Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake (Print Version)

Buttery shortbread crust layered with tangy lemon mousse and sweet blueberry compote creates this stunning, creamy dessert perfect for any occasion.

# Components:

→ 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 adds a satisfying crunch that balances the silky mousse perfectly
  • You can make it ahead of time and it actually tastes better after resting overnight
02 -
  • Cold butter creates that tender shortbread texture, so do not let it soften before making the crust
  • The mousse will not set properly if the gelatin mixture is added while hot
03 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese blends seamlessly without any lumps or bumps
  • Chill your mixing bowl before whipping cream for faster, stiffer peaks
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