Posted by When the days grow warmer, nothing hits the spot quite like a tangy yet sweet dessert to match the season. This Skinny Lemon Cheesecake Mousse is the ideal treat for those who crave a creamy, luscious cheesecake but want a healthier version. Not only is it a breeze to make, but it also offers all the satisfying flavors of traditional cheesecake without the guilt. Packed with fresh lemon juice and creamy textures from yogurt and cream cheese, this mousse will leave you craving more!
Why This Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Will Be Your New Favorite Dessert
Light, airy, and full of bright lemon flavor, this mousse is a fantastic twist on the classic cheesecake. The addition of Greek yogurt makes it extra creamy while keeping the fat content in check. By using sugar alternatives like powdered erythritol and stevia, it becomes a perfect choice for anyone looking to cut back on sugar without sacrificing sweetness. Even better, it comes together in no time at all. After a quick chill in the fridge, you can indulge in this guilt-free, irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or preparing for a special occasion, this mousse will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make the Perfect Skinny Lemon Cheesecake Mousse
To get started, gather the following ingredients. This recipe makes about five servings, but feel free to double it for a larger group or to have leftovers for later:
5 sheets of graham crackers: These will form the base, providing that beloved crunch that complements the creamy mousse. For an extra flavor boost, you can use cinnamon graham crackers.
8 ounces of light cream cheese: Softened and ready to blend, this provides the rich, creamy texture without the full-fat indulgence of regular cream cheese.
1 cup of unsweetened Greek yogurt: Choose a thick variety, like Fage or Chobani, which helps create that decadent consistency without extra sugar. Greek yogurt is a fantastic source of protein, making this dessert both tasty and satisfying.
½ cup of confectioners’ sugar (or powdered erythritol for a sugar-free version): The sugar gives the mousse its sweetness. If you’re opting for a low-carb version, erythritol works wonderfully as a sugar substitute.
5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice: You’ll need about two large lemons for this amount of juice. The citrus tang is key to achieving that vibrant, refreshing lemon flavor.
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: This adds a subtle depth of flavor to balance the tartness of the lemon.
1 and ¼ teaspoons of stevia (optional): If you want an extra touch of sweetness without calories, stevia is a great option.
Pinch of salt: A little salt helps to bring out all the flavors.
1 cup of light whipped topping: Light whipped topping adds airiness and a delicate finish to the mousse. For garnish, keep a little extra aside.
Fresh berries: Garnish with fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for an added pop of color and flavor.
How To Make:
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
To start, grab your food processor and pulse the graham crackers until they break down into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they are finely ground. This step adds a bit of crunch to your mousse, mimicking a traditional cheesecake crust. Next, divide the crushed graham crackers between 5 dessert cups or small bowls, making sure each has an even amount of crumbs. Set these aside for now, as they’ll be the base of your mousse.
Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese and Greek Yogurt Mixture
In a large bowl, use either a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to whip together the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Mix them until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Sweeten the Mixture
Add the confectioners’ sugar (or powdered erythritol, if you’re opting for a sugar-free version) along with the fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, stevia, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy consistency. The sweet and tangy combination of flavors will start to shine.
Step 4: Incorporate the Whipped Topping
Once the mixture is well-mixed, gently fold in the whipped topping. This is what gives the mousse its airy texture. Take your time here to ensure the whipped topping is evenly distributed throughout the mixture without losing its fluffiness.
Step 5: Fill Dessert Cups and Chill
Now, it’s time to pipe the creamy lemon mixture into your prepared dessert cups. You can use a piping bag for neatness, or simply spoon it in. Refrigerate the cups for at least an hour, but if you have the time, letting them chill overnight will allow the flavors to meld even more.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Once the mousse is chilled, it’s time to garnish. Add a dollop of extra whipped topping to each dessert cup, and top it off with fresh berries for an added burst of flavor and color. Now, you’re ready to indulge in your perfect Skinny Lemon Cheesecake Mousse!
Tips for Perfecting Your Mousse:
Make ahead: This dessert is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can make it the night before and let it chill overnight for even better flavor.
Stevia alternative: If you prefer, you can use other sweeteners like monk fruit or a liquid stevia extract. Adjust the amount based on your preferred sweetness level.
Flavor variations: Try experimenting with different citrus fruits like lime for a zesty twist.
Skinny Lemon Cheesecake Mousse
Simple Skinny Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Servings: 5
Calories: 258 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
5 sheets of graham crackers, crushed
8 oz light cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
½ cup powdered sugar (or erythritol for sugar-free)
5 tablespoons lemon juice (from 2 large lemons)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 and ¼ tsp stevia (optional)
Pinch of salt
1 cup light whipped topping (plus more for garnish)
Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Graham Cracker Base: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs and divide them among 5 dessert cups.
Mix the Filling: Whip the cream cheese and yogurt together until fluffy. Add sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, stevia, and salt, then mix.
Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping for a light texture.
Assemble: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the dessert cups and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Garnish: Top with extra whipped topping and fresh berries before serving.
Enjoy this refreshing, light, and creamy dessert that’s sure to become a favorite!
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 258 kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 26mg
Sodium: 320mg
Potassium: 210mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 21g
Vitamin A: 253 IU
Vitamin C: 6mg
Calcium: 123mg
Iron: 1mg
