Home Desserts Mascarpone Cream
by Julie Blanner
updated May 01, 2023
4.94 from 15 votes
Mascarpone Cream is a rich, creamy topping for panettone, pandoro, colombo, classic cakes, pies, and more! It’s made with just 4 ingredients in a few minutes.
Unlike whipped cream, it is stabilized, so it can be made ahead while retaining it’s luxurious texture and shape!
Layer this decadent dessert topping between ladyfingers to make tiramisu, fill cream puffs, serve with fruits for a light dessert, or serve as a Mascarpone Fruit Dip. It’s incredibly versatile!
Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese made from heavy cream and citric acid. It’s a double or triple cream cheese with high fat content. It’s amazing for sweet and savory recipes like egg ravioli and pear ravioli.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- Variations
- How to Make Mascarpone Cream
- Tools to Use
- Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Make Ahead
- How to Store
- Serving Suggestions
- Dietary Considerations
- More Dessert Toppings
- Mascarpone Cream
- Explore More
Why You’ll Love It
- 4 Ingredients – This recipe uses staple ingredients and mascarpone cheese.
- Quick – It takes less than 10 minutes to make!
- Keeps Well – Make it ahead or just before using. It maintains its shape and velvety consistency.
Ingredients and Substitutions
See printable recipe card for complete ingredients and instructions.
- Heavy Cream –Heavy whipping cream, also known as heavy cream, has a high fat content. It makes it luxuriously cream and adds rich flavor. When you beat it, it traps air making it light and fluffy. Substitute with half and half to reduce fat.
- Mascarpone Cheese –An Italian cream cheese that is incredibly rich and has a velvety texture. Bring the cheese to room temperature for the best results.
- Powdered Sugar –Also known as confectioner’s sugar, this fine sugar sweetens while maintaining a silky smooth texture. Add more to thicken the cream, if you prefer.
- Vanilla – Pure vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste add a hint of flavor. Substitute clear vanilla if you prefer a whiter topping.
Variations
- Substitute your favorite extract – almond, orange, and lemon pair well with mascarpone.
How to Make Mascarpone Cream
- Beat heavy cream until foamy and thick. Beat in mascarpone and vanilla until it starts stiffening.
- Slowly incorporate powdered sugar. Refrigerate until serving.
Tips
- Freeze or chill your mixing bowl to make it even quicker.
- Do not overmix. Stop as soon as stiff peaks form.
- Bring mascarpone to room temperature prior to mixing for the best consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is difference between cream cheese and mascarpone?
Cream cheese is firmer, bolder, and more acidic. Mascarpone is velvety and richer, because it is higher in fat.
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
You can sub with cream cheese in a pinch, or try this homemadecreme fraiche!
Make Ahead
Make this mascarpone cream up to 48 hours in advance of serving!
How to Store
- At Room Temperature– It will keep up to two hours at room temperature to serve.
- Refrigerate– Store in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Freeze– Do not freeze. It can become grainy when defrosted.
Serving Suggestions
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Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Vegetarian
- Nut Free
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4.94 from 15 votes
Mascarpone Cream
By Julie Blanner
There's so much to love about this incredible mascarpone cream recipe. It's a lot like whipped cream, but richer, creamier and even more delectable! Learn how to make it and serve it with all your favorite desserts, taking them to a whole new level.
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 0 minutes mins
Total: 5 minutes mins
Servings: 6 servings
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Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese room temperature
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Beat heavy cream until foamy and thick. Beat in mascarpone until it starts stiffening.
Slowly incorporate powdered sugar. Refrigerate until serving.
Julie’s Tips
Tips
- Freeze mixing bowl.
- Use room temperature mascarpone.
- Do not overmix.
Video
Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 15mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 554IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
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18 Comments
I needed a recipe that was quick, beautiful, and delicious. This hit all the marks for the celebration of life for a military person. I added blueberries for the red, white, and blue.
Thank you so much❤️Reply
So sweet!
Reply
In love with this recipe….Reply
Hi Kim!
I love to hear that- so glad you’re enjoying it!
Have a beautiful weekend,
JulieReply
Where can I find Italian cream cheese
Reply
Hi Irene!
Most grocery stores carry Mascarpone, just ask an employee if you can’t find it!
It’s so delicious, it will be worth the search.
Have a beautiful week,
JulieReply
can you sub cool whip for the whipping cream
Reply
Unfortunately you won’t achieve the same lush flavor or consistency, but you can still substitute.
Reply
This sweet mascarpone cream recipe is a perfect blend of light fluff and rich creaminess.
Reply
