It is amazing how easy it is to make homemade mascarpone cheese. Why would anyone ever buy mascarpone cheese when it is so simple?! All you need are two ingredients and these easy-to-follow directions, and you will get to enjoy the best mascarpone of your life. Use it for baking, spread it on crackers or whip it into frosting. This versatile cheese is just unbeatable!
What is mascarpone cheese exactly?
Mascarpone cheese is a velvety soft and smooth Italian cheese made from cow's milk cream that has been 'acid set' which means that it's curdled by souring. Mascarpone is soured either by naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria or by the addition of acid. Traditionally it was made in old wine barrels and soured from tartaric acid residue.
Mascarpone is a very delicious spreadable, pale cream-colored cheese with a rich, buttery, slightly sweet taste. It is considered a specialty in the Lombardy region of Italy where it is originally from, so if you ever visit, be sure to try it!
What is mascarpone used for?
Mascarpone cheese is used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is most famous for its role in the popular and delicious Italian dessert Tiramisu but is also used as an ingredient in cheesecake, and cake frostings, to thicken sauces or add richness to dishes like risotto. Or you can eat it by itself as a spread!
What is the difference between mascarpone and cream cheese?
Cream cheese originates in the US and is an unripened fresh cheese made by curdling milk and adding cream. It is less sweet and has a tangier taste than mascarpone, which has a more savory flavor profile. However, it still has the smooth and rich properties that make it ideal for cream cheese frosting as well as savory items.
Homemade mascarpone cheese ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream (at least 40% fat content)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for the acid)
The recipe makes 1 ¼ cups mascarpone cheese. You can easily double the recipe by doubling both ingredients.
How to make mascarpone from scratch
Check our video as well for the homemade mascarpone recipe.
- Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 185-190 degrees F which is just below the point it will begin to simmer.
- Turn the heat down to low and stir in the lemon juice.
- Whisk gently for 3 minutes, keeping the temperature at 185-190 degrees F. The mixture will thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from the heat and allow the mascarpone cream mixture to cool down to room temperature for 2-3 hours.
- Place a sieve over a bowl and lay a clean kitchen towel over the top. Pour the mascarpone cheese in
- You will want to strain the water out of the mixture overnight
- Cover the surface of the cream with plastic food wrap to prevent it from forming a skin, and transfer the entire set to the fridge to chill overnight. Any excess water will drop into the bowl, and the remaining cream will thicken.
Please note that homemade mascarpone will have a slightly more sour flavor profile than store-bought simply because of the process of making it. However, when you use it with powdered sugar for tiramisu, the flavor will be perfect, and the texture will be super silky.
How to use homemade mascarpone
Use homemade mascarpone cheese in the exact same way you would use store-bought! I love to spread mascarpone on banana bread or even red velvet brownies and of course, you can use this homemade mascarpone recipe for tiramisu and to make mascarpone frosting for your favorite cakes and cupcakes.
How to use mascarpone cheese
This authentic Italian tiramisu offers a luxurious treat that's easy to make with simple ingredients. It even features soft and golden homemade ladyfingers to help you create the best-tasting classic tiramisu. The sponge-like ladyfingers are soaked in coffee and layered with velvety mascarpone cream in one of the best desserts with ladyfingers you’ll ever make.
Go to the recipe: Authentic Italian Tiramisu
Tiramisu Cream Puff
This tiramisu cream puff is the perfect combination of Italian Tiramisu and French Choux pastry, a showstopper dessert that will impress everyone! Crispy cream puff with creamy mascarpone filling, all dusted with cocoa powder. Its delicate texture and delicious flavor can be the star of any occasion!
Go to the recipe: Tiramisu Cream Puff
Matcha Tiramisu
Matcha tiramisu is a unique spin on the classic Italian tiramisu that swaps the usual ladyfinger coffee soak with high-quality matcha tea. The result is an earthy and pleasantly smooth dessert with a complex assortment of complementary flavors. It’s an absolute must-try for every green tea lover!
Go to the recipe: Matcha Tiramisu
Mini Tiramisu Cups
If you’ve been on the hunt for the simplest way to make a tiramisu dessert, look no further. Only 15 minutes stand between you and these delicious no-bake mini tiramisu cups.
Go to the recipe: Mini Tiramisu Cups
Tiramisu Cupcakes
These easy tiramisu cupcakes are a must-try for coffee and tiramisu lovers! Coffee soaked melt in your mouth cupcakes with creamy mascarpone frosting on top dusted with cocoa powder! If you love tiramisu as much as I do, you must try this easy cupcake version, they are like individual-sized tiramisu mini cakes!
Go to the recipe: Tiramisu cupcakes
Tiramisu Cookies
These delicious, coffee-flavored tiramisu cookies are the perfect after-dinner treat, dessert table addition, or compliment to your morning cup of coffee. A delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, this easy tiramisu cookie recipe combines espresso powder and sweet mascarpone frosting topped with cocoa powder. No matter how or where you eat them, it is sure to be something that everyone will love!
Go to the recipe: Tiramisu Cookies
Mascarpone Frosting
This silky mascarpone frosting is the perfect addition to your cupcakes or cakes. Pipes beautifully and unlike some other frostings, does not include tons of sugar so it is very well balanced in sweetness. Make this delicious, velvety-smooth frosting in less than 5 minutes using 3 simple ingredients.
Go to the recipe: Mascarpone Frosting
Raspberry Frangipane Tart
Raspberry Frangipane Tart recipe consists of contrasting layers of Pâte Sablée (sweet shortcrust) tarte filled with an incredibly delicious, easy almond cream (frangipane) and raspberries! For the ultimate luxurious experience, after baking, the tartlet is decorated with creamy raspberry rosewater mousse domes covered with velvet spray and a super easy rosewater whipped mascarpone piping as well as some fresh raspberries.
Go to the recipe: Raspberry Frangipane Tart
More from Spatula Desserts
When it comes to different types of cheesecake, you have more options than you might think. And if you love this rich and tangy treat, then you've come to the right place. I've compiled a list of the best cheesecake varieties that are all reliable recipes you can make at home.
Go to the recipes: Types of Cheesecake
Best Flourless Desserts
The best flourless desserts to make when you want something tasty and without substitutions. This list of flourless desserts has everything you need, from cakes and cookies to mousse and ice cream.
Go to the recipes: Flourless Dessert
Best Ricotta Dessert Recipes
These are the best ricotta desserts to make with this deliciously soft and creamy Italian cheese. My list of ricotta dessert recipes has delicious cakes, cookies, and more, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Go to the recipes: Ricotta Desserts
This article was originally published as Mascarpone Cheese Substitute at Spatula Desserts.
Leave a Reply