Ricotta & Raspberry Mousse in Hollowed Lemons

Ricotta & Raspberry Mousse in Hollowed Lemons

Ricotta & Raspberry Mousse in Hollowed Lemons is a delightful treat that combines the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese with the tangy sweetness of fresh raspberries, all served in charming lemon cups. This dessert not only pleases the palate but also delights the eyes with its vibrant colors and elegant presentation. Perfect for warm days or festive gatherings, it’s an easy, step-by-step recipe that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ricotta & Raspberry Mousse is a true crowd-pleaser, not only for its delightful flavors but also for its simple preparation. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a refreshing dessert in no time. The combination of creamy ricotta and juicy raspberries adds a bright, summery twist to any occasion, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties, picnics, or even a cozy family meal. Plus, serving them in hollowed lemons adds a touch of whimsy that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 4 large lemons
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

The ingredients in this recipe are as vibrant as they are flavorful. The creamy ricotta cheese lends a rich texture that beautifully balances the tartness of fresh raspberries. The aromatic lemons not only serve as delightful vessels for this mousse but also enhance the overall flavor profile, ensuring every bite has a burst of freshness. Garnishing with fresh mint leaves adds a refreshing touch, elevating this treat both in taste and presentation.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Lemons: Cut the tops off the lemons and carefully scoop out the pulp, leaving the skin intact. This will create charming little cups for your mousse.

2. Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Add the Raspberries: Gently fold in the fresh raspberries to the ricotta mixture, being careful not to crush the berries too much. You want to maintain some texture and visual appeal in the mousse.

4. Fill the Lemon Cups: Spoon the ricotta and raspberry mixture into the hollowed lemon cups, filling them generously.

5. Chill the Desserts: Place the filled lemon cups in the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes. This step helps the mousse set and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

6. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish each cup with fresh mint leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra zing, consider adding a little lemon zest to the ricotta mixture; it enhances the lemon flavor beautifully.
• Make sure the lemons are fresh and firm; this ensures they hold their shape well and won’t collapse when filled.
• You can substitute the raspberries with other berries like blueberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This delightful dessert not only serves well on its own but can also be paired with a variety of treats. Serve alongside a light cheesecake, or as part of a summer dessert platter featuring fresh fruit and cookies. It’s equally delightful with a cup of herbal tea or sparkling water, making it suited for afternoon tea or a festive gathering.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Ricotta & Raspberry Mousse contains approximately:

• Calories: 190 kcal
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 15 g

This dessert is not only indulgent but also provides some nutritional benefits due to the use of fresh fruit and ricotta cheese. Remember moderation is key, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.

Storing Tips & Variations

For optimal freshness, it’s best to enjoy this dessert shortly after making it. However, if you need to store it, keep the filled lemon cups covered in the refrigerator for up to a day. The mousse can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container if you prefer to skip the lemon cups.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with flavor variations by adding a splash of honey or using flavored ricotta. You can also create a layered parfait by alternating layers of the mousse with whipped cream or granola in serving glasses.

Conclusion

Ricotta & Raspberry Mousse in Hollowed Lemons is a beautiful and delicious way to elevate your dessert game. Its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and creamy texture make it a must-try recipe for any occasion. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with us!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before incorporating them into your mousse mixture.

2. How can I make this dessert lighter?
You can substitute part of the ricotta with Greek yogurt to create a lighter version of this mousse while still maintaining a creamy texture.

3. Is there a way to spruce this up for a special occasion?
For a more elegant look, consider adding a sprinkle of edible gold leaf or serving it with a drizzle of honey and lemon zest over the top.

4. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ricotta mousse up to 24 hours in advance, but it’s best to fill the lemon cups just before serving to avoid sogginess.

5. How do I know when the lemons are ripe?
Choose lemons that are firm, smooth, and have a bright yellow color with no blemishes. Give them a gentle squeeze; they should yield slightly but not feel mushy.

Print Recipe

Ricotta & Raspberry Mousse in Hollowed Lemons

A delightful dessert combining creamy ricotta cheese and tangy raspberries, served in charming hollowed lemon cups, perfect for warm days and gatherings.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Easy Dessert, Lemon Dessert, Raspberry Dessert, Ricotta Mousse, Summer Dessert

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 190kcal

Ingredients

For the Lemon Cups

• 4 large large lemons for serving

For the Mousse

• 1 cup ricotta cheese creamy texture
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries can substitute with other berries
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
• Fresh leaves mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

• Cut the tops off the lemons and carefully scoop out the pulp, leaving the skin intact to create cups.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Gently fold in the fresh raspberries to the ricotta mixture, being careful not to crush them too much.
• Spoon the ricotta and raspberry mixture into the hollowed lemon cups.
• Place the filled lemon cups in the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes.
• Garnish each cup with fresh mint leaves before serving.

Notes

For extra zing, add lemon zest to the ricotta mixture. Ensure lemons are fresh and firm for better presentation. Substitute raspberries with blueberries or strawberries as desired. The mousse can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.