Bookmark
This light and whipped lemon cream puff offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet wrapped in a glossy, lemonshaped shell. The buttery graham cracker crust at the base adds a satisfying crunch while the tart lemon curd center gives each bite a citrusy surprise. Perfect for a nobake treat that feels elegant but comes together with ease.
I first made this for a dinner party when I wanted something fancy yet fussfree. Everyone complimented the look and flavor, and I have made it a few times since, especially for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: to create a crunchy and buttery crust that holds the dessert together. Choose finely crushed crumbs for a compact base
- Melted butter: binds the crust ingredients and adds richness
- Sugar: to balance the tartness and sweeten the crust
- Heavy whipping cream: whips into soft peaks for that classic light mousse texture
- Lemon Greek yogurt or lemon curd: combined with whipped cream to bring a fresh tang and creamy texture
- Powdered sugar: for gentle sweetness and smooth incorporation
- Lemon extract: for an extra burst of citrus aroma
- Lemon curd: in the center to give the cream puffs a tart and vibrant heart
- White chocolate or yellow candy melts: to create a glossy lemoncolored shell. Use white chocolate if you want to tint with yellow food coloring
- Yellow food coloring: to achieve a bright lemon hue when using white chocolate
Instructions
- Spoon the Crust Base:
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar together until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your mold cavities to form a solid crust layer. Place the molds in the freezer for ten minutes to set the crust firmly.
- Whip the Lemon Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold in the lemon Greek yogurt or lemon curd mixture along with powdered sugar and lemon extract. Mix carefully until smooth and creamy but still light. Chill for ten to fifteen minutes to help it firm up slightly before filling the molds.
- Create the Lemon Shell:
- Melt the white chocolate or candy melts slowly over a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. If using white chocolate, add a few drops of yellow food coloring and stir well until color is uniform. Using a spoon or small brush, coat the inside of each mold cavity with an even layer of chocolate. Place the molds in the refrigerator until the shell is fully set and glossy.
- Assemble the Cream Puffs:
- Pipe or spoon the lemon mousse halfway into the prepared molds. Add a small spoonful of lemon curd right in the center for that signature tart core. Cover with more lemon mousse to fill up the mold completely.
- Seal and Freeze:
- Take the chilled graham cracker crust from the freezer and carefully press it onto the filled mold to seal the cream puff. Freeze the molds for at least four hours or until everything is completely firm and set.
- Unmold and Serve:
- Gently unmold the cream puffs from their cases and let them sit at room temperature for ten to fifteen minutes to soften just enough for perfect creaminess. Serve as a stunning dessert centerpiece or an indulgent treat.
My favorite part is the lemon curd nestled inside. It feels like a bright surprise every time you take a bite. When I made this for my niece’s birthday party, she exclaimed how it looked like a real lemon yet tasted like a cloud of lemon meringue pie. Those moments always make me happy cooking memories.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. Thaw in the fridge for two to three hours before serving and let sit briefly at room temperature. This dessert tends to lose some of its glossy shell shine if thawed too long.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap white chocolate for white candy melts if you want an easier melting chocolate that hardens quickly and is less prone to burning. Use store bought lemon curd if you want to save time or make your own from scratch for a more intense lemon flavor. Greek yogurt can be replaced entirely by lemon curd mixed with whipped cream if you prefer a softer or sweeter filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these lemon cream puffs with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Pair with a light sparkling wine or iced tea for an elegant afternoon treat or party dessert. Add small edible flowers or mint leaves on top for a fresh vibrant look and added aroma.
These lemon cream puffs make an elegant, easy nobake dessert for warm weather gatherings. Chill well before serving for the best texture and presentation.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do I achieve a glossy lemon-shaped shell?
Melt white chocolate or candy melts and add yellow coloring if desired. Use a spoon or brush to evenly coat mold cavities, then chill until set.
- → Can I substitute lemon Greek yogurt in the cream?
Yes, lemon curd mixed with whipped cream is a great alternative to add a tangy, creamy texture to the filling.
- → What is the purpose of freezing the crust base?
Freezing the crust sets the buttery graham cracker mixture firmly, making it easier to seal the lemon cream layers and maintain structure.
- → How long should the dessert be chilled before serving?
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until fully set. Let thaw for 10–15 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
- → Is this suitable for a no-bake preparation?
Yes, the dessert requires no baking. The layers set through chilling and freezing, making it an ideal no-bake treat.
- → What texture can I expect from this treat?
The combination of whipped cream, tart curd, and crisp buttery crust creates a harmonious blend of smooth, tangy, and crunchy sensations.