Meyer Lemon Raspberry Clouds: A Zesty & Elegant Dessert Mousse

These Meyer Lemon Raspberry Clouds are individual baked mousses, presenting a beautiful and deliciously light dessert perfect for any occasion!

Indulge in the bright, refreshing flavors of spring and summer with this exquisite Lemon Mousse Recipe. Crafted with the wonderfully aromatic and less acidic Meyer lemons, these delicate “clouds” offer a sophisticated sweetness perfectly balanced with a hint of tang. I recently prepared these for a dinner party, and they vanished almost instantly – a true testament to their irresistible appeal! The original inspiration for this delightful recipe comes from the much-loved The I🩷Trader Joe’s Cookbook, a treasure trove of simple yet sensational culinary ideas.

Why You Must Make This Meyer Lemon Dessert

There are countless reasons why this Meyer Lemon Raspberry Mousse should be your next baking project. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience!

• Personalized Perfection: Serving individual desserts in ramekins adds an elegant touch to any meal. Guests adore having their very own beautifully presented treat, making them feel special and pampered. This format also ensures perfectly portioned indulgence.
• Light and Refreshing: Unlike many heavy desserts, this lemon mousse is exceptionally light and airy. Its delicate texture and vibrant citrus flavor make it incredibly refreshing, especially after a hearty meal or during warmer months. It cleanses the palate and leaves a pleasant, lingering sweetness.
• Ideal Portion Size: The individual ramekins provide the perfect serving size. This is particularly beneficial when hosting, as it prevents overindulgence and ensures everyone enjoys just the right amount of decadent goodness without feeling weighed down.
• Effortlessly Elegant: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. The baking process is simple, and the results look impressive, making you seem like a culinary genius without hours of effort.
• Versatile Serving: Whether you prefer it warm straight from the oven, at room temperature, or perfectly chilled, this mousse adapts to your preference, offering a delightful experience every time.
• Unique Meyer Lemon Flavor: The star ingredient, Meyer lemons, offers a distinctively sweeter and less tart flavor profile compared to regular lemons, creating a uniquely balanced and irresistible dessert.

Key Ingredient Notes for the Perfect Lemon Raspberry Mousse

Achieving the perfect Meyer Lemon Raspberry Cloud relies on selecting quality ingredients and understanding their roles. Here’s what you need to know about the essential components:

• Kitchen Staples – You’ll need large, fresh Eggs and granulated Sugar. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification with the sugar, leading to a smoother base for your mousse. The sugar not only sweetens but also helps stabilize the egg mixture.
• Meyer Lemons – These are the star of the show! Meyer lemons are a hybrid of a lemon and a mandarin orange, giving them a distinctively sweeter, less acidic flavor with a beautiful floral aroma compared to traditional lemons. Always zest first, then juice. The zest holds much of the fragrant oil, adding a concentrated burst of lemon essence. You’ll typically get about ½ cup of juice from two medium Meyer lemons. If Meyer lemons are unavailable, you can substitute regular lemons, but be prepared to add a tablespoon or two of extra sugar to balance the increased tartness.
• Heavy Cream – Opt for heavy cream with at least 36% butterfat content. This high fat percentage is crucial for achieving the rich, creamy texture and light, airy consistency characteristic of a good mousse. Avoid “whipping cream” which often has a lower fat content and may not yield the desired richness.
• Fresh Raspberries – These are incorporated directly into the mousse mixture, adding pockets of tart fruitiness that beautifully complement the sweet lemon. Fresh raspberries are highly recommended for their vibrant flavor and delicate texture. If using frozen, thaw them completely and gently blot any excess moisture to prevent watering down the mousse.
• Fresh Mint and Raspberries – These are optional but highly recommended for garnish. A few fresh raspberries and a sprig of bright green mint add a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the visual appeal and adding another layer of aromatic delight to your finished dessert.

How to Make Meyer Lemon Raspberry Clouds: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful Meyer Lemon Raspberry Clouds is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear steps for a perfectly airy and flavorful dessert:

Tips for Success with Your Lemon Raspberry Mousse

To ensure your Meyer Lemon Raspberry Clouds turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Room Temperature Eggs: Always start with room temperature eggs. They emulsify better with sugar and other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more consistent batter and a lighter final texture.
• Don’t Skip the Zest: The zest contains the essential oils that give Meyer lemons their distinct, fragrant aroma. Use a microplane zester to get only the brightly colored outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• The Water Bath is Key: Baking in a water bath (bain-marie) creates a moist, even heat environment, preventing the delicate mousse from curdling, cracking, or overcooking. It’s essential for achieving that signature silky-smooth, creamy texture.
• Check for the Jiggle: The mousse is perfectly cooked when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle, similar to a soft custard. This ensures it’s creamy and light, not rubbery.
• Chill for Best Texture (if serving cold): While delicious warm, chilling the mousses for at least 2-4 hours allows them to fully set and firm up, enhancing their delicate, cloud-like consistency.
• Garnish for Impact: Fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint elevate the visual appeal of these individual desserts, making them look even more professional and enticing.
• Use Good Quality Ramekins: Ensure your ramekins are oven-safe and of uniform size for even baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Mousse

What Makes a Dessert a Mousse?

Mousse is a French word meaning “froth” or “foam,” and it perfectly describes the light, airy texture of this classic dessert. A mousse can be sweet or savory, but its defining characteristic is the inclusion of air, typically achieved by folding in whipped cream, beaten egg whites, or both. This aeration gives the mousse its signature cloud-like consistency. Baked mousses, like these lemon clouds, are often cooked gently in a water bath to maintain their delicate structure and prevent the eggs from curdling, ensuring a smooth and luxurious finish.

How Do Meyer Lemons Differ from Standard Lemons?

Meyer lemons are distinct from standard lemons (like Eureka or Lisbon varieties commonly found in U.S. grocery stores) in several key ways. Standard lemons are typically oval-shaped with a pronounced bulge on the blossom end, and they are known for their sharp, highly acidic, and tart flavor. Meyer lemons, on the other hand, are rounder, often smaller, and have a thinner, smoother rind that ranges from deep yellow to orange-yellow. Their most significant difference lies in their flavor profile: Meyer lemons are considerably less acidic, sweeter, and possess a wonderfully fragrant, almost floral aroma with hints of mandarin orange. This milder, more nuanced flavor makes them a favorite for desserts where a gentler citrus note is desired. If you can’t find Meyer lemons, you can use regular lemons, but you’ll want to adjust the sugar content in the recipe by adding a tablespoon or two more to compensate for their increased tartness.

Can I Make These Lemon Raspberry Clouds Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! These individual lemon mousses are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare them up to 2-3 days in advance. Once baked and cooled, cover each ramekin loosely with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, you can enjoy them chilled or allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Garnish just before serving for the freshest look.

Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?

While fresh raspberries are preferred for their firm texture and vibrant flavor, you can use frozen raspberries if fresh ones are not available. Ensure you thaw them completely and gently blot them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to prevent the added water from diluting the mousse mixture. Their texture might be a bit softer than fresh, but the flavor will still be delightful.

Our Favorite Trader Joe’s Products and Inspiration

Trader Joe’s is a weekly pilgrimage for us, a place where culinary adventures begin with unique and high-quality ingredients. Beyond the inspiration for this incredible lemon mousse recipe from their cookbook, we regularly stock up on some all-time favorites. Their pre-made pizza dough is a staple (though often hard to find, a testament to its popularity!), and we can’t resist their dried Montmorency cherries for snacking or baking. The vast array of cheeses is always a highlight, offering endless possibilities for charcuterie boards or quick weeknight meals. We also appreciate their consistently good frozen haricots verts (French green beans) and were particularly thrilled with the succulent lamb chops we discovered around Easter. Trader Joe’s consistently delivers ingredients that inspire delicious home cooking, making it a true gem for home chefs.

You May Also Like: Other Lemon and Mousse Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the bright flavors of these Meyer Lemon Raspberry Clouds, you’ll love exploring these other delightful lemon and mousse recipes from my kitchen:

• Meyer Lemon Bars: A classic treat with a zesty, sweet-tart filling and a buttery shortbread crust, made even better with Meyer lemons.
• Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Tea Cakes: Delicate and moist individual cakes, perfect for an afternoon tea or a light dessert, featuring the subtle flavor of poppy seeds and Meyer lemon.
• Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars: A delightful twist on lemon bars, topped with a crunchy, sweet streusel for added texture and flavor.
• French Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in the rich, deep flavors of a traditional chocolate mousse, an elegant and decadent dessert.
• White Chocolate Mousse: A luxurious and creamy white chocolate mousse, enhanced with a hint of hazelnut liqueur for an exquisite adult treat.
• Easy Strawberry Mousse: A simple yet delightful mousse bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, perfect for a quick and refreshing dessert.
• More of my Best Dessert Recipes: Discover a wide array of sweet treats for every occasion, from cakes and cookies to custards and pies.

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The Recipe:

Meyer Lemon Raspberry Clouds

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Additional Time
1 hour (cooling)

Total Time
1 hour 55 minutes

Yield
6 servings

A luscious lemon mousse served in individual ramekins that’s easy enough for a family dinner and elegant enough for special dinner guests. Its light, airy texture and vibrant Meyer lemon flavor, complemented by sweet raspberries, make it an unforgettable dessert.

★★★★★ (11 Reviews)

Ingredients

• 4 Large Eggs
• ½ cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (36% butterfat)
• 2 teaspoons Meyer Lemon Zest
• ½ cup Meyer Lemon Juice (from about 2 medium lemons)
• 1 pint fresh Raspberries
• Fresh Mint and Raspberries to garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a large bowl or a Pyrex measuring cup with a spout, whisk the eggs and sugar together until well combined and slightly frothy. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
3. Stir in the Meyer lemon zest and Meyer lemon juice until fully incorporated into the mixture.
4. Place 6 individual ramekins or custard cups into a large baking pan with high sides. Distribute the fresh raspberries evenly among the bottoms of the ramekins.
5. Carefully divide the lemon mixture evenly among the raspberry-filled ramekins.
6. Place the baking pan, with the filled ramekins, into the preheated oven.
7. Pour warm water into the baking pan, ensuring it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. A teapot with a long spout can be very useful for this step.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the mousses are set around the edges but still have a slight, delicate jiggle in the centers.
9. Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the ramekins cool in the water bath for about 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve hot, warm, or chilled. If serving chilled, garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint just before serving.

Notes

Adapted from The I ❤️Trader Joe’s Cookbook by Cherie Mercer Twohy. For best results, ensure all ingredients are fresh. If substituting regular lemons, add 1-2 tablespoons more sugar to balance the increased tartness. The cooling time is crucial for the mousse to fully set and achieve its cloud-like texture.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 10-Inch Wire Whisk
• Microplane Zester for Citrus and Cheese
• 6 ounce Ramekins

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving (Estimated):
Calories: 309Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 169mgSodium: 84mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 5gSugar: 26gProtein: 7g

This nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It is derived from online calculators and may vary based on specific product types or brands used. While efforts are made to provide accurate data, these figures are estimates. To obtain the most precise nutritional information for your recipe, it is recommended to calculate it with the actual ingredients you use. You are solely responsible for verifying the accuracy of any nutritional information obtained.

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