Mascarpone is a rich and creamy fresh cheese that originated in Italy. It has a soft, smooth texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Mascarpone is used in both savory and sweet dishes and can be used in a variety of ways. Here is an overview of what mascarpone cream cheese is used for.
Using Mascarpone in Desserts
One of the most popular uses for mascarpone is in desserts. The rich, creamy texture of mascarpone makes it an excellent ingredient for creating decadent sweets. Here are some examples of desserts that frequently use mascarpone:
- Tiramisu – This classic Italian dessert layers mascarpone cream and ladyfingers soaked in coffee and liquor. Mascarpone provides the silky texture in the creamy filling.
- Cheesecake – Mascarpone can be used alone or blended with cream cheese to make cheesecake fillings extra smooth and luscious.
- Mousse – Sweetened and whipped mascarpone is the base of many delicious mousse recipes from chocolate to fruit varieties.
- Cannoli filling – Ground nuts and chocolate chips are often folded into sweetened mascarpone to fill this fried Italian pastry shell.
- Trifle – Layers of sponge cake, fruit, custard and mascarpone cream create this impressive British dessert.
- Parfaits – Alternating layers of mascarpone cream and fruits or granola make for an elegant parfait dessert.
- Fruit tarts – Sweetened mascarpone makes a rich filling or topping for tarts made with fresh fruit.
- Panna cotta – This chilled Italian custard often uses mascarpone for its creaminess.
The neutral flavor and velvety texture of mascarpone allow other ingredients like chocolate, coffee, and fruit to shine through while adding a luxurious mouthfeel. Its high fat content means it whips up thick and holds its shape, making it perfect for fillings, frostings, and toppings.
Using in Savory Dishes
While most commonly used in desserts, mascarpone can also be used to add rich flavor and texture to savory dishes like:
- Pasta – Mix mascarpone with parmesan and seasonings for a creamy pasta sauce. It can also be used in lasagna fillings.
- Risotto – Stirring in mascarpone at the end of cooking gives risotto a silky finish.
- Polenta – Top polenta cakes or grilled slices with dollops of mascarpone.
- Seafood – Mascarpone pairs well with delicate seafood like fish and shellfish.
- Vegetable tarts – Spread mascarpone over tart shells before layering with vegetables.
- Stuffed mushrooms – Mix mascarpone with bread crumbs, garlic and herbs as a filling for baked mushrooms.
- Potatoes – Fold mascarpone into mashed potatoes or slice potatoes and bake with a mascarpone topping.
- Bruschetta – Spread over toasted bread and top with tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of balsamic.
Mascarpone adds a touch of luxury and creaminess to savory dishes. Just a spoonful can make vegetables, eggs, pasta, risotto, or meat entrees feel more decadent. Its versatility allows it to be used both as a prominent ingredient or as a finishing touch.
Baking With Mascarpone
In baked goods, mascarpone can be used to:
- Add richness – Replace some of the milk, cream, or butter in recipes with mascarpone.
- Improve texture – The fat content helps cakes and pastries become more moist.
- Fill and frost – Use sweetened mascarpone between cake layers or as a luscious frosting.
- Soften flavor – Mascarpone mellows sharper cheeses in cheese-based breads and biscuits.
Some examples of baked goods that use mascarpone include:
- Mascarpone cheesecake – A classic!
- Tiramisu cake – Soak sliced cake with a coffee-liquor syrup before frosting with mascarpone.
- Mascarpone-filled donuts – Inject donut holes with a sweetened mascarpone filling.
- Mascarpone apple pie – Fold into the filling for extra richness.
- Mascarpone chocolate chip cookies – For soft, chewy cookies.
- Mascarpone puff pastry – Fill puff pastry shells with a mixture of mascarpone, nuts and dried fruit.
- Mascarpone banana bread – Replace some butter with mascarpone for moistness.
Mascarpone may be mixed with cream cheese or whipped cream when being used in baking recipes to help stabilize the filling or frosting. It pairs especially well with fruits, chocolate, coffee, nuts, and liquor flavors.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Mascarpone provides these nutritional values per 2-tablespoon serving:
| Calories | Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 12 | 2 | 1 |
As a fresh dairy product, mascarpone provides nutrients like:
- Calcium – For bone health
- Vitamin A – Important for immune function and vision
- Phosphorus – Benefits bones, metabolism, and growth
- Zinc – Supports the immune system and cell division
It does contain a high amount of saturated fat and calories, so portion control is important especially if eating mascarpone regularly in desserts. However, the fat content also contributes a creamy, smooth texture that is difficult to achieve with lower-fat cheeses.
Mascarpone has less lactose than most cheeses, meaning it may be easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance. Pasteurization also helps make it a safer cheese choice for pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems.
Buying and Storing Mascarpone
When purchasing mascarpone, opt for cheese sold in a refrigerated container rather than room-temperature cans or tubes which are less fresh. Check the sell-by date and choose mascarpone that is as close to that date as possible for maximum freshness.
The cheese should look very white or pale yellow with a creamy, thick texture – any brown spots or thin, separated liquid indicate that it is past its prime. The flavor should taste mildly sweet and milky.
Store mascarpone in the refrigerator after opening for up to 2 weeks. As it ages, it becomes more dry and grainy in texture. For the creamiest results, use mascarpone within a few days of purchasing.
To extend its shelf life, mascarpone can be frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using. After thawing, it will have a thicker, granier texture ideal for spreading.
Mascarpone Substitutes
If you don’t have mascarpone, some possible substitutions include:
- Cream cheese – Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Sour cream – For a tangier flavor profile.
- Full-fat ricotta – Drain excess whey for a thicker texture.
- Full-fat cottage cheese – Puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Greek yogurt – Stir to reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Heavy whipping cream – Whip with a bit of sugar until it thickens.
While these alternatives can work in a pinch, the uniqueness of mascarpone’s mild flavor, rich body, and ability to whip up light cannot be exactly replicated. For best results when substituting, opt for full-fat dairy products to match mascarpone’s high fat content.
Conclusion
With its exceptionally creamy, smooth texture and subtle sweetness, it’s no wonder mascarpone is prized in the culinary world for creating delicious desserts. However, its versatility also makes mascarpone a smart choice for enriching savory dishes from seafood to vegetables. Keep some mascarpone on hand to instantly elevate everything from simple baked goods to elaborate layered creations. Just a spoonful of this special Italian cheese can add a touch of luxury to any recipe.