Craving a sweet and zesty treat? I’ve got you covered with my Lemon Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart Delight Recipe! This dessert brings together fresh strawberries, creamy mousse, and a buttery crust for a taste explosion. Whether you're celebrating or just treating yourself, this tart is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the simple steps and tips to create this delightful dessert in your kitchen!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor Combination: The combination of zesty lemon and sweet strawberries creates a delightful balance that’s perfect for warm days.
- Light and Airy Texture: The mousse is incredibly light, making each bite feel indulgent without being too heavy.
- Beautiful Presentation: With its vibrant colors and elegant garnishes, this tart is a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
- Easy to Make: This recipe involves simple steps and readily available ingredients, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
Detailed list of ingredients
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup strawberries, pureed
- ½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
- Mint leaves (for garnish)
Substitutes for common ingredients
You can swap graham crackers with digestive biscuits for a similar taste. If you want it gluten-free, use gluten-free cookies. Instead of unsweetened shredded coconut, try almond flour for a nutty flavor. You can use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free option. If you don't have lemon curd, make a quick lemon mousse with whipped cream and lemon juice.
Optional garnishes or toppings
For a fancy touch, add whipped cream on top. You can also sprinkle some toasted coconut for crunch. A drizzle of honey or extra strawberry puree adds sweetness. Lastly, fresh mint leaves make a bright and pretty garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Instructions for preparing the crust
To start, gather your crust ingredients: crushed graham crackers, shredded coconut, melted butter, and granulated sugar. In a medium bowl, mix these items until they blend well. This forms a tasty base for your tart. Next, press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Make sure it’s even. Bake this crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You want it lightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool completely.
Instructions for making the mousse
Now, let’s make the mousse! First, grab a mixing bowl. Whip the heavy cream in it until it forms soft peaks. This step is key for a light mousse. In a separate bowl, mix together the strawberry puree, lemon curd, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir gently until it’s smooth. This mix brings out bright flavors. Now, carefully fold the whipped cream into the strawberry-lemon mix. Be gentle to keep the mousse airy and light.
Filling and setting the tart
Once your mousse is ready, it’s time to fill the tart. Spoon the mousse into your cooled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Make it look nice! After you fill it, place the tart in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps the mousse set. After it’s set, you can garnish it. Slice fresh strawberries and add mint leaves on top. Now, your Lemon Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart is ready to serve chilled. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Best practices for achieving the perfect crust
To make a great crust, start with fresh ingredients. Use crushed graham crackers that are fine and dry. Mix them well with coconut, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mix firmly into your tart pan. This helps form a solid base. Bake it until it turns a light golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the mousse.
How to make the mousse light and fluffy
For a light and fluffy mousse, whip the heavy cream well. Use a clean bowl and beaters. Whip until you see soft peaks form. In another bowl, mix the pureed strawberries, lemon curd, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Gently fold the whipped cream into this mix. Use a spatula to combine them without losing air. This makes your mousse airy and delicious.
Suggestions for preventing soggy tart crust
To avoid a soggy crust, bake the crust until golden. Let it cool completely. Add the mousse only when the crust is cool. If you want extra protection, brush a thin layer of melted chocolate on the crust. This helps seal it and adds a nice flavor. Also, serve the tart cold to keep it fresh and crisp.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh strawberries and lemons to enhance the flavor of your mousse tart.
- Chill Your Tools: For better whipped cream results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream.
- Customize Your Topping: Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a colorful and flavorful twist.
- Let It Set: Allow the tart to set in the fridge for longer than 2 hours for a firmer mousse consistency.
Variations
Alternative flavor combinations
You can switch up flavors in this tart. For a berry twist, use raspberries instead of strawberries. They add a fun tartness. You could also try peaches or blueberries. Each fruit brings a new taste. Mixing lemon with lime gives a zesty kick. You can even use chocolate mousse for a rich treat. The options are endless!
Gluten-free adjustments
To make this tart gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers. Many brands offer tasty options. You can also use almond flour to create a crust. Just mix it with melted butter and sugar. Press it into the tart pan as usual. This way, everyone can enjoy the tart without worries.
Dairy-free alternatives
Making this tart dairy-free is simple. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream. It whips up nicely and adds a hint of coconut flavor. Use a dairy-free lemon curd. You can find it in stores or make your own with coconut milk. This keeps the tart creamy and delicious without the dairy.
Storage Info
How to store leftovers
To store leftover lemon strawberry shortcake mousse tart, first, cover it well. You can use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps the tart fresh and prevents it from drying out. If you have a slice of tart, place it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its flavor and texture.
Best storage containers
The best containers for storing the tart are glass or plastic airtight containers. A shallow container works best to keep the tart flat. If you use a pie dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps protect the mousse from air and moisture.
How long the tart lasts in the fridge
The tart lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. After that, the quality may decline. The mousse can start to lose its light texture, and the crust may get soggy. To enjoy the best taste and texture, try to eat it within those days.
FAQs
Can I make this tart in advance?
Yes, you can make this tart ahead of time. It tastes great after chilling in the fridge. I suggest making the tart up to a day before serving. This helps the flavors blend well. Just wait to add the fresh strawberries and mint leaves until you are ready to serve.
What can I use instead of lemon curd?
If you don't have lemon curd, you can use lemon yogurt. It offers a nice tartness. You can also use a mix of fresh lemon juice and sugar. Just make sure to adjust the sugar to taste. This way, you’ll still get that bright lemon flavor.
How can I modify the recipe for smaller servings?
To make smaller servings, use a mini tart pan. You can also divide the mousse into cups for individual servings. This way, each person gets their own treat. Adjust the baking time for the crust if needed, as smaller pans bake faster.
This blog post covered key ingredients, easy steps, and tips for a great tart. You learned about swaps for common items and how to make the crust just right. I shared ways to keep the mousse light and ideas for fun variations. Proper storage can help keep your tart fresh, too.
Try these ideas and make your delicious tart today! Enjoy your baking journey and share your results.