Make fresh mascarpone cheese at home with simple ingredients, creamy texture, and ideal for Italian desserts and savoury dishes.
If you love Italian desserts, then you already know the magic of mascarpone cheese — that silky, rich, mildly sweet heaven that makes tiramisu irresistible. But here’s the best part: you can make mascarpone at home with just two ingredients and minimal effort! This homemade mascarpone recipe gives you fresh, preservative-free cheese that tastes miles better than store-bought tubs.
Whether you’re crafting indulgent desserts or upgrading your brunch dishes, this easy mascarpone recipe will instantly elevate your cooking.
Tips for Perfect Mascarpone
- Use full-fat cream only — low fat won’t set properly.
- Heat gently — don’t boil the cream.
- Let it drain slowly in the fridge for a smoother texture.
- If the mixture looks too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of leftover whey.
- For a neutral taste, choose white vinegar instead of lemon.
Uses for Homemade Mascarpone
Homemade mascarpone is incredibly versatile and adds a touch of luxury to both desserts and savoury dishes. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy your fresh batch:
In Desserts
- Tiramisu – The classic Italian dessert where mascarpone truly shines. It makes the cream layer ultra silky and indulgent.
- Cheesecakes – Swap cream cheese with mascarpone for a lighter, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
- Layered desserts & trifles – Fold it with whipped cream for luscious layers in parfaits, trifles and dessert cups.
- Fruit pairings – Spread on shortbread or dollop over fresh berries, figs, or stone fruits with a drizzle of honey.
- Frosting & fillings – Use it to frost cupcakes or fill cakes — especially coffee, chocolate and berry flavours.
For Breakfast & Snacks
- On toast or brioche – Slather mascarpone over toasted brioche, bagels or croissants for a café-style treat.
- Pancake or waffle topping – Mix with a bit of vanilla and sugar for a dreamy breakfast topping.
- Dip for cookies or crackers – Turn it into a sweet dip with cinnamon, cocoa or jam swirls.
In Savoury Dishes
- Creamy pasta sauces – Stir mascarpone into hot pasta for a rich and silky sauce — especially with mushrooms or spinach.
- Soups – A spoonful can elevate tomato, pumpkin or mushroom soup with extra creaminess.
- Stuffings & spreads – Add to crostini, stuffed chicken breasts or creamy appetizers.
Customizing Your Mascarpone: Sugar or Salt?
This homemade mascarpone cheese is intentionally neutral in flavour, which gives you complete control over how you use it. If you’re making a sweet dessert, gently fold in powdered sugar, honey or vanilla after the mascarpone has fully chilled and set — this keeps the texture smooth and prevents over-thinning. For savoury dishes, whisk in a pinch of salt, cracked pepper, herbs or garlic just before serving to enhance its rich creaminess. Always customise mascarpone only at the end, once it’s ready — that way you retain its luxurious texture and versatility.
Storing
Store mascarpone in a clean, airtight jar or container. Keep refrigerated at 2–4°C. Use within 3–4 days for best freshness. Freezing isn’t recommended— as it could alter texture and make it grainy.
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Homemade Mascarpone Cheese
Cuisine: Italian3
cups approx.10
minutes10
minutes12
hoursMake fresh mascarpone cheese at home with simple ingredients, creamy texture, and ideal for Italian desserts and savoury dishes.
Ingredients
1 litre (4 cups) heavy cream (minimum 35% fat)
2 tablespoons lemon juice or 2 tablespoons white vinegar
Directions
- Heat the cream in a heavy-bottomed saucepan on medium heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in lemon juice. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, maintaining the temperature at 185 to 190 degrees F (85 to 88 degrees C), then turn off the heat. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon.
- Let it rest in the pan for 20 minutes.
- Pour into a muslin-lined sieve set over a bowl.
- Cover top with plastic wrap, pressing down gently onto the surface of the cream, and let cool to room temperature then refrigerate the setup for 12–24 hours to drain excess whey.
- Transfer to an airtight container and gently mix to smoothen.
