Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake Recipe

Zesty Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake Recipe

Creamy yogurt lemon poppy seed mousse cake brings a delightful twist to classic dessert expectations.

Zesty citrus notes dance through each silky layer, promising pure indulgence.

Delicate poppy seeds add subtle crunch and visual intrigue to this elegant treat.

Light and refreshing, this dessert feels like a whispered promise of summer afternoons.

Soft textures mingle with bright flavors, creating a sophisticated experience that feels both comforting and exciting.

Craft this stunning confection and watch friends marvel at your culinary skills.

You will absolutely love how simple yet impressive this recipe becomes in your hands.

Zesty Reasons To Love Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake

  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for home bakers seeking a delightful dessert without complicated techniques, this recipe requires basic kitchen skills and minimal equipment.
  • Quick and Refreshing: Minimal cooking steps and straightforward ingredients make this mousse cake a speedy treat that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Charm: The zesty lemon and creamy yogurt combination creates a universally appealing dessert that suits various palates, from kids to adults.
  • Versatile Celebration Dessert: Ideal for brunches, summer gatherings, or as a light finale to a dinner party, this mousse cake brings a sophisticated yet approachable touch to any occasion.

Ingredients For Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake

Cake Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic foundation that provides a crisp and sweet base for the mousse cake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.
Mousse Ingredients:
  • Greek Yogurt: A thick and creamy base that gives the mousse its tangy and smooth texture.
  • Poppy Seeds: Small seeds that add a delightful crunch and subtle nutty flavor to the mousse.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides a bright and zesty citrus flavor that complements the yogurt.
  • Lemon Zest: Adds intense lemon essence and aromatic oils to enhance the overall taste.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the tartness of the yogurt and lemon.
Binding and Stabilizing Ingredients:
  • Gelatin, Cold Water: Helps set the mousse and gives it a stable, smooth consistency.
  • Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Creates a light and airy whipped cream that adds volume and sweetness to the mousse.

How To Make Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake

Step 1: Prepare Gelatin Base

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate and bloom. This process helps the gelatin dissolve smoothly and create a stable structure for your mousse cake.

Step 2: Create Lemon Infusion

In a saucepan, warm up the ingredients:
  • Lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Honey

Heat gently until the mixture becomes warm and fragrant, releasing the bright citrus aroma.

Step 3: Dissolve Gelatin

Add the bloomed gelatin into the warm lemon mixture. Stir continuously until the gelatin completely dissolves, creating a smooth liquid base that will help set the mousse.

Step 4: Mix Yogurt Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Greek yogurt
  • Poppy seeds

Whisk these ingredients together until they are well incorporated, creating a creamy and textured foundation for your mousse cake.

Step 5: Combine Lemon and Yogurt

Slowly pour the warm lemon-gelatin mixture into the yogurt mixture. Stir constantly to ensure even distribution and prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 6: Whip Cream Topping

In a separate bowl, whip together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy cream that will add volume and richness to the mousse.

Step 7: Fold Cream into Mixture

Gently fold the whipped cream into the yogurt-lemon mixture. Use a delicate touch to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream while creating a smooth, cohesive mousse.

Step 8: Set and Chill

Pour the mousse mixture into a cake pan. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the mousse is completely set and firm.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the mousse cake from the refrigerator. Slice and serve chilled, savoring the zesty lemon flavor and creamy texture of this delightful dessert.

Helpful Tips For Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake

  • Use high-quality Greek yogurt for a creamier, richer mousse texture that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Ensure gelatin is completely dissolved to prevent lumpy or grainy consistency in the final cake.
  • Zest lemons carefully to avoid bitter white pith, which can make the dessert taste unpleasant.
  • Whip cream to stiff peaks but avoid overbeating, as this can make the mousse less smooth and silky.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use plant-based yogurt alternative.

Creative Twists For Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake

  • Citrus Berry Burst: Replace lemon with mixed berry puree, using raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant, fruity mousse cake that adds colorful summer flair.
  • Lavender Honey Dream: Infuse the lemon mixture with dried lavender flowers and swap honey for local wildflower honey, creating an aromatic and sophisticated dessert.
  • Coconut Tropical Escape: Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt, add toasted coconut flakes, and garnish with fresh mango slices for a tropical-inspired mousse experience.
  • Matcha Green Tea Elegance: Incorporate high-quality matcha powder into the yogurt mixture, reducing lemon juice and adding a subtle earthy undertone to the creamy dessert.

What To Serve With Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake

  • Pair Tangy Citrus Wines: Select crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement the lemon's bright acidity and match the dessert's zesty profile.
  • Enhance with Fresh Berry Garnish: Top the mousse cake with fresh raspberries or blueberries to add natural sweetness and create beautiful color contrast against the creamy white background.
  • Create Herbal Tea Companion: Brew light, delicate teas such as chamomile or green tea to balance the dessert's richness and provide a subtle, refreshing counterpoint to the tangy lemon flavor.
  • Match with Almond Biscotti: Serve alongside crunchy almond biscotti cookies to introduce a complementary texture and nutty undertone that beautifully highlights the poppy seed's earthy notes.

Storage Advice For Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake

  • Store the mousse cake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual portions and place them in separate sealed containers for easy grab-and-go treats. Keep chilled until ready to enjoy.
  • Place a piece of parchment paper between cake slices to prevent sticking and maintain the mousse's delicate texture when storing.

Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake FAQs

  • What is the purpose of blooming gelatin?

Blooming helps gelatin dissolve smoothly and prevents lumps, ensuring a silky texture in the mousse cake.

  • Can I substitute Greek yogurt with another type of yogurt?

Regular plain yogurt works, but Greek yogurt provides a thicker, creamier consistency that’s ideal for this recipe.

  • Why add poppy seeds to the mousse?

Poppy seeds add a subtle nutty crunch and visual interest, complementing the tangy lemon flavor and smooth yogurt texture.

  • Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

The recipe contains dairy products like yogurt and heavy cream, making it vegetarian-friendly but not vegan.

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Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake Recipe

Yogurt Lemon Poppy Seed Mousse Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky yogurt lemon poppy seed mousse cake whispers elegant Mediterranean dessert dreams. Delicate layers of tangy brightness and subtle crunch invite sweet exploration for sophisticated palates.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) plain greek yogurt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) lemon juice

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding Agents:

  • 1 package gelatin
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, allowing it to bloom and soften for 5 minutes.
  2. Gently warm lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey in a saucepan until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
  3. Incorporate the bloomed gelatin into the warm lemon mixture, stirring until completely dissolved and smooth.
  4. Combine Greek yogurt and poppy seeds in a large mixing bowl, whisking until evenly distributed.
  5. Gradually stream the warm lemon gelatin mixture into the yogurt, continuously stirring to create a uniform consistency.
  6. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until stiff, voluminous peaks form.
  7. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the yogurt mixture, ensuring a light and airy texture without deflating the cream.
  8. Transfer the mousse into a prepared cake pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.
  9. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours at 40°F, allowing the mousse to set completely and develop a firm, creamy texture.
  10. When ready to serve, carefully remove from the pan and garnish with additional lemon zest or poppy seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Bloom gelatin carefully to ensure smooth texture without lumps in the mousse.
  • Use fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor intensity and bright citrusy notes.
  • Fold whipped cream gently to maintain airy, light consistency of the mousse.
  • Chill cake thoroughly to help it set properly and enhance flavor development.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Refrigerating
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 162 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 20 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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