Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Mousse Cake (Printable version)

Buttery crust meets tangy lemon mousse and sweet blueberry swirls in this stunning layered dessert.

# What you 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 - 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 texture contrast between crisp shortbread, silky mousse, and juicy blueberry compote makes every bite feel like a small luxury
  • It looks like something from a fancy bakery but comes together with mostly pantry staples
  • You can make it a day ahead and it actually tastes better after resting in the fridge
02 -
  • Your cream cheese must be genuinely soft or you will fight lumps in the mousse forever
  • The gelatin mixture must cool completely before adding to the cream cheese, otherwise it will seize up into rubbery bits
  • Compote must be fully chilled or it will melt the mousse when you try to swirl it
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between slices for the cleanest cuts
  • If your mousse feels too soft to swirl, pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes before adding the compote
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