There’s something magical about a dessert that perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and fruity flavors. Creamy Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake Recipe combines a buttery shortbread crust, silky lemon mousse, and a luscious blueberry compote to create a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or indulging in a weekend baking project, this mousse cake will leave everyone craving another slice.

Why You’ll Love This Mousse Cake

Imagine the buttery crunch of shortbread paired with the velvety tang of lemon mousse and the sweet burst of blueberries. This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. Its light yet decadent texture makes it perfect for spring and summer gatherings, but it’s just as enjoyable year-round.

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to create this show-stopping dessert:

For the Shortbread Crust

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups	Forms the base of the crust
Powdered sugar	½ cup	Adds a delicate sweetness
Unsalted butter, cold and cubed	½ cup (115g)	Provides a tender, crumbly texture
Salt	A pinch	Balances the flavors

For the Lemon Mousse

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Heavy cream	1 cup	Creates the light, airy texture
Granulated sugar	½ cup	Sweetens the mousse
Lemon zest	Zest of 2 lemons	Adds a bright, tangy flavor
Lemon juice	½ cup	Provides a tart, refreshing base
Gelatin powder	1 tbsp	Helps set the mousse
Water	2 tbsp	Blooms the gelatin
Cream cheese, softened	8 oz (225g)	Adds richness and a smooth texture

For the Blueberry Compote

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Fresh blueberries	2 cups	Forms the fruity layer
Granulated sugar	¼ cup	Sweetens the compote
Lemon juice	1 tbsp	Balances the sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake

1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, butter, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Form the Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.

2. Make the Lemon Mousse

1. Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin powder over 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Let it bloom for 5 minutes.
2. Dissolve the Gelatin: Heat the lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat until warm. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
3. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until stiff peaks form.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the lemon juice mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
5. Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and airy.

3. Make the Blueberry Compote

1. Cook the Blueberries: In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Simmer: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries release their juices and soften (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Cool: Remove from heat and allow the compote to cool to room temperature.

4. Assemble the Mousse Cake

1. First Layer: Spread a layer of lemon mousse over the cooled shortbread crust.
2. Add Compote: Gently spoon a layer of blueberry compote over the mousse.
3. Repeat Layers: Continue alternating layers of mousse and compote, finishing with a layer of compote on top.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

5. Serve

1. Loosen the Cake: Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake.
2. Remove the Sides: Carefully release the springform pan sides.
3. Slice and Enjoy: Slice and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

Tips for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake

1. Keep the Butter Cold

• Cold butter is essential for a flaky, tender shortbread crust.

2. Don’t Overbeat the Cream

• Whip the cream just until stiff peaks form to avoid a dense texture.

3. Cool the Lemon Juice Mixture

• Allow the gelatin-lemon juice mixture to cool before adding it to the cream cheese to prevent curdling.

4. Use Fresh Ingredients

• Fresh lemons and blueberries provide the best flavor for this dessert.

5. Make Ahead

• This cake is best prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to set properly.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	350
Protein	5g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	35g
Sugar	20g

Variations to Try

1. Raspberry Mousse Cake

• Substitute raspberries for blueberries in the compote for a tangier flavor.

2. Chocolate Lemon Mousse Cake

• Add a layer of melted dark chocolate over the shortbread crust for a rich, indulgent twist.

3. Dairy-Free Version

• Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly dessert.

4. Gluten-Free Option

• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Just cook them a bit longer to release their juices.

2. How long will this cake last?

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze the mousse cake?

It’s not recommended to freeze this cake, as the mousse may lose its texture upon thawing.

4. What if I don’t have a springform pan?

You can use a regular cake pan, but line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

5. Can I skip the gelatin?

Gelatin is essential for setting the mousse. You can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative.

6. How do I prevent the mousse from separating?

Make sure all components are at room temperature before combining.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

Creamy Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake Recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures. From the buttery crust to the zesty mousse and sweet compote, each bite is a harmonious blend of indulgence and freshness. It’s the ultimate dessert for impressing your family and friends—or simply treating yourself!

Your Turn to Bake

Ready to create a masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to wow everyone with this Creamy Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake Recipe. Share your creation, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

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