juicing—it helps release the juice more easily.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using a hand mixer, beat the cream until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Be patient; you want it thick and fluffy. Set the whipped cream aside.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese and Sweetener
In another bowl, add the softened cream cheese and powdered erythritol. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a splash of heavy cream to loosen it up.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Vanilla
To the cream cheese mixture, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully combined. The lemon juice gives it a bright, tangy flavor, while the zest enhances that citrusy aroma.
Step 5: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and go slow to keep the mousse light and airy. Folding instead of stirring is key here—you don’t want to lose all that lovely fluffiness.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. If you’re feeling fancy, transfer it into a piping bag and pipe it for that professional touch. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld and the mousse firm up.
Serving Ideas
- Solo star: Serve it as is in small bowls or glasses. The mousse is rich, so smaller portions work best.
- With toppings: Add a dollop of keto whipped cream, a few fresh berries, or a sprinkle of almond flour crumbs for a crunchy contrast.
- Layered parfait: Alternate layers of mousse with crushed keto-friendly cookies in a tall glass for a parfait-style dessert.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mousse
- Fresh is best: Always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice can’t compete with the real deal.
- Room temperature matters: Make sure your cream cheese is soft. Cold cream cheese is tough to mix and can leave lumps.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste as you go and adjust the sweetener to suit your preference. Some people like it tangier, while others prefer a sweeter bite.
- Chill out: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for setting the mousse and enhancing the flavors.
Why This Recipe Fits Keto Perfectly
Every ingredient in this recipe is keto-approved. The cream cheese and heavy cream are rich in fat, making them perfect for a high-fat, low-carb lifestyle. Powdered erythritol keeps the sweetness in check without adding any sugar, and the fresh lemon juice provides a natural burst of flavor without spiking blood sugar levels.
Customizing Your Mousse
- Make it extra lemony: Add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or a tiny drop of lemon extract.
- Go tropical: Replace the lemon with lime for a key lime pie-inspired version.
- Chocolate twist: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cream cheese mix for a chocolate cheesecake mousse.
- Berry boost: Layer the mousse with fresh raspberries or blueberries for a fruity punch.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
Not only is this keto lemon cheesecake mousse ridiculously easy to make, but it’s also a dessert that feels indulgent without wrecking your diet. Whether you’re prepping for a special occasion or just craving something sweet after dinner, this recipe delivers every time.
Plus, it’s kid-friendly (though you might want to call it “lemon fluff” to get the little ones on board) and a crowd-pleaser for anyone—even if they’re not following a keto lifestyle.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 215
- Fat: 21g
- Carbs: 3g (net)
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion
Desserts don’t have to be off-limits on keto, and this lemon cheesecake mousse proves it. With minimal ingredients, easy prep, and incredible flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Try it today, and let your taste buds decide—it’s lemony, creamy, and oh-so-dreamy.
PrintKeto Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Recipe
A creamy, tangy keto lemon cheesecake mousse that’s low-carb, no-bake, and easy to make. Perfect for the keto diet or anyone looking for a quick, satisfying dessert with just a few simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered erythritol (or any keto-friendly sweetener)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: fresh berries, lemon slices, or crushed keto cookies
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature.
- In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered erythritol until smooth and creamy.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula to keep it light and fluffy.
- Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving to allow the mousse to set.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more powdered erythritol if desired.
- This mousse can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Add a twist by using lime juice instead of lemon for a different flavor.
Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, you might want to stick to the recipe provided in this article.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215 Sugar: 0g Sodium: 120mg Fat: 21g Saturated Fat: 13g Unsaturated Fat: 7g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 3g Fiber: 0g Protein: 3g Cholesterol: 70mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream cheese and use coconut whipping cream instead of heavy cream. Just be sure to check that your substitutes are unsweetened.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this mousse will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. However, it’s so good you might not have any leftovers.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze the mousse in small portions, and when you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge for a creamy treat.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a fine grater or a microplane to zest just the yellow part of the peel. Avoid the white pith underneath—it’s bitter and can overpower the mousse.