Print

Creamy No-Bake Lemon Curd Mousse Tart

no-bake lemon curd mousse tart - featured image

A bright, refreshing, and creamy no-bake lemon curd mousse tart with a buttery graham cracker crust that comes together quickly and is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers, finely crushed)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup lemon curd
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • Thin lemon slices or zest (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin until texture resembles coarse sand.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
  3. Press crumb mixture evenly into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Pack firmly using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
  4. Chill crust in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to set.
  5. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  6. Add lemon curd and vanilla extract (if using) to cream cheese and mix until fully combined and smooth.
  7. In a separate chilled bowl, whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form (3-5 minutes on medium-high speed).
  8. Gently fold about one-third of whipped cream into lemon curd mixture to lighten it, then fold in remaining whipped cream carefully to keep mousse airy and light.
  9. Pour mousse mixture over chilled graham cracker crust and smooth top with a spatula.
  10. Cover tart loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow mousse to set and flavors to meld.
  11. Before serving, garnish with thin lemon slices, zest, or fresh mint leaves.
  12. Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water to slice cleanly through mousse and crust.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps. Whip cream to stiff peaks but avoid over-whipping to prevent grainy texture. Gently fold whipped cream into lemon curd mixture to maintain airy texture. Chill tart overnight for best texture and flavor melding. Warm knife before slicing for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon curd mousse tart, no-bake dessert, lemon dessert, easy tart recipe, graham cracker crust, creamy mousse, summer dessert