What is Mascarpone, exactly?

Mascarpone is most often associated with the creamy, indulgent layer in tiramisu that makes this dessert so irresistible. But what exactly is it? Is it a type of cheese, cream, or a combination of both? How does it differ from cream cheese? Get all the details about mascarpone and discover top recipes to incorporate it into your cooking.

What exactly is Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone cheese is a rich Italian creation made from just two ingredients: heavy cream and either citric or tartaric acid. The cream is gently heated, and the acid helps it solidify and thicken. It’s then strained through a cheesecloth to eliminate excess liquid. With a fat content ranging from 60% to 75%, mascarpone is luxuriously smooth and spreadable.

Mascarpone has a taste profile that’s similar to cream cheese, ricotta, creme fraiche, or clotted cream, but it has a distinct sweetness and tang. This makes it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes alike.

What is Mascarpone Cream?

You may have encountered the term mascarpone cream. The key difference between mascarpone cheese and mascarpone cream is that the latter is made by whipping mascarpone cheese with eggs and sugar. This creates a light, airy topping that’s commonly used in tiramisu and as a garnish for cakes, fruit, and coffee drinks.

Mascarpone Cheese vs. Cream Cheese

Mascarpone is crafted from heavy cream, whereas cream cheese is made from whole milk. This difference results in mascarpone’s higher fat content, giving it a richer, smoother texture. While cream cheese contains about 30-40% fat, mascarpone has a luxurious 60-75%. Additionally, cream cheese is more tangy and sour, while mascarpone is sweeter and milder, though both can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

How to Make Mascarpone Cheese at Home

We've already covered that mascarpone cheese is made with just two basic ingredients: heavy cream and an acid. While it’s easy to find in stores, making your own mascarpone at home is simple and rewarding.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups heavy cream
• 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Pour heavy cream into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Add the lemon juice and whisk the mixture for about 15 minutes, or until it thickens.
3. Test the consistency by dipping a wooden spoon into the mixture; if it coats the spoon, it’s ready.
4. Transfer the saucepan to an ice bath and allow the mixture to cool completely.
5. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a bowl to catch any excess liquid.
6. Refrigerate for 24 hours, then discard the liquid. Enjoy your homemade mascarpone!

Recipe: How to Make Homemade Mascarpone

5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Mascarpone

1. Ham and Butternut Squash Spaghetti

Despite the rich and creamy mascarpone, the sauce for this pasta is surprisingly light, with chicken broth and squash forming the base of the sauce,” says Chef John.

2. Classic Tiramisu

“When I first visited Italy to meet my husband’s family in 1995, I didn’t speak any Italian, but I learned how to make amazing ‘dolci’ from his sister Maria,” says Kim from Kim’s Cooking Now. “This is her recipe, and now, when we visit, they always ask me to make it! Mascarpone cream is key to this authentic tiramisu.”

3. Pumpkin Cannoli

“These are absolutely delicious, with a pumpkin pie filling that makes them taste like autumn in a cannoli. They’d be a perfect dessert for Thanksgiving. I swapped sprinkles for mini chocolate chips on the ends, and I’ll definitely make these again,” says reviewer Kim's Cooking Now.

4. Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

This dish puts an Italian spin on a classic. Reviewer Meg Mae shares, “The addition of mascarpone is brilliant. I used extra, and my potatoes turned out incredibly creamy, rich, and delicious.”

5. Mascarpone Brulee with Fresh Berries

Use your summer berries or enjoy this light dessert all year long. Chef John says, “This dessert is incredibly quick and simple, yet it has the appearance of something much more elaborate, thanks to the bruleed sugar on top of the mascarpone. I’m not usually a dessert person, but this is the perfect way to end an early summer meal.”