Learn how to make mascarpone cheese. I would have learned how to make homemade mascarpone cheese long ago, had I known how ridiculously easy to make and deliciously tasting it is.

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Actually, truth be told, I never had mascarpone cheese until I made it myself. I’d see recipes that called for it but I could not find it at the store. There’s no better substitute than homemade!

Now, normally, I like to try a prepared product like that before I make it myself because I like to have something to compare it to.

For example, let’s take cottage cheese. I’ve spent some time this summer working on finding a recipe for cottage cheese. Because of my little policy on trying things first, I learned that those recipes I was trying were not cottage cheese. They were merely tough, dry cultured cheese curds.

I want to know that what I made was done right, but in the case of this homemade mascarpone cheese, I don’t think I’d even care!

I decided to go for it without having ever tasted mascarpone before. I’m so glad I did because it is amazing! Somewhere between whipped cream and butter in both flavor and texture, I don’t know that one ever ought to bother whipping cream again!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Use Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone cheese is much more stable and won’t melt into a puddle on warm desserts like whipped cream does (not that there’s anything wrong with that… depends on what you’re looking for). It goes great in and on desserts of all kinds, such as tiramisu and cheesecake.

I used it recently on a cake as frosting and it tasted so much like chocolate whipped cream except it was spreadable and I was able to make all of those charming classic swirls.

Use it as a substitute for sour cream. It can also be used in sauces, soups, pasta and other savory dishes.

What is the Difference Between Cream Cheese and Mascarpone?

Cream cheese and mascarpone cheese differ not only in taste and texture, but also in how it is made.

Cream cheese has a firmer consistency and therefore spreads better. It is made using whole milk so it has a lower fat content which gives it a more savory flavour.

Mascarpone cheese is creamier and softer. Made using heavy cream, it has a high fat content which gives it a more sweet, buttery flavour.

Are Mascarpone and Ricotta the same thing?

Ricotta cheese is something entirely different than mascarpone. Ricotta is made from whey and therefore has a much lower fat content. It is also a much firmer curd.

Step by Step Instruction for Homemade Mascarpone Cheese

Homemade mascarpone cheese is simple to make. However, two things are very important for the cheese to have the proper consistency: the right temperature and the right amount of acidity. With those in place, after the long rest in the refrigerator, you will have a bowl of the creamy goodness.

1. To reach the ideal temperature, which is 180F, use a candy thermometer for an accurate reading. You can warm it slowly over medium heat in a saucepan. Be very careful not to scald or boil the fresh cream. Or you can use a double boiler, a glass bowl over a small saucepan of boiling water, to bring it up to temperature, but it takes forever.
2. Once up to temperature, stir in lemon juice. This will increase the acidity in the cream and allow the proteins to coagulate.
3. Put it in the fridge for a couple hours to cool while the acid does its work.
4. Now it is ready to strain. Line a colander or sieve with cheesecloth, pour in the cream, cover with the corners of the cheese cloth, and put the lined colander with the mixture back in the fridge. * Tip: if you make this in the evening, you can put it in the fridge all night and have creamy cheese to use the next day. It helps take the waiting out of it.
5. Spoon out the mascarpone cream into an airtight container and store in the fridge until you use it.

How to Make Mascarpone Cheese

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