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A Guilt-Free Indulgence for Warmer Days
As the weather warms up, a light and refreshing dessert is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings. This Skinny Lemon Cheesecake Mousse delivers all the creamy, tangy goodness of traditional cheesecake without the extra calories. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh lemon flavor, and a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Dream
This mousse is a fantastic, lighter take on classic cheesecake. The Greek yogurt adds a rich creaminess while keeping the fat content down. Using sugar alternatives like powdered erythritol and stevia makes it a guilt-free pleasure. The quick preparation time means you can whip up this delightful dessert in no time. Perfect for a dinner party, a relaxing evening, or any special occasion, this mousse is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Your Lemon Masterpiece (Yields approximately 5 servings)
- Crust:
- 5 sheets graham crackers (cinnamon graham crackers for an extra flavor boost)
- Mousse:
- 8 ounces light cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt (thick variety like Fage or Chobani recommended)
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (or powdered erythritol for sugar-free)
- 5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ teaspoons stevia (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup light whipped topping (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.) for garnish
Crafting Your Skinny Lemon Cheesecake Mousse: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Creating the Graham Cracker Base:
Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until finely crumbed. Alternatively, place crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Divide the crumbs evenly among 5 dessert cups or small bowls.
2. Blending the Creamy Foundation:
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, whip together the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Infusing Sweetness and Tang:
Add the confectioners’ sugar (or erythritol), fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, stevia (if using), and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Achieving Airy Perfection:
Gently fold in the light whipped topping, ensuring it’s evenly distributed without deflating the mixture. This step is crucial for the mousse’s light and airy texture.
5. Assembling and Chilling:
Spoon or pipe the lemon mixture into the prepared dessert cups. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
6. The Final Flourish:
Before serving, add a dollop of extra whipped topping to each cup and garnish with fresh berries.
Tips for Mousse Mastery:
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the mousse the night before for an even richer flavor.
- Sweetener Swaps: Experiment with other sweeteners like monk fruit or liquid stevia extract, adjusting the amount to taste.
- Citrus Variations: Try using lime juice for a refreshing twist.
- Crust:
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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ teaspoons stevia (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup light whipped topping (plus more for garnish)
- Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
