Heavenly Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake Recipe

Dreamy Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake Recipe for Joy

Decadent desserts often surprise us with unexpected flavor combinations that dance on our taste buds.

This lemon blueberry shortbread mousse cake combines tangy and sweet notes in a delightful culinary adventure.

Layers of buttery shortbread crumble beneath a cloud-like blueberry mousse that whispers summer memories.

Fresh blueberries nestled throughout add bursts of bright, juicy flavor to each delicate slice.

Creamy textures mingle with zesty lemon undertones, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.

The delicate balance of ingredients transforms an ordinary cake into an extraordinary dessert experience.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure bliss that will leave everyone craving more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake

For Shortbread Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the classic crumbly texture and structure for the delicate shortbread crust.
  • Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and contributes to the delicate, smooth texture of the shortbread.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other ingredient flavors.
For Mousse Filling:
  • Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes and fresh aromatic complexity to the mousse.
  • Fresh Blueberries: Provides bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color throughout the cake.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light, airy texture and rich, smooth mouthfeel for the mousse.
  • Cream Cheese: Gives tangy depth and helps stabilize the mousse structure.
  • White Chocolate: Adds creamy sweetness and helps bind the mousse ingredients.
For Garnish:
  • Fresh Blueberries: Offers a beautiful, natural decoration and extra fruity burst.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides a pop of color and intensifies the citrus aroma.

Tools That Help Layer Lemon Blueberry Mousse Cake

  • 9-inch springform pan: Essential for layering and setting the cake with removable sides.
  • Electric mixer: Perfect for beating butter and sugar to a creamy consistency.
  • Mixing bowl: Large enough to combine dough ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Cooling rack: Helps shortbread base cool evenly after baking.
  • Spatula: Useful for pressing dough into pan and smoothing surfaces.
  • Whisk: Helpful for mixing dry ingredients and ensuring even distribution.

How to Assemble a Creamy Lemon Blueberry Cake

  • Create Buttery Base

Press a rich, crumbly shortbread mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, forming a golden foundation for your dreamy dessert. Bake until edges turn a delicate light brown, filling your kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma.

  • Whip Creamy Layers

Blend smooth cream cheese with tangy lemon zest, creating a silky mousse that dances with bright citrus notes. Gently fold in fluffy whipped cream to achieve a cloud-like texture that will melt on your tongue.

  • Build Blueberry Burst

Scatter fresh, juicy blueberries across the creamy landscape, allowing their deep purple hues to peek through the velvety surface. Their natural sweetness will complement the zesty lemon and rich shortbread base.

  • Chill and Set

Refrigerate your masterpiece for several hours, letting the layers meld together and develop a sublime, harmonious flavor. The cooling process transforms your creation into a refreshing, elegant dessert that promises pure indulgence.

  • Garnish and Serve

Just before presenting, dust the top with a light sprinkle of lemon zest or a few whole blueberries. Slice carefully to reveal the beautiful layers that represent your culinary artistry.

Flavor Twists for a More Vibrant Mousse Cake

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending without lumps.
  • Swap traditional flour with a gluten-free blend, maintaining the same measurements for a celiac-friendly dessert.
  • Add extra lemon zest directly into the shortbread base for more intense citrus flavor that complements the blueberry mousse.
  • Prepare the shortbread base a day in advance and store in an airtight container to save time on final assembly.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free whipped cream alternatives for a lactose-free version of this elegant dessert.

Serve Lemon Blueberry Cake With Whipped Cream

  • Zesty Garnish Paradise: Top each slice with fresh blueberries and lemon zest for a burst of color and tangy brightness that complements the rich mousse perfectly.
  • Sweet Cream Dream: Serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the dessert's creamy texture and add an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Elegant Plating Magic: Present individual slices on a white plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a small mint leaf for a sophisticated, restaurant-style presentation that elevates the dessert's visual appeal.
  • Beverage Harmony: Pair with a chilled glass of prosecco or a light lemon-infused iced tea to balance the cake's sweetness and create a delightful flavor combination.

Chill Mousse Cake to Keep It Set and Gorgeous

  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its delicate texture and flavor perfectly intact.
  • Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Enjoy frozen treats for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Always cover the cake with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain its delightful softness when stored.
  • Prepare the shortbread base and mousse layers separately up to 2 days in advance, assembling just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and stunning presentation.
Print
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Heavenly Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake Recipe

Heavenly Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Lemon blueberry shortbread mousse cake whisks dessert lovers into a luxurious realm of citrusy sweetness and creamy indulgence. Delicate layers of buttery shortbread, tangy lemon, and velvety blueberry mousse create a sublime dessert that will delight you with each heavenly bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (225 g) fresh or frozen blueberries
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • ½ cup (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Shortbread Base Preparation: Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then gently fold in vanilla, flour, and salt to create a tender dough. Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring a uniform layer.
  2. Initial Baking Stage: Position the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden hue. Remove and allow the shortbread base to cool completely, creating a crisp foundation for the dessert.
  3. Mousse Layer Construction: While the base cools, whip cream cheese until smooth, then gradually incorporate lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar. Fold in whipped cream gently to maintain a light, airy texture that will provide a luxurious mouthfeel.
  4. Blueberry Integration: Fold fresh blueberries into the mousse mixture, distributing them evenly to ensure each slice contains bursts of fruity flavor. Carefully spread the mousse over the cooled shortbread base, creating a smooth and elegant surface.
  5. Chilling and Setting: Transfer the assembled cake to the refrigerator and allow it to set for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. This crucial resting period will help the mousse firm up and allow the flavors to meld harmoniously.
  6. Final Garnishing: Before serving, delicately dust the top with powdered sugar and scatter additional fresh blueberries for a vibrant, appetizing presentation that highlights the cake’s elegant composition.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, uniform mixing and press dough firmly and evenly into pan to create a solid shortbread base.
  • Watch closely during baking and remove when edges turn light golden to maintain a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture without burning.
  • Let shortbread cool completely before adding mousse layer to prevent soggy crust and maintain crisp, delicate shortbread structure.
  • Consider adding lemon zest to shortbread dough for extra citrusy brightness that complements blueberry and creates more complex taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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