Imagine a dessert that’s creamy, zesty, and bright—something that tastes indulgent yet feels light and refreshing. That’s exactly what this Lemon Curd Frozen Mousse delivers. Made with rich whipped cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vibrant lemon curd swirls, this no-churn treat is refreshing, delicious, and stunningly easy to prepare. Perfect when you want a dessert that’s elegant but doesn’t demand hours—just a bit of freezer time.

Lemon Curd Frozen Mousse

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly simple—only a handful of ingredients, no ice cream machine required.
Bright and citrusy—the lemon curd adds refreshing zing that keeps each scoop exciting.
Light, yet indulgent—whipped cream makes it airy, while sweetened condensed milk adds a dreamy richness.
Customizable—add swirls of lemon curd, or experiment with blueberry or raspberry versions.
Perfect make-ahead dessert—freeze it now and serve when needed, with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Tip: You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
heavy whipping cream
sweetened condensed milk
vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Whip the Cream

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand or stand mixer until you reach stiff peaks. This ensures your dessert has volume and airiness.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon curd, and vanilla extract until smooth and evenly combined.

Step 3: Fold Ingredients Together

Gently fold the lemon curd mixture into the whipped cream. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream—fold just until combined. For extra lemony swirl, add a few extra spoons of lemon curd and gently swirl it in.

Step 4: Freeze

Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or freezer-safe container, smoothing the top. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight for the best texture.

Step 5: Serve

Let the mousse sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop into cones, bowls, or serve alongside shortbread cookies for extra texture.

Variations

Berry twist: Use raspberry or blueberry curd instead of lemon for fruity variation.
Layered parfait: Alternate layers of mousse and fresh fruit or salted caramel sauce.
Chocolate swirl: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the mousse before freezing.
Nutty crunch: Fold in chopped pistachios or almonds for texture.

Storage Tips

Freeze: Store covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Thawing: For scoopable consistency, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.
Avoid freezer burn: Ensure it’s covered tightly to prevent ice crystals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I whip the cream?

Beat until stiff peaks form—when you lift the whisk, the peaks hold their shape firmly.

Can I use reduced-fat cream?

Heavy cream gives the best texture. Reduced-fat may result in a less creamy, more icy dessert.

What’s the best type of lemon curd to use?

Homemade or reputable store-bought options both work well. Make sure it’s smooth and not too watery.

Can I substitute condensed milk?

Not easily—sweetened condensed milk contributes both sweetness and texture. Evaporated milk isn’t sweet enough.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make it in small cups?

Absolutely! Portion into small containers for easy, single servings—just adjust freezing time slightly.

How do I get pretty lemon curd swirls?

Dip a spoon into lemon curd and drop dollops on top before gently swirling with a knife.

Any low-sugar options?

You could use sugar-free condensed milk and homemade sugar-free curd—though sweetness and texture may vary.

What’s the texture like when frozen?

Think creamy like frozen yogurt—light, smooth, and scoopable with a refreshing tang.

Is this kid-friendly?

Definitely. Kids love the sweet and tangy flavor, and it’s fun to make together.

Conclusion

This Lemon Curd Frozen Mousse offers a beautiful balance of creamy softness and zesty brightness—without the fuss of churning. It’s easy to make, easy to store, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you serve it in scoops or cones or use it as a layered dessert, it’s sure to delight. Keep this recipe on hand whenever you need a fuss-free dessert that feels exceptionally sophisticated.