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Indulge in a Silky Lemon Cream Treat, a Zesty Dessert Delight that blends velvety mascarpone cream with the bright tang of fresh lemon, topped with crunchy shortbread and vibrant berries. Perfect for summer evenings or any occasion calling for a light, elegant dessert, this Silky Lemon Cream Treat is easy to whip up and sure to impress. Savor this Zesty Dessert Delight and bring refreshing sweetness to your table!

Ingredients for Silky Lemon Cream Treat

Here’s what you’ll need for Silky Lemon Cream Treat (serves 4):

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup mascarpone cheese
¼ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
½ cup shortbread cookies, crumbled
Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), for garnish
Mint leaves, for garnish

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or whisk
Microplane or zester
Measuring cups and spoons
Serving glasses or bowls
Spatula
Refrigerator
Airtight containers for storage

Ingredient Tips

Lemon Juice and Zest: Use fresh lemons for vibrant flavor; avoid bottled juice for the best Zesty Dessert Delight.
Mascarpone: Ensure it’s at room temperature for smooth blending; cream cheese can substitute in a pinch.
Heavy Cream: Chill before whipping for better peaks.
Shortbread: Homemade or store-bought works; gluten-free options suit dietary needs.
Berries: Fresh strawberries or blueberries add color; frozen berries (thawed) work if fresh aren’t available.

Directions for Silky Lemon Cream Treat

Let’s whip up this Silky Lemon Cream Treat—a perfect Zesty Dessert Delight!

Prepare the Lemon Cream

In a mixing bowl, I combine 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup mascarpone cheese, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, zest of 1 lemon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt for this Zesty Dessert Delight.

Whip the Mixture

I use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until soft peaks form, ensuring a silky, fluffy texture without overmixing.

Assemble the Dessert

I spoon the creamy lemon mixture into 4 serving glasses or bowls, creating even portions for a stunning Silky Lemon Cream Treat.

Add Toppings

I top each serving with ½ cup crumbled shortbread cookies, a handful of fresh berries, and a few mint leaves for a colorful, crunchy finish.

Chill and Serve

I chill the Silky Lemon Cream Treat in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld, then serve cold for maximum refreshment.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~290 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 22g carbs, 4g protein, 21g fat, 1g fiber

Variations

Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream and mascarpone for coconut cream and plant-based cream cheese for a vegan Zesty Dessert Delight.
Lime Twist: Use lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a tropical flair.
Chocolate Accent: Mix in 2 tbsp melted white chocolate for a richer Zesty Dessert Delight, inspired by Layla Cooks’ indulgent recipes.
Nut Crunch: Replace shortbread with ½ cup crushed almonds or pistachios for added texture.
Berry Blend: Use a mix of kiwi, pomegranate, or blackberries for a vibrant garnish.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Miso-Glazed Eggplant for a sophisticated dinner party spread.
Serve with Layla Cooks’ iced herbal tea for a refreshing dessert course.
Offer at brunches with a fruit platter for a festive touch.

Storage

I store Silky Lemon Cream Treat in airtight containers or covered serving glasses in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture. I add shortbread crumbles just before serving to keep them crisp. For freezing, I freeze the lemon cream mixture (without toppings) in an airtight container for up to 1 month, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before re-whipping slightly and adding fresh garnishes.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Silky Lemon Cream Treat in clear glasses to showcase the creamy layers and colorful berries.
Garnish: Add extra mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for elegance.
Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled prosecco, lemon-infused water, or Layla Cooks’ minty iced tea to enhance this Zesty Dessert Delight.
Portion Size: 1 small glass per person for a light dessert; larger for indulgence.
Occasions: Ideal for summer gatherings, brunches, or after-dinner treats.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is best for a vibrant Silky Lemon Cream Treat; bottled juice may dull the flavor and lack zest’s brightness.

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and mascarpone with plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free Zesty Dessert Delight.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Ensure lemon juice is added gradually while mixing, and use room-temperature mascarpone to maintain a smooth texture for Silky Lemon Cream Treat.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and chill the lemon cream up to 2 days ahead; add shortbread and garnishes just before serving to keep them fresh.

What if I overmix the cream?
Overmixing can make the cream runny; stop at soft peaks. If overmixed, add a bit more mascarpone and gently fold to thicken.

Can I use other cookies instead of shortbread?
Yes, graham crackers, biscotti, or gluten-free cookies work well as a crunchy topping for this Zesty Dessert Delight.

More Summer Dessert Ideas You’ll Love

Conclusion

The Silky Lemon Cream Treat is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the rich flavors of mascarpone cheese, the zing of fresh lemon, and the crunch of shortbread. With its health benefits, ease of preparation, and endless possibilities for customization, this Zesty Dessert Delight is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you are looking for a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner or a stunning dish to serve at your next gathering, this Silky Lemon Cream Treat has everything you need to satisfy your cravings while impressing your guests.

Silky Lemon Cream Treat

The Silky Lemon Cream Treat is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the rich flavors of mascarpone cheese, the zing of fresh lemon, and the crunch of shortbread. With its health benefits, ease of preparation, and endless possibilities for customization, this Zesty Dessert Delight is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 1 10

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup mascarpone cheese
¼ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
½ cup shortbread cookies crumbled
Fresh berries strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, for garnish
Mint leaves for garnish