Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake
This Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake is the ultimate dessert to elevate any gathering or simply satisfy your sweet tooth. Its delightful combination of zesty lemon mousse, sweet blueberry compote, and a buttery shortbread crust creates a unique flavor experience. Perfect for summer parties or cozy evenings at home, this cake will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor: The zesty lemon and sweet blueberries provide a perfect balance that invigorates your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert without any hassle.
- Versatile Dessert: Suitable for various occasions, from birthday parties to casual family dinners.
- Elegant Presentation: Its beautiful layers of mousse and fruit make it a show-stopping centerpiece for any dessert table.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be prepared in advance, making it convenient for busy hosts.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake, having the right tools will simplify the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 9-inch springform pan
- Saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Quickly combines ingredients for the shortbread crust, saving you time and effort.
- Electric mixer: Ensures your cream is whipped to perfection, creating light and airy mousse.
- Springform pan: Allows for easy removal of the cake without damaging its delicate structure.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
For the Lemon Mousse:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Blueberry Compote:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- Combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt in a food processor.
- Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Mousse
- Heat lemon juice over low heat in a saucepan until warm.
- Stir in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved, then allow this mixture to cool to room temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the lemon juice mixture while continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
- Pour the lemon mousse over the cooled shortbread crust.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or until set.
Step 4: Serve
- Before serving, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake.
- Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Slice and serve chilled with blueberry compote on top if desired.
Enjoy every bite of this refreshing Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake!
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake
Serving your Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake can enhance its delightful flavors and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving suggestions to complement this refreshing dessert.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Serve the cake with a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries for a burst of flavor.
Add Whipped Cream
- Top each slice with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for extra richness and creaminess.
Drizzle with Lemon Sauce
- A light drizzle of lemon sauce can add an extra zing that enhances the lemon flavor in the cake.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Fresh mint leaves provide a beautiful contrast in color and a refreshing aroma that elevates the dessert.
Serve with Ice Cream
- Pairing the mousse cake with vanilla ice cream creates a delicious creamy combination.

How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake
To achieve the perfect Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake, consider these helpful tips that can elevate your baking experience.
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Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create a flaky shortbread crust that’s buttery and crispy.
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Let the cream cheese soften: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture without lumps.
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Bloom gelatin properly: Dissolve gelatin in water before adding to ensure it mixes uniformly into the mousse.
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Fold gently: When mixing whipped cream into the lemon mixture, fold gently to maintain airiness for a light texture.
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Chill thoroughly: Allowing adequate time in the refrigerator ensures the mousse sets perfectly for clean slices.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake
Complementing your Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.
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Lemon Sorbet – A refreshing sorbet balances the sweetness of the cake while enhancing its citrus notes.
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Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and makes for a light accompaniment.
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Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses pairs nicely, offering savory contrasts to the sweet mousse cake.
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Pistachio Cookies – Crunchy pistachio cookies provide texture and nutty flavor that complements the dessert beautifully.
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Chocolate Covered Strawberries – These rich treats add an indulgent touch and pair well with blueberries and lemon.
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Tea or Coffee – A warm cup of tea or coffee enhances the flavors and provides a comforting beverage option while enjoying dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake, a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here’s how to avoid them.
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Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using butter that is too warm can lead to a greasy shortbread crust. Always ensure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing.
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Overmixing the Mousse: Be careful not to overmix the whipped cream when folding it into the lemon mixture. This can cause the mousse to lose its airy texture. Fold gently until just combined.
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Skipping Gelatin Preparation: Failing to properly dissolve the gelatin in warm lemon juice can result in a lumpy mousse. Always heat the lemon juice and stir in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
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Not Chilling Long Enough: Rushing the chilling process can prevent the cake from setting properly. Aim for at least 4 hours in the fridge for best results.
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Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or low-quality blueberries can impact flavor. Opt for fresh, ripe blueberries for a burst of sweetness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- item It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake
- item Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- item Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 20-30 seconds until just warm.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious dessert.
What is Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake?
Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake is a layered dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with creamy lemon mousse and blueberry compote.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to your cake.
How do I make the mousse less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the amount of granulated sugar in both the mousse and blueberry compote while balancing with additional lemon juice for acidity.
Can I substitute other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries or strawberries for different flavors in your mousse cake.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake is not only refreshing but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its layers of creamy mousse and fruity compote make it an instant favorite. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or flavors to suit your taste!

Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake, a perfect dessert to impress at any gathering or satisfy your sweet cravings. This elegant layered cake features a buttery shortbread crust topped with a creamy lemon mousse and luscious blueberry compote, creating a refreshing burst of flavors. Ideal for summer parties or cozy evenings, this dessert not only tastes incredible but also presents beautifully. With easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can whip up this show-stopping treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the shortbread crust by mixing flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter in a food processor until crumbly. Press into a springform pan and bake until golden. Cool completely.
- For the lemon mousse, warm lemon juice and dissolve gelatin. Beat heavy cream with sugar and zest until stiff peaks form. Mix cream cheese with the cooled lemon mixture, then fold in whipped cream gently.
- Pour the mousse over the cooled crust and refrigerate for at least four hours to set.
- Serve chilled, optionally topped with fresh blueberry compote.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg