Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake (Printable version)

Buttery shortbread crust layered with tangy lemon mousse and sweet blueberry compote creates this stunning dessert.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, butter, and salt. Pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and set. Allow to cool completely.
04 - In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.
05 - In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons water; let bloom for 5 minutes.
06 - In a small saucepan, combine lemon juice and gelatin mixture. Heat gently, stirring, until gelatin dissolves. Cool to room temperature.
07 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
08 - In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream 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 buttery shortbread crust grounds the ethereal mousse with satisfying crunch in every single bite
  • That stunning swirled presentation makes you look like a pastry pro with minimal actual effort
  • The make ahead nature means zero day of stress while still delivering something extraordinary
02 -
  • Cold butter in the crust is nonnegotiable because warm butter creates a tough, cookie like texture instead of tender shortbread
  • The gelatin mixture must be completely cooled before folding into the cream cheese or it will seize and create unpleasant lumps
  • Let the compote cool completely before swirling or it will melt the mousse and ruin those gorgeous layers
03 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese blends much smoother so take it out of the fridge at least an hour before starting
  • Whip your cream to medium peaks rather than stiff ones for a mousse that folds in without deflating
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