Easy Mascarpone Frosting (Basic Flavor + Different Variations)

Published by Izzy

on Jan 12, 2023, Updated Nov 21, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Mascarpone Frosting is made using sweet Italian-style cream cheese. Whether you’re making a rich, decadent tiramisu or traditional cannoli, homemade mascarpone frosting adds a bit of luxury to your desserts. It’s also delicious in non-Italian desserts and can be used to top any of your favorite cakes and cupcakes.

Made with heavy cream, confectioner’s sugar, and pure vanilla extract, this recipe turns a tub of mascarpone cheese into an irresistibly sweet frosting. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding melted chocolate or lemon extract. This sturdy frosting is thick enough to hold its shape at room temperature, making it a great option for displaying desserts at a party.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, you may never go back to store-bought icing again! Using a handful of ingredients, you can create smooth, spreadable mascarpone frosting, just like you’d find in an Italian bakery.

What is Special About Mascarpone Cheese?

Although mascarpone is similar to cream cheese in appearance, it’s very unique in its flavor and texture. Mascarpone is much sweeter than cream cheese and has a thicker, richer texture.

The difference is due to the fact that they’re made using different ingredients. Regular cream cheese is made with whole milk, while mascarpone is made from heavy cream. This means that mascarpone has a much higher fat content than cream cheese. Because of this, mascarpone is much creamier than cream cheese.

Although this Italian cream cheese is mostly known for its use in desserts, mascarpone can also be an ingredient in savory dishes such as lasagna and risotto.

What Does Mascarpone Taste Like?

While most cream cheeses have a tangy or salty taste, mascarpone is quite mild in comparison. Its taste can be described as milky and sweet with a bit of a nutty aftertaste. If you’ve had crème fraiche or ricotta cheese, you can expect a similar texture from mascarpone.

Mascarpone is delicious on its own and can be combined with fruits and nuts or as a simple, satisfying treat.

What is Mascarpone Frosting Made Of?

As you’ve probably guessed, mascarpone cheese is the main ingredient in this frosting. You’ll be whipping the cheese until you have a light, fluffy texture.

To the mascarpone cheese, you’ll be adding confectioner’s sugar, heavy cream and pure vanilla extract. Heavy cream has a fat content of 36-40%, and is sometimes labeled “heavy whipping cream.” Pay attention to the fat content on the label to ensure your frosting will have the right consistency.

Confectioner’s sugar is soft and powdery, which helps the frosting to maintain its texture. You can make your own confectioner’s sugar by combining 1 cup of granulated sugar and a tablespoon of cornstarch in a food processor or blender.

Ingredients You’ll Need

mascarpone cheese
powdered sugar
heavy cream
pure vanilla extract

(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)

How to Make Mascarpone Frosting

Step 1: Beat the mascarpone for about one minute to make it light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add the vanilla extract and beat for another 10 seconds until combined.
Step 3: Pour in the cream gradually over a minute or so. The frosting will get fluffy.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy! You can use it on cupcakes, cakes or other desserts.

Tips and Tricks

Mascarpone is prone to curdling when overmixed, so stop once it gets fluffy.
This frosting is very stable and pipes well for cake decorating.
Store the mascarpone frosting in the fridge for about 4 days.

Difference Between Mascarpone and Buttercream

Buttercream frosting is one of the most popular options for icing cakes and cupcakes. Like mascarpone frosting, buttercream is sweet and fluffy, with a whipped texture.

The major difference between them is that buttercream is made with butter, while mascarpone frosting is made with creamy mascarpone cheese.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Mascarpone Frosting

Plain mascarpone frosting is undeniably delicious but this chocolate variation certainly kicks things up a notch. Best of all, it couldn’t be easier to make.

After you’ve prepared a batch of basic frosting, add 4 ounces of melted semi-sweet chocolate for every 16 ounces of mascarpone cheese

Mascarpone Frosting without Sugar

Looking for a way to enjoy mascarpone frosting without all that sugar? Try using natural sweeteners.

Substitute confectioner’s sugar with erythritol or monkfruit sweetener, which will allow you to reduce both sugar and calories. Simply pulverize your preferred sweetener in a food processor or blender first to make it into a powder, then combine it with the rest of ingredients.

Lemon Mascarpone Frosting

The tart, citrusy taste of lemon blends well with the sweetness of the frosting. This variation is perfect for refreshingly sweet cupcakes or layered cakes.

To make it, add 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the vanilla. You can also use a half teaspoon of lemon extract if you have some.

Mascarpone Frosting without Cream

If you don’t have any heavy cream on hand, you can use butter to make your frosting.

Combine 1 cup of mascarpone cheese with 1 cup of unsalted butter. Add in 2½ cups of confectioner’s sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Can I Substitute Mascarpone for Cream Cheese in Frosting?

Mascarpone is different from cream cheese in a few notable ways. It’s richer and creamier and doesn’t have the saltiness or sourness of cream cheese. Mascarpone has a sweet, slightly nutty taste, which is absent from regular cream cheese.

Despite these differences, you can substitute mascarpone for cream cheese in most recipes.

Just be mindful that mascarpone will you’re your frosting much sweeter, so you may want to use less sugar in your cake or cupcake to find some balance.

How to Store Mascarpone Frosting

Mascarpone frosting keeps well chilled in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes reasonably well; however, you need to bring it to room temperature and then chill for an hour before use for the best consistency.

FAQ

Is There a Substitute for Mascarpone?

Mascarpone can sometimes be difficult to source. In that case, there are quite a few substitutes you can consider. Alternatives include regular cream cheese, full fat Greek yogurt, crème fraiche, and ricotta cheese. These are all mild enough to be used in desserts, but you may need to add some sugar to match the sweetness of mascarpone. For more savory dishes, consider substituting mascarpone with sour cream or cottage cheese.

How Long Does Mascarpone Frosting Keep?

Mascarpone frosting will have the best flavor and consistency the same day it’s made. Try making only what you need so you won’t have too much surplus frosting. If you have extra, store your leftover mascarpone in the fridge in an airtight container. Your frosting will be good for up to four days.

It’s important to put your frosting in the fridge as soon as possible. For dairy products, bacteria can double every twenty minutes if left out at room temperature.

Why Is My Mascarpone Frosting Runny?

Mascarpone frosting is revered for its thick, creamy consistency. If yours comes out too runny, there may be one of a few explanations. If your liquid ingredient didn’t have the right fat content, or if you added too much, you may be left with a thin, runny frosting. Look for heavy cream or heavy whipping cream with at least 36% fat and ensure you’re using 2 cups for every 16 ounces of mascarpone cheese.

Another possible cause is overmixing the frosting. Overmixing can cause dairy products to separate into curds and whey. Whey is the watery liquid that is produced after curdling.

Which is Healthier Mascarpone or Cream?

Mascarpone has a higher fat content than both cream and cream cheese. Cream has around 18% fat, while heavy cream has 36-40% fat. Cream cheese contains 33% fat, while mascarpone contains a whopping 60-75% fat. Mascarpone’s high fat content lends to its dreamy texture but can have negative implications for heart health and weight gain.

Mascarpone has 120 calories per ounce in comparison to only 97 calories per ounce of cream cheese and 101 calories per fluid ounce of heavy cream. Enjoy it in moderation.