Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

The Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake is a light, refreshing, and indulgent dessert that combines the delicate crunch of shortbread, the tangy freshness of lemon, and the sweet burst of blueberries. This multi-layered cake features a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy lemon mousse filling, and a luscious blueberry topping, all balanced perfectly for a decadent yet refreshing treat. Ideal for summer parties, celebrations, or a special occasion, this cake is sure to wow your guests with its vibrant flavors and elegant appearance.

I remember the first time I made this cake for a family gathering. The bright, zesty lemon flavor paired with the sweetness of the blueberries created the perfect balance, and the light mousse texture made it feel like a luxurious, yet not too heavy, dessert. What’s great about this cake is how versatile it is—you can easily adjust the sweetness or add a touch of extra lemon zest to elevate the flavor. The combination of the crunchy shortbread and smooth mousse makes every bite a delightful experience.

Despite its sophisticated appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to make with just a few layers and simple ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to something indulgent, the Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake is guaranteed to impress and become a new favorite!

Perfect for:

  • Summer celebrations
  • Birthday cakes
  • Afternoon teas
  • Special occasions
  • Lemon and berry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake will become your go-to dessert:

  • Balanced Flavors: The tart lemon mousse and sweet blueberries create a harmonious combination that’s refreshing and indulgent.
  • Light Texture: The mousse is airy and light, while the shortbread adds the perfect level of crunch, creating a balanced bite in every layer.
  • Elegant and Impressive: Its layered design and vibrant colors make it a showstopper for any gathering or event.
  • Make-Ahead: This cake can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The richness of the shortbread, tang of lemon mousse, and sweetness of blueberries provide a balanced sweetness in each bite.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 4 hours
  • Servings: 12 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 320 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

You’ll need these ingredients to make Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake:

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Mousse Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons gelatin (optional for extra stability)

For the Blueberry Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Ingredient Highlights

  • Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, creamy texture in the mousse.
  • Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide that zesty, citrusy flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy base for the mousse filling.
  • Blueberries: The sweet, juicy topping brings freshness and sweetness to the cake.
  • Shortbread: The buttery shortbread crust offers a delicious crunch that pairs beautifully with the mousse.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake:

Prepare the Shortbread Crust:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the Shortbread Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, and salt. Use your hands or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
  3. Press into the Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the mousse filling.

Prepare the Lemon Mousse Filling:

  1. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  2. Mix the Cream Cheese and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
  4. Combine with Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream too much. If you’re using gelatin, dissolve it in a little warm water and stir it into the mousse mixture at this stage for added stability.
  5. Fill the Cake: Pour the lemon mousse onto the cooled shortbread crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.

Prepare the Blueberry Topping:

  1. Cook the Blueberries: In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool before spreading on the cake.
  2. Top the Cake: Once the mousse has set, spread the cooled blueberry topping evenly over the mousse layer. Return the cake to the fridge to chill for an additional 30 minutes.

Serve:

  1. Slice and Serve: When ready to serve, carefully remove the cake from the springform pan. Slice into squares or wedges and serve chilled.

How to Serve

  • With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add extra whipped cream for a rich and indulgent touch.
  • On a Dessert Tray: This cake is perfect for a dessert tray with other fruit-based or citrusy desserts.
  • Garnished with Fresh Blueberries or Mint: Add a fresh sprig of mint or extra blueberries on top for a beautiful finish.
  • Pair with Iced Tea or Lemonade: The citrusy flavor pairs perfectly with a refreshing iced drink.

Additional Tips

  • Make sure the shortbread crust cools completely before adding the mousse filling to prevent it from melting.
  • Use fresh, ripe blueberries for the topping to get the best flavor.
  • If you don’t have a springform pan, a regular round cake pan works fine, just be sure to line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • You can prepare the topping in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Recipe Variations

  1. Raspberry Lemon Shortbread Mousse Cake
  2. Mixed Berry Shortbread Mousse Cake
  3. Strawberry Lemon Shortbread Mousse Cake
  4. Lemon Lime Shortbread Mousse Cake
  5. Blueberry Peach Mousse Cake
  6. Mango Lemon Shortbread Mousse Cake
  7. Vegan Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake
  8. Lemon Lavender Shortbread Mousse Cake
  9. Chocolate Lemon Mousse Cake
  10. Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Cake

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze the cake (without the blueberry topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Special Equipment

  • Springform pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Saucepan for blueberry topping
  • Zester for lemon zest

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, frozen blueberries work fine but may release more liquid during cooking.
  2. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake is best made 1-2 days ahead for the flavors to meld.
  3. Can I skip the gelatin? Yes, gelatin is optional, but it helps to stabilize the mousse for a firmer texture.
  4. Can I make this gluten-free? Use a gluten-free shortbread or biscuit as the crust.
  5. Can I substitute the blueberries? Yes, feel free to use any berries or fruit of your choice.

Conclusion

The Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake is the ultimate dessert for those who love the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. With its light and airy mousse, fresh blueberries, and buttery shortbread crust, every bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. This cake is as refreshing as it is decadent, making it an instant crowd-pleaser at any celebration.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this mousse cake is a showstopper that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. The perfect mix of citrusy lemon and sweet blueberries makes it an unforgettable treat.

I’d love to see how your Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Leave a Comment