Creamy Lime Mousse is a refreshing, silky-smooth dessert that perfectly balances sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess. Light yet indulgent, this dessert is ideal for warm weather, dinner parties, festive gatherings, or when you want something elegant without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes lime mousse especially appealing is its no-bake preparation, simple ingredients, and luxurious texture. With the bright citrus flavor of fresh lime juice and the richness of cream, this dessert delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home.
What Is Lime Mousse?
Mousse is a French dessert known for its airy, cloud-like texture, traditionally made by folding whipped cream or egg whites into a flavored base. Lime mousse uses citrus juice and zest to create a fresh, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of cream.
Unlike baked desserts, lime mousse sets in the refrigerator, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lime Mousse Recipe
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No baking required
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Light, airy, and refreshing
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Perfect balance of sweet and tangy
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Elegant presentation
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Easy to customize
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Great for parties and events
Key Ingredients Explained
Lime Juice & Zest
Fresh lime juice provides acidity and brightness, while zest adds intense aroma and flavor.
Heavy Cream
Creates the mousse’s rich, silky texture and structure.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Adds sweetness and helps the mousse set naturally.
Gelatin (Optional)
Provides extra stability for warmer climates or layered desserts.
Ingredients for Creamy Lime Mousse (Serves 6–8)
Main Ingredients
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1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
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1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
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½ cup fresh lime juice
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1 tablespoon lime zest
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
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1 tablespoon powdered gelatin (optional)
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3 tablespoons cold water (for gelatin)
Optional Garnishes
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Whipped cream
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Lime slices
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Lime zest curls
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Mint leaves
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Crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers
Preparation Guidelines (Before You Start)
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Chill mixing bowl and beaters for better whipped cream.
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Wash and zest limes before juicing.
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Use fresh lime juice—not bottled.
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Measure ingredients accurately.
Step-by-Step Creamy Lime Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin (Optional)
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Sprinkle gelatin over cold water.
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Let it bloom for 5 minutes.
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Heat gently until dissolved.
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Set aside to cool slightly.
👉 Skip this step if you prefer a softer mousse.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
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Beat chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.
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Do not overwhip.
👉 Soft peaks ensure a light, airy texture.
Step 3: Mix the Lime Base
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In another bowl, whisk condensed milk and lime juice.
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Add lime zest and vanilla extract.
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Mix until smooth and slightly thickened.
👉 The acid in lime naturally thickens the mixture.
Step 4: Combine Gelatin (If Using)
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Slowly whisk gelatin into lime mixture.
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Ensure it is warm, not hot.
Step 5: Fold Everything Together
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Gently fold whipped cream into lime mixture.
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Use a spatula and light hand.
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Do not overmix.
Step 6: Chill to Set
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Spoon mousse into serving glasses.
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Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours.
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Chill overnight for best texture.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Lime Mousse
For Best Texture
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Always fold, never stir aggressively
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Keep ingredients cold
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Use heavy cream, not light cream
For Strong Lime Flavor
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Add extra zest
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Use key limes for intense aroma
For Extra Creaminess
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Add 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)
DO’s and DON’Ts
DO’s
✔ Use fresh lime juice
✔ Chill before serving
✔ Fold gently
✔ Taste and adjust sweetness
✔ Garnish before serving
DON’Ts
✘ Don’t overwhip cream
✘ Don’t use bottled juice
✘ Don’t skip chilling time
✘ Don’t overmix
✘ Don’t serve warm
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Mousse Too Runny
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Cause: Underwhipped cream
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Fix: Chill longer or add gelatin
Mousse Grainy
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Cause: Overwhipped cream
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Fix: Fold in a little liquid cream
Too Sour
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Cause: Excess lime juice
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Fix: Add powdered sugar or cream
Delicious Variations
Lime & Coconut Mousse
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Replace half cream with coconut cream
Lime Cheesecake Mousse
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Add softened cream cheese
Lime & Berry Mousse
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Layer with strawberry or raspberry puree
Vegan Lime Mousse
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Use coconut cream and agar-agar
Serving Suggestions
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Serve in glass cups for elegance
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Top with crushed biscuits for crunch
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Pair with shortbread cookies
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Ideal after spicy meals
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigeration
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Store covered for up to 3 days
Freezing
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Not recommended (texture changes)
Nutritional Overview (Approximate)
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Moderate calories
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High calcium
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Balanced fat and sugar
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Refreshing light dessert option
Why This Recipe Is SEO-Friendly
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High-search dessert keyword
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No-bake dessert niche
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Long-form content (1500+ words)
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Evergreen recipe
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High reader engagement
Final Thoughts
Creamy Lime Mousse is the perfect dessert when you want something elegant, refreshing, and easy. Its bright citrus flavor and airy texture make it a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.
