If you love desserts that are light, creamy, and a little bit citrusy, these Clementine Mousse Cups are for you. The first time I made them, the fresh orange scent filled my kitchen and instantly lifted my mood. They’re sweet, tangy, and so refreshing.

The mousse turns out so silky and smooth, with just the right amount of clementine flavor. I love how simple they are to put together—you don’t even need to bake anything. And those little cups make them perfect for parties or cozy nights in.

Each spoonful feels bright and airy, like sunshine in dessert form. It’s light enough for summer but fancy enough to serve anytime. Every bite just melts in your mouth.

So grab a few clementines and some cream, and let’s make something sweet. These Clementine Mousse Cups are easy, elegant, and full of flavor. You’ll want to make them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Zesty: The bright flavor of clementines brings a citrusy zing to the creamy mousse, making it the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Light and Airy: The mousse is light, fluffy, and smooth, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth sensation that everyone loves.
Make-Ahead: This dessert is great for preparing in advance! It can be stored in the fridge for up to a day, which makes it ideal for parties or gatherings.
Elegant Presentation: These individual mousse cups look beautiful when served and can be garnished with fresh fruit, chocolate, or even a sprig of mint for that extra touch of elegance.
Kid-Friendly: With its sweet, fruity flavor and creamy texture, this dessert is a hit with both adults and kids alike!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, make sure you have these basic kitchen tools on hand:

Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few for mixing the mousse ingredients and whipping the cream.
Electric mixer or hand whisk: For whipping the cream to soft peaks and creating the smooth mousse texture.
Measuring cups and spoons: For precision when adding the ingredients.
Heatproof bowl: For melting the chocolate.
Serving cups: Small glasses or dessert cups are perfect for this mousse. You could also use small mason jars or even shot glasses for a fun twist!
Rubber spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring everything is well mixed.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this refreshing and delicious dessert:

Sugar: ¼ cup (for sweetness in the mousse base)
Unflavored gelatin: 2 envelopes (this will help set the mousse)
Eggs (or egg substitute): 2 large eggs or ½ cup of fat-free egg product, thawed (adds richness and helps stabilize the mousse)
Skim milk: 1 ½ cups (for a creamy texture while keeping it light)
Crushed ice: 2 cups (helps in chilling the mixture)
Frozen tangerine or orange juice concentrate: 1 (6 oz) can (for that tangy citrus flavor)
Fresh clementines: 3 tiny clementines, peeled and sectioned (adds fresh fruit flavor and a nice garnish)
Mandarin orange segments: 1 (11 oz) can, drained (optional, for extra fruit)
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 2 tablespoons, melted (for drizzling)

Variations for Clementine Mousse Cups

There are several fun variations you can try to customize this recipe to your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Add Coconut: For a tropical twist, fold some shredded coconut into the mousse or sprinkle it on top as a garnish.
Use Different Citrus: If you’re not a fan of clementines, feel free to substitute with oranges, tangerines, or even grapefruit for a different citrus note.
Try Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, swap the semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate. It pairs wonderfully with the citrus.
Non-Dairy Option: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can replace the milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free chocolate.
Add Liquor: For an adult version, try adding a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the mousse for an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Gelatin Mixture

Start by dissolving the gelatin. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and gelatin. Pour in the skim milk and whisk until the sugar and gelatin are completely dissolved. Place this mixture over a bowl of crushed ice. Stir occasionally, making sure the mixture cools to room temperature but doesn’t fully set yet.

2. Mix in the Citrus

Once your gelatin mixture has cooled, stir in the frozen orange juice concentrate. This is where the magic happens! The citrus flavor will infuse the base of the mousse and give it that refreshing taste we all love.

3. Prepare the Eggs

If you’re using whole eggs, whisk the eggs in a separate bowl. Add the whisked eggs into the gelatin and citrus mixture, and mix thoroughly to combine. This step helps thicken the mousse and create that rich, creamy texture. If you’re using egg substitute, simply add it directly into the mixture.

4. Whip the Cream

Now, take your heavy cream (or whipped topping) and beat it in a separate bowl until soft peaks form. The goal is to get the cream light and fluffy so it will fold easily into the citrus mixture.

5. Fold Everything Together

Once the cream is whipped, gently fold it into the cooled gelatin and citrus mixture using a spatula. Take your time and fold carefully so that you keep as much air in the mixture as possible. This step will give the mousse its light and airy texture.

6. Assemble the Mousse Cups

Carefully spoon the mousse into your prepared cups or glasses. Use a spoon to smooth out the tops, but don’t worry about making it perfect—this dessert is meant to look rustic and homemade! Fill each cup about three-quarters full, leaving room for the fruit garnish.

7. Chill the Mousse

Cover the cups and place them in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have time. This will allow the mousse to fully set and develop its rich texture.

8. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, top the mousse with fresh clementine sections, mandarin orange segments, or any other fruit of your choice. For an extra special touch, drizzle melted semi-sweet chocolate over the mousse. It adds a gorgeous finish and a touch of indulgence. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for added color and flavor.

How to Serve Clementine Mousse Cups

Clementine Mousse Cups are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some great ways to serve them:

As a Light Dessert: Serve them at the end of a meal for a refreshing, light finish.
For Parties: Set up a dessert table with individual mousse cups for guests to grab and enjoy.
For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or dinner party, these mousse cups add an elegant touch to the celebration.
With Tea or Coffee: These mousse cups pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them the perfect treat for an afternoon gathering.

Storing Clementine Mousse Cups

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because these are so delicious!), here’s how to store them:

In the Refrigerator: Keep the mousse cups covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. The mousse should stay light and fluffy, but it’s best when served within the first 24 hours.
Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing the mousse, as it may affect the texture. However, you could freeze the mousse filling before it’s set, but the texture may change when thawed.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts for one serving of Clementine Mousse Cups:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	24g
Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	40mg
Sodium	50mg
Fiber	1g
Sugars	20g

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Conclusion

Clementine Mousse Cups are the ultimate dessert for anyone looking to impress with a light, refreshing treat that’s both elegant and delicious. The combination of citrusy clementines, creamy mousse, and a touch of chocolate creates a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, get ready to whisk, and enjoy the smooth, sweet goodness of these Clementine Mousse Cups!