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.

A white bowl full of whipped mascarpone cream on a marble surface.
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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

Ingredients for mascarpone cream laid out on a marble surface

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

  1. Beat heavy cream until foamy and thick. Beat in mascarpone and vanilla until it starts stiffening.A glass stand mixer bowl full of mascarpone cream.
  2. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar. Refrigerate until serving. A glass stand mixer bowl full of mascarpone cream.
The whip of a stand mixer full of mascarpone cream.

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 homemade creme fraiche!

A white bowl full of whipped mascarpone cream on a marble surface.

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

A layered dessert in a jar, topped with mascarpone cream

Dietary Considerations

  • Gluten Free
  • Vegetarian
  • Nut Free
A white bowl full of whipped mascarpone cream on a marble surface.

More Dessert Toppings

A white bowl full of whipped mascarpone cream on a marble surface.
4.94 from 15 votes
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Mascarpone Cream

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
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
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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4.94 from 15 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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18 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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❤️

    1. Hi Kim!
      I love to hear that- so glad you’re enjoying it!
      Have a beautiful weekend,
      Julie

    1. 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,
      Julie

    1. Unfortunately you won’t achieve the same lush flavor or consistency, but you can still substitute.