Frederic Melton
Mascarpone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes. Originating in Northern Italy, it is often referred to as Italian cream cheese due to its creamy texture and hint of sweetness. When used in desserts, mascarpone adds a luxurious touch to any sweet treat. It can be used as a cake or pie filling, a frosting or topping for cupcakes, a simple dessert with fresh fruit, or as a base for a creamy, decadent mousse. Mascarpone is also a key ingredient in classic Italian desserts such as tiramisu and cannoli cake. With its high fat content, mascarpone cheese creates rich and indulgent treats that are sure to impress your guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dessert type | Cakes, tarts, pies, cheesecakes, mousses, macarons, cupcakes, frosting, trifle, tiramisu, cannoli cake, ice cream cake, no-bake desserts |
| Flavors | Chocolate, lemon, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, vanilla, lavender, olive oil, honey, fig, rosemary, espresso, limoncello, sherry, rum, almond, cherry, Nutella |
| Fruits | Strawberries, blueberries, peaches, figs, lemon, lime, banana, mixed berries, plums, apples, pears, cherries |
| Baked goods | Sponge cake, ladyfingers, cookies, biscotti, macarons, puff pastry |
| Other ingredients | Eggs, sugar, heavy cream, whipped cream, icing sugar, vanilla extract, rum, liqueur, lemon zest, cocoa powder, jam, gelatin, mascarpone cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Mascarpone cheesecakes
Baked Mascarpone Cheesecake
For a baked mascarpone cheesecake, you'll need a 9-inch springform pan and a large roasting pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C. The first step is to prepare the crust. You can use a variety of cookies for the base, such as graham crackers, Biscoff cookies, or ginger cookies. Crush your chosen cookies and mix them with melted butter to create a crumbly texture. Press this mixture into your springform pan to form an even crust and bake it for 5-8 minutes to set it.
Now, it's time to make the creamy mascarpone filling. Allow your mascarpone cheese and cream cheese to reach room temperature to soften. Using an electric mixer, beat the mascarpone and cream cheese together at low speed for about 3 minutes until smooth. Add granulated sugar and mix until well combined. Include a tangy twist by adding sour cream, along with lemon zest, and vanilla extract or vanilla beans for a subtle aroma. Finally, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, to create a luscious, creamy batter.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and place the springform pan in the centre of the roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath technique ensures even baking and prevents water from entering the cheesecake. Bake your cheesecake for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the centre still has a slight jiggle. Let the cheesecake cool for about an hour, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or up to 2 days.
No-Bake Mascarpone Cheesecake
For a no-bake version, you can create a simple yet elegant dessert. This variation features a press-in biscotti crust and a creamy, almond-scented filling. Take your mascarpone cheese out of the refrigerator about an hour in advance to bring it to room temperature. If you're short on time, you can soften it in the microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
For the crust, use store-bought gluten-free biscotti or any crunchy almond biscotti of your choice. Create a crumbly texture with the biscotti and mix it with melted butter. Press this mixture into your pan to form the crust. For the filling, combine mascarpone cheese and heavy cream, adding almond extract for that distinctive almond scent. Spread this creamy mixture over your prepared crust and freeze it for an hour.
To finish your no-bake cheesecake, add a layer of cherry jam or seedless raspberry jam on top. Warm the jam slightly so that it spreads easily but avoid making it piping hot. Freeze the cheesecake for another 3 hours to set. This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, making it an excellent option for busy hosts. When you're ready to serve, let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to achieve the perfect texture.
Tips and Variations
When making mascarpone cheesecakes, it's important to avoid overbeating the cream or the mascarpone cheese, as they have high-fat content and can curdle. Stop mixing as soon as the mixture thickens. You can also flavour your cheesecake with ingredients like chocolate, lemon curd, or even a drizzle of salted caramel. If you're feeling adventurous, try a chocolate mascarpone frosting or a Ferrero Rocher-inspired filling by whipping mascarpone with Nutella.
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Tiramisu
Ingredients:
- Mascarpone cheese
- Whipping cream
- Powdered (icing) sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Ladyfingers (Savoiardi brand is recommended)
- Coffee (preferably espresso)
- Liqueur (optional)
- Cocoa powder or grated chocolate
Method:
- Add whipping cream to a mixing bowl and beat on medium speed with electric mixers. Slowly add sugar and vanilla and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese until creamy.
- Slowly add the whipped cream to the mascarpone cheese and fold it in until combined. Set aside.
- If using alcohol, add it to the coffee. Otherwise, simply use black coffee with no sugar.
- Dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are coated on both sides but not soaked.
- Place the ladyfingers in a single layer on the bottom of an 8x8" pan.
- Smooth half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers.
- Smooth the remaining mascarpone cream over the top.
- Dust with cocoa powder or grated chocolate.
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Mascarpone cream
The traditional recipe for mascarpone cream includes eggs, sugar, and sometimes rum to create a velvety mascarpone dessert. However, there is also an egg-free version that is just as smooth and has a lower risk of curdling. This version only requires four ingredients: mascarpone cheese, whipping cream, powdered (icing) sugar, and vanilla extract.
To make mascarpone cream, gently mix together the mascarpone cheese and vanilla. Then, add the mascarpone to softly whipped cream and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and firm peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat the mixture, as it may split. The mascarpone should be well-chilled before mixing, as warm mascarpone will split easily. The cream can be used immediately or refrigerated until needed.
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Pies and cakes
Mascarpone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of pies and cakes. Here are some ideas for how to use mascarpone cheese in your dessert creations:
Pies
Mascarpone cheese is a great ingredient to use in pie fillings and toppings. You can make a creamy pie filling by mixing mascarpone cheese with other ingredients such as ricotta, vanilla, and orange zest. This filling can be layered with toasted cake pieces and pistachios for textural contrast in a trifle pie. Alternatively, you can use mascarpone cheese as a topping for your favourite pie. Simply whip it up with some heavy cream and powdered sugar to create a fluffy and sweet mascarpone cream. This cream can also be flavoured with ingredients such as cocoa powder, lemon zest, or lavender to create unique pie toppings.
Cheesecakes
Mascarpone cheese is an excellent base for cheesecakes. You can create a creamy and delicious no-bake cheesecake by using mascarpone cheese as the main ingredient. For a baked cheesecake, you can use a mixture of mascarpone cheese and other cheeses, such as ricotta, for a unique flavour. Cheesecakes can be made in a variety of flavours, such as blueberry or vanilla, and can be served frozen or at room temperature.
Cakes
Mascarpone cheese can be used in a variety of cake recipes, both as a filling and a frosting. For a simple and elegant dessert, you can use mascarpone cheese as a filling for sponge cake layers, pairing it with fresh fruit. For a more indulgent option, try a chocolate cake with a mascarpone cream filling. To make the filling, simply mix mascarpone cheese with whipped cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. For a summer twist, add some lemon zest to your cake batter and top it with a lemon mascarpone whipped cream. If you're feeling adventurous, try a limoncello mascarpone cake, which features a soft and tender crumb topped with creamy mascarpone cream and lemon curd.
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Frosting
Mascarpone frosting is a decadent, creamy, and silky smooth frosting that is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. It is made from a few simple ingredients and is incredibly easy to make. The frosting is light and fluffy, and not as sweet as most kinds of frosting. It is similar to whipped cream but with a richer, thicker, and more buttery flavour.
To make mascarpone frosting, first, chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 15-30 minutes. Then, place 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese in the bowl and start beating it on medium speed. While beating, add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Scrape the sides and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, slowly add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and continue beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy again. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the frosting to curdle or split.
You can also add other ingredients to your mascarpone frosting to change up the flavour. For a chocolate version, add 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. For a fruity touch, swirl in seedless raspberry or other berry jams, or add a couple of tablespoons of lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit zest. If you prefer a more indulgent option, crush some cookies and stir them into the frosting—Oreos, plain biscuits, Biscoff cookies, graham crackers, or chocolate chip cookies would all work well.
Mascarpone frosting is best used right away, as it holds its shape well and is easy to pipe onto cupcakes or layer onto cakes. However, if necessary, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one day in advance. You may need to rewhip it before using, and it will deflate over time. Desserts with mascarpone frosting can be left out in a cool room for up to two hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Mascarpone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dessert recipes, including cheesecakes, tiramisu, pasta dishes, and more. You can make a no-bake mascarpone cheesecake, a mascarpone cream to top cakes or cupcakes, or even a mascarpone mousse.
To make mascarpone cream, mix mascarpone cheese with vanilla and whipped cream. Keep mixing until the mixture thickens and firm peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat the mixture, as it may split.
You can use mascarpone cheese to make a variety of sweet treats, including macarons, mousses, cupcakes, and tarts. You can also add it to pies, cakes, or even a cocktail! For example, you can make fig olive oil cupcakes with a pistachio and olive oil base, filled with fig jam, and topped with honey mascarpone frosting.
A simple way to use mascarpone cheese in a dessert is to make a no-bake lemon cheesecake. All you need are a few basic ingredients, such as store-cupboard biscuits, butter, and lemon curd. You can also make a quick mascarpone cream in 15 minutes or less to serve with fruit or cake.
