Frederic Melton
Mascarpone is a creamy, spreadable Italian cheese with a rich and velvety texture and a slightly sweet and tangy flavour. It is a key ingredient in the classic Italian dessert tiramisu, but it can be hard to find and expensive. Luckily, there are several substitutes that can be used in a pinch, including cream cheese, ricotta, Greek yoghurt, and a combination of heavy cream and cream cheese. These substitutes may slightly alter the taste and texture of the dish, but they can still produce delicious results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Substitutes | Cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sour cream, crème fraîche, ricotta cheese, clotted cream, coconut milk, butter |
| Cream Cheese Mixture | 12 oz. room temperature cream cheese, 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup sour cream |
| Crème Fraîche Mixture | 8 oz. crème fraîche, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, pinch of salt |
| Ricotta Cheese | Ultra-fine texture, whipped in a food processor or blender |
| Greek Yogurt | Full-fat, add honey or vanilla extract for sweetness |
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What You'll Learn
Cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter
To make this substitute, start by bringing your cream cheese to room temperature. This will make it easier to work with and help achieve a consistency closer to that of mascarpone. You can then mix in the heavy cream and butter. The general ratio is 8 ounces of cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream, but you can adjust the quantities to achieve your desired consistency. Blend all the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
This substitute works well in recipes like tiramisu, where mascarpone is traditionally used. It might not be the best option for a tiramisu cake, as cream cheese can be a bit hard when cold. However, for other tiramisu variations, like cupcakes, it can be a great alternative.
If you're looking for a substitute that's even closer to mascarpone, you can try adding some sour cream to the cream cheese and heavy cream mixture. The ratio of sour cream to cream cheese can be equal parts, or you can use less sour cream, depending on your preference. This addition helps create a flavour and texture that more closely resemble mascarpone.
While cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter make a good substitute for mascarpone, it's important to note that it won't be identical. The flavour and texture differences are subtle, but they might be noticeable in certain recipes. However, this substitute is still a great option when you need a quick and affordable alternative to mascarpone cheese.
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Ricotta cheese
Mascarpone cheese and ricotta cheese are both Italian cheeses made from fresh milk. However, they differ in texture, taste, and fat content. Ricotta has a grainy texture, akin to cottage cheese, while mascarpone is smooth and creamy, similar to whipping cream. Mascarpone is also more spreadable. Ricotta has a brighter and more acidic taste, whereas mascarpone is sweeter and milkier. Ricotta has a very low milk fat content, at around 10%, while mascarpone is much higher at about 75% butterfat.
Due to these differences, you should not use mascarpone and ricotta interchangeably in all recipes. However, ricotta can be used as a substitute for mascarpone, especially in baked goods. When using ricotta as a substitute, opt for a high-quality brand with very fine curds to minimise the textural difference. To further improve the texture, whip the ricotta in a food processor or stand mixer, and then push it through a fine mesh sieve.
For recipes that call for mascarpone, like tiramisu, a blend of ricotta and heavy whipping cream can be used as a substitute. One suggested ratio is 25% ricotta and 75% heavy cream. This substitution will result in a less grainy texture than using ricotta alone.
In summary, while ricotta can be used as a substitute for mascarpone in some cases, it is important to be mindful of the differences in texture, taste, and fat content that may impact the final dish.
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Greek yoghurt
When substituting mascarpone cheese with Greek yoghurt, the process is quite simple. You can replace the heavy cream with plain, full-fat Greek yoghurt. Whisk together an 8-ounce package of mascarpone cheese with about 2 cups of Greek yoghurt. You can add a few spoons of honey and some vanilla extract to sweeten the yoghurt. This mixture can then be used as a substitute for mascarpone cheese in various recipes, such as tiramisu.
For a protein-rich tiramisu, you can combine ladyfingers, coffee, cocoa powder, mascarpone cheese, and Greek yoghurt. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee and lay them flat in a serving dish. Spread the mascarpone and yoghurt mixture over the ladyfingers and smooth it with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours and dust with cocoa powder before serving. This dessert will last for up to 7 days in the fridge and is a delicious and nutritious treat.
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Crème fraîche and sour cream
Crème fraîche is a suitable substitute for mascarpone cheese. It is a creamy French cheese with a slightly nutty flavour. Crème fraîche has a similar texture to mascarpone cheese and can withstand heat without becoming clumpy. It is less tangy than sour cream, so adding lemon juice can enhance its tangy flavour. It is the second-best substitute for mascarpone cheese, after plain yogurt.
Sour cream is another good substitute for mascarpone cheese. It has a similar consistency to mascarpone cheese and can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes. Sour cream is also versatile and can be used in various recipes, including baked goods. It is thicker than crème fraîche and has a tangy flavour. However, it has less fat content than mascarpone cheese and does not withstand extreme heat well. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using reduced-fat or fat-free versions of sour cream as a substitute for mascarpone cheese.
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Clotted cream
To make a mock clotted cream, you can use a combination of heavy whipping cream, confectioner's sugar, and mascarpone cheese. The cream and sugar are beaten until soft peaks form, and then the mascarpone is added and beaten until incorporated. This mixture can then be adjusted with more sugar to taste.
While clotted cream can be used as a substitute for mascarpone, it is important to note that it may not produce the same results in recipes that specifically call for mascarpone. The texture and taste of clotted cream are unique, and while it can be a suitable replacement in some cases, it may not be the best substitute for all purposes.
Other substitutes for mascarpone cheese include cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and crème fraiche. However, these alternatives may also yield different results in terms of taste and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
The best substitute for mascarpone cheese is a mixture of cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter.
Other substitutes for mascarpone cheese include Greek yoghurt, ricotta cheese, crème fraîche, and sour cream.
Mix 12 ounces of room-temperature cream cheese (1 1/2 blocks) with 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1/4 cup of sour cream until combined.
Greek yoghurt has a similar texture to mascarpone cheese, but it is less fatty and less sweet. To make Greek yoghurt taste sweeter, add a touch of honey or a splash of vanilla extract.
