What can I substitute for mascarpone?
Running low on mascarpone? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About mascarpone
Mascarpone is a rich, Italian-style fresh cream cheese made by coagulating double cream with an acid such as citric acid or lemon juice. It has a very high fat content (around 70–75%) giving it an exceptionally smooth, velvety texture and a mild, subtly sweet flavour. It is widely used in desserts such as tiramisu, as well as in savoury pasta sauces and risottos where it adds luxurious creaminess.
Best substitute
cream cheese and thickened cream blend
Blending full-fat cream cheese with thickened cream closely replicates mascarpone's rich, smooth texture and mild flavour. Beat together until completely smooth before using.
Use ¾ cup cream cheese beaten with ¼ cup thickened cream for every 1 cup mascarpone
tiramisudessertspasta saucesfrostingNot suitable for: recipes requiring very subtle flavour
Alternative
crème fraîche
Crème fraîche has a similarly high fat content and creamy consistency, though it carries a mild tanginess that mascarpone lacks. It works well in both sweet and savoury applications where a slight acidic note is acceptable.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup mascarpone
pasta saucesrisottodessertssavoury dishesNot suitable for: recipes sensitive to tangNot suitable for: tiramisu
What is mascarpone called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | mascarpone |
| IT | mascarpone |
| United Kingdom | mascarpone |
| United States | mascarpone |
Common names for mascarpone
Italian cream cheesemascarpone cheese