If you’re craving a dessert that’s creamy, tangy, and delightfully light, Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Parfaits are exactly what you need. These parfaits combine the luscious texture of cheesecake mousse with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon, layered over a crunchy graham cracker crust, then topped with fresh berries. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet refreshing — perfect for spring or summer gatherings, or any time you want a sweet treat without the heaviness of a traditional cheesecake.
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes these Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Parfaits truly special is their balance of flavors and textures. The cream cheese base is smooth and rich, but the fresh lemon juice and zest brighten everything up, keeping it from feeling too dense. Whipped heavy cream makes the mousse airy and light, while the graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch. Plus, these parfaits are incredibly simple to whip up — no baking required! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s also super versatile, making it easy to dress up with your favorite berries or citrus twists.
Ingredient List
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – The rich base for the mousse.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds just the right sweetness.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice – Provides that fresh, tangy zing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Intensifies the lemon flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Whipped to airy perfection for the mousse.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor with subtle warmth.
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers – The crunchy base layer.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – Binds the graham cracker crust.
- Fresh berries for topping – Adds freshness and color to finish.
What’s in the Gear List
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients smoothly.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – To whip the heavy cream perfectly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise measurements.
- Spatula – To fold ingredients gently without deflating mousse.
- Parfait glasses or small serving cups – To assemble and serve the dessert elegantly.
- Food processor or resealable bag and rolling pin – To crush graham crackers finely.
Step-by-Step: Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Parfaits
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by crushing 1 cup of graham crackers until fine crumbs form. You can use a food processor or place them in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly coated. Divide this crumb mixture evenly among your parfait glasses, pressing lightly to form a firm base layer. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Cheesecake Mousse
In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial to give your mousse that light and fluffy texture.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the airy cream. This folding technique ensures your mousse stays light and fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Parfaits
Spoon or pipe the lemon cheesecake mousse over the graham cracker crust layer in each glass. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Chill and Garnish
Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 2 hours to let them set and chill thoroughly. Just before serving, top each parfait with fresh berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: You can use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option with less fat.
- Granulated Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or honey for a natural sweetener, adjusting quantities to taste.
- Heavy Cream: Coconut cream works well for a dairy-free twist, especially if whipped properly.
- Graham Crackers: Use digestive biscuits or any mild-flavored cookie crumbs as an alternative crust.
Steer Clear of These
- Avoid over-whipping the heavy cream; otherwise, it can become grainy and separate.
- Don’t use bottled lemon juice – fresh lemon juice and zest are key to that bright, vibrant flavor.
- Avoid skipping the chilling step; the mousse needs time to set properly for the best texture.
- Steer clear of overly sweet berries or canned fruit toppings, as fresh berries enhance the natural tartness perfectly.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prepare the graham cracker crust and mousse layers up to a day in advance. Assemble the parfaits but wait to add fresh berries until just before serving to keep them vibrant and fresh. Store the assembled parfaits covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These parfaits do not freeze well, as the texture of the mousse changes when thawed.
Reader Q&A
Can I make these parfaits vegan?
Yes! Swap the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Make sure your graham crackers are vegan-friendly as well.
How can I make this dessert less sweet?
Reduce the granulated sugar to 1/4 cup or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar, adjusting to your preferred sweetness level.
What other fruit toppings work well with this mousse?
Besides fresh berries, try sliced kiwi, mango, or even a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a unique twist. The tartness of these fruits pairs beautifully with the lemon mousse.
Can I use store-bought lemon curd in this recipe?
You can use store-bought lemon curd to intensify the lemon flavor by swirling a spoonful into the mousse before folding in the whipped cream. Alternatively, try pairing these parfaits with Lemon Curd Burst Thumbprint Cookies for a full lemon-themed dessert spread.
Our Most-Loved Recipes
- Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Swirl Cookies – A delightful cookie that mirrors the bright lemon and creamy cheesecake flavors.
- Lemon Curd Burst Thumbprint Cookies – Perfect for lemon lovers looking for a bite-sized treat.
- Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bar Cookies – A luscious bar dessert that combines cheesecake and fresh fruit beautifully.
Let’s Eat
Now that your Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Parfaits are ready, grab a spoon and dig in! Each bite delivers a luscious, creamy mousse with a pop of citrus brightness and a crunchy base. These parfaits are perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth on a warm day. The fresh berries on top add a pop of color and a juicy freshness that transforms this simple dessert into something truly special. Whether you’re serving one or a whole batch, these parfaits are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy!
Share on Pinterest
Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Parfaits
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- fresh berries for topping
Instructions
- Crush 1 cup of graham crackers until fine crumbs form using a food processor or a resealable bag and rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly coated. Divide the crumb mixture evenly among parfait glasses, pressing lightly to form a firm base layer. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture carefully to keep the mousse light and fluffy.
- Spoon or pipe the lemon cheesecake mousse over the graham cracker crust layer in each glass. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 2 hours to set and chill thoroughly. Just before serving, top each parfait with fresh berries.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Parfait glasses or small serving cups
- Food processor or resealable bag and rolling pin
Notes
- Use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter cream cheese option with less fat.
- Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey to adjust sweetness naturally.
- Prepare parfaits a day ahead but add fresh berries just before serving to keep them vibrant.
- Avoid over-whipping the cream to prevent graininess and separation.
- Try alternative toppings like kiwi, mango, or pomegranate seeds for a unique twist.
