Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake (Printer-friendly)

A refreshing layered dessert with buttery crust, tangy lemon mousse, and vibrant blueberry compote—ideal for celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shortbread Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Lemon Mousse

05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - Zest of 2 lemons
08 - 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
10 - 2 tablespoons water
11 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

→ Blueberry Compote

12 - 2 cups fresh blueberries
13 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
02 - Combine flour, powdered sugar, butter, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and set. Allow to cool completely.
04 - Combine blueberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and mixture thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
05 - Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Let bloom for 5 minutes.
06 - Combine lemon juice and gelatin mixture in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring, until gelatin dissolves. Cool to room temperature.
07 - Beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
08 - Whip heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
09 - Gradually beat the cooled gelatin-lemon mixture into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
10 - Spread half the lemon mousse over the cooled crust. Spoon half the blueberry compote over the mousse and gently swirl. Top with remaining mousse and swirl the rest of the compote on top.
11 - Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
12 - Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between buttery crisp crust and cloudlike mousse creates the most satisfying texture experience
  • Blueberries and lemon were meant to be together, their brightness playing off each other in every bite
  • This looks like you spent hours in professional pastry school but comes together with mostly pantry staples
  • Make it ahead and let the refrigerator do all the work while you focus on your guests
02 -
  • The gelatin must cool to room temperature before adding to the cream cheese mixture or it will seize into unpleasant lumps
  • Every component should be at the same temperature when you layer them or the compote will melt through the mousse
  • Letting the crust cool completely is nonnegotiable or you will end up with a soggy bottom layer
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients combine more smoothly, so pull your cream cheese out at least an hour before starting
  • The springform pan is your friend here, letting you remove the sides without damaging those beautiful swirled layers
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