Mascarpone Whipped Cream - Easy Stabilized Whipped Cream! (2024)

Mascarpone whipped cream is silky, stabilized whipped cream that’s ready to use in minutes! Made with only 4 ingredients, this whipped frosting is an elegant topping for cakes, cupcakes, pies, and more.

Mascarpone Whipped Cream - Easy Stabilized Whipped Cream! (1)

Easy Stabilized Mascarpone Whipped Cream

We’re making sturdy mascarpone whipped cream that holds its shape when spread, piped, or dolloped over all of your favorite desserts.

This recipe is so easy, made with 4 ingredients. It’s quick, too, since the whipped cream comes together in minutes! Mascarpone frosting is rich and silky, with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the perfect way to add some elegant flair to your next sweet treat!

Why You’ll Love This Mascarpone Whipped Cream Recipe

  • Fluffy and flavorful. This whipped frosting is extra creamy! It’s sweet and tangy, almost cheesecake-like, thanks to the soft mascarpone cheese.
  • Great for decorating. Mascarpone whipped cream is a kind of stabilized whipped cream that’s perfect for frosting cakes and cupcakes. It’s thick, a bit like mousse, and great for piping.
  • Less sweet. When people ask me for alternatives to American buttercream, this is the recipe I suggest. It’s far less sweet than buttercream and pairs perfectly with everything from fruity flavors like lemon blueberry to richer flavors like pumpkin. Scroll down to find more pairings for this whipped cream under the “ways to use it” section.

Ingredient Notes

Three key ingredients come together to make the perfect whipped mascarpone frosting. I’ve included my notes below. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for a printable ingredients list.

  • Mascarpone Cheese –Cold from the fridge. Not all brands of mascarpone are equal (see below), and you’ll want to choose one that’s less watery.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream – For the silkiest frosting, always use full-fat heavy cream. Like the mascarpone, the cream should also be nice and cold.
  • Powdered Sugar –Also called confectioner’s sugar. Powdered sugar is the key to stabilized whipped cream that holds its shape.
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What is Mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone is a type of Italian soft cheese. It has a tangy flavor that’s more subtle than American cream cheese, and the texture is much creamier. In the US, my preferred brands are BelGioioso and Vermont Creamery. You’ll find mascarpone in the deli section of most major grocery stores, usually near the other specialty cheeses.

Can I Substitute Cream Cheese for Mascarpone?

Yes. In a pinch, you can substitute full-fat cream cheese for mascarpone in this frosting recipe. Use the kind of cream cheese that comes in blocks, and not the spreadable tub kind. You can also check out my recipe for cream cheese whipped cream.

How to Make Mascarpone Whipped Cream

This easy step-by-step shows you how to make fluffy whipped cream mascarpone frosting. Scroll to the recipe card for printable instructions.

  • Chill the bowl. Cold is the name of the game when making whipped cream of any kind. Pop your mixing bowl and the whisk attachment from your mixer into the freezer 10 minutes before you start.
  • Combine the mascarpone with the cream. Begin by beating cold mascarpone cream as you gradually pour in about 1/2 cup of heavy cream until the consistency of the mascarpone is also liquid. This is essential for creating a smooth (not lumpy) whipped cream.
  • Whip the frosting. Once the ingredients are combined, up the mixer speed and whip the cream into soft peaks. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and then give the frosting a final whip until stiff peaks form.
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Recipe Tips and Variations

Making any kind of whipped cream from scratch may sound intimidating, but you’ll be a pro in no time! Keep the following in mind for the best results:

  • Use immediately. Mascarpone whipped cream is best to use on desserts right away. I don’t recommend leaving it in the bowl for too long, as it tends to lose its smooth, light texture.
  • Don’t overwhip. It is possible to overmix whipped cream leaving it curdled or lumpy. Beat the cream and mascarpone into soft peaks, add powdered sugar, and continue to whip only until stiff peaks form.
  • Add cinnamon. Make a version of cinnamon maple whipped cream with mascarpone, cinnamon, and maple syrup (or honey). It’s the perfect frosting for a pumpkin cake.
  • Add citrus. Flavor this whipped cream with lemon zest and a few drops of lemon extract (I use lemon mascarpone whipped cream in my lemon layer cake recipe). Another good option is orange zest and extract.
  • Chocolate. Make a chocolate version and swap out 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for powdered sugar.
  • Recommended brands: I find the most success with BelGioioso brand, Vermont creamery and Trader Joes, but I most often use BelGioioso.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is mascarpone whipped cream the same as whipped cream?

Not quite. Mascarpone whipped cream is more stable than traditional whipped cream. The flavor is also more complex, with a hint of salty, cheesy savoriness. It’s less tangy than cream cheese.

How do you thicken mascarpone frosting?

If your mascarpone frosting is runny, there’s a chance that you either over or under-mixed the mascarpone and heavy cream. When this happens, try beating in extra powdered sugar, 1 spoonful at a time, to help it thicken.

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Ways to Use Mascarpone Whipped Cream

I love the subtle flavor and irresistible texture of this whipped mascarpone frosting. I’m always finding new ways to use it! Here are some ideas:

  • Cakes. I use mascarpone whipped cream as a frosting for my strawberry mascarpone cake and as a filling in this lemon blackberry cake.
  • Cupcakes. Use large piping tips to create swirls of whipped cream on top of peach pie cupcakes and red velvet cupcakes. See my tutorials on how to use a piping bag and how to use piping tips for lots of helpful pointers.
  • Tiramisu. Use mascarpone whipped cream in classic tiramisu recipes. I also make variations of this whipped cream for my peanut butter cup tiramisu and apple pie tiramisu.
  • Cheesecake. Add this whipped cream to no-bake desserts like this creamy tiramisu cheesecake or my no-bake pumpkin cheesecake.
  • Breakfast. This sweet and fluffy whipped cream makes the perfect topping for pancakes and waffles.
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How to Store Mascarpone Frosting

  • To Store. I suggest piping, decorating, or filling your cake with mascarpone whipped cream right away. Frosted cakes and cupcakes will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days when stored airtight in the fridge.
  • Freeze. I don’t recommend freezing mascarpone frosting as it tends to separate once it’s thawed.

More Whipped Cream Recipes

  • Cereal Milk Whipped Cream
  • Strawberry Whipped Cream
  • Coconut Whipped Cream
  • Chocolate Whipped Cream

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Mascarpone Whipped Cream - Easy Stabilized Whipped Cream! (8)

Mascarpone Whipped Cream

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Author: Julianne Dell
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 cups
  • Category: Frosting
  • Method: Mixed
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Make silky mascarpone whipped cream in minutes with only 4 ingredients! This stabilized whipped cream frosting is sweet and tangy, perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, pies, and more.

Ingredients

For 12-18 cupcakes:

  • 8 ounces (226g) mascarpone cheese, cold
  • 1 1/4 cup (296 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • ½ cup (65 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) pure vanilla extract

For a 3 layer cakes (makes approximately 4 cups)

  • 16 ounces mascarpone cheese, cold
  • 2 ½ cup (592ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 ¼ cup (163g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Place the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to chill.
  2. Spoon the mascarpone cream into your bowl and beat on a medium-low speed (speed 3 on your stand mixer). Slowly pour in the heavy cream, about 1/2 cup, allowing the mascarpone cheese to turn to a liquid consistency.
  3. Add the remaining heavy cream then increase the mixing speed to high (speed 8-10) and beat it until soft peaks form.
  4. Next, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating on low until sugar is incorporated. Continuing beating at a high speed until stiff peaks form.

Notes

  • This is best prepared and used right away. I don’t recommend preparing in advance. If kept in the fridge in your bowl for too long, you may need to rewhip it, adding additional powdered sugar to re-thicken.
  • If used right away to frost cupcakes or a cake, this will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 263
  • Sugar: 11.4g
  • Sodium: 99.3mg
  • Fat: 23.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 14.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2.8g
  • Cholesterol: 70.7mg

Filed Under:

  • Frosting
  • Recipes with Videos
Mascarpone Whipped Cream - Easy Stabilized Whipped Cream! (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between mascarpone and whipped cream? ›

Is mascarpone the same as whipping cream? No. Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese made with heavy cream, and whipping cream is made with heavy cream that didn't go through the process of cheese making.

What is the best way to stabilize whipped cream? ›

To prevent a structural disaster and avoid a soupy, unstable mess, though, you can stabilize it by adding Instant ClearJel, cornstarch, or another dairy ingredient like mascarpone or crème fraîche. To keep whipped cream light and fluffy for longer, you can stabilize it.

What is the difference between whipped cream and stabilized whipped cream? ›

Stabilizers are ingredients added to whipped cream that make it last longer and less prone to melting. These ingredients support the fat and/or liquid in heavy cream, allowing it to hold on to air bubbles better. This creates a more stable frosting for smoothing, supporting large layer cakes, and piping.

What happens if you over whip mascarpone? ›

If you accidentally over-whip the mascarpone and it turns grainy, you can rescue it by folding in a splash of cream until it smooths out again. You can use it right away or cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or so.

Is mascarpone healthier than cream? ›

No, mascarpone cheese is not healthier than cream cheese as it contains 25% more fat than cream cheese. Yet mascarpone cheese is only preferred for its extra smooth texture. You can use cream cheese and mascarpone cheese for salty and sweet dishes.

Does mascarpone taste like heavy cream? ›

The taste of mascarpone is similar to that of cream cheese, ricotta cheese, creme fraiche, or clotted cream, but with a little more sweetness and acidity. This makes it a versatile cheese for both sweet and savory dishes.

Why won't my whipped cream stiffen? ›

You're not chilling your cream. Using room temperature cream is the cardinal sin of whipped creamery and the number one reason for whipped cream not thickening. If it reaches above 10°C, the fat inside the cream will not emulsify, meaning it can't hold the air particles which allow it to maintain fluffy peaks.

How long will homemade whipped cream stay stable? ›

Keep in the coldest part of your refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. If it becomes too soft, simply whip it again with a little extra powdered sugar or cold cream. You can also freeze homemade whipped topping for up to 2 months! Thaw slowly in the refrigerator and re-whip as needed.

Does cornstarch stabilize whipped cream? ›

The easiest way to stabilize whipped cream is to add a tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of cream. Whip the cream to soft peaks before adding the cornstarch. Beat until the peaks are somewhat firmer.

What kind of whipped cream do bakeries use? ›

Have you ever wondered how professional bakeries get that amazing, perfectly shaped whipped cream on their fancy desserts? The kind where you think it's frosting, but then you take one bite into it and realize it's the most perfectly light, whippy, fresh cream? Chances are it's just stabilized whipped cream.

How much stabilizer do you put in whipped cream? ›

For whipped cream that needs to last for a few hours:

Simply add 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar to 1 cup whipping cream before whipping. Make it in the morning and serve it after dinner. If you want even more more stability, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with the powdered sugar before adding it to the cream.

Can you use cream of tartar to stabilize whipped cream? ›

Stabilizers. Various methods include adding cornstarch, cream of tartar, gelatin, Whip It (a cornstarch product), instant clear gel, and instant skim milk powder. While they all help the cream stay fluffy, most of them have drawbacks to consider: Cornstarch creates a grainy texture to the whipped cream.

How to thicken up mascarpone? ›

If your mascarpone frosting is runny, there's a chance that you either over or under-mixed the mascarpone and heavy cream. When this happens, try beating in extra powdered sugar, 1 spoonful at a time, to help it thicken.

Will mascarpone firm up in the fridge? ›

Place the whole thing in the fridge overnight to strain. If it's not firm enough, just leave it a couple of hours longer. You should end up with about 1 ¼ cups. Remove mascarpone from the cloth and place in an airtight container.

Is mascarpone the same as clotted cream? ›

Mascarpone, with a fat content of between 45-55%, is the only dairy product that comes close to the luxurious texture of clotted cream. It is a cheese, rather than a cream, but the flavours are not too dissimilar.

Can I use whipped cream instead of mascarpone? ›

The Best Mascarpone Cheese Substitute

The whipping cream will cut some of the tanginess of cream cheese while mimicking mascarpone's smooth, velvety texture.

What do you use mascarpone for? ›

Mascarpone can be used in savoury and sweet dishes. It is good for stirring through savoury sauces to thicken and add a distinct rich flavour. Serve it with fresh fruit, use it in cheesecakes, as a cake filling, or as a topping for desserts.

What's the difference between mascarpone and cream cheese frosting? ›

Cream cheese contains at least 33% milk fat, and mascarpone may contain 60-75% milk fat. Mascarpone has a buttery flavor that makes it particularly suitable for desserts. It adds richness and a creamy texture, while cream cheese brings a creamy consistency and slightly tangy taste to dishes.

What is mascarpone similar to? ›

Mascarpone has a one-of-a-kind silkiness and a milky flavor profile but ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, full-fat cream cheese, and Requeson cheese are all similar to mascarpone cheese.

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