Name: Easy Homemade Mascarpone
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 cup Heavy Cream; ¼ cup Lemon Juice; 1 tsp cream of tartar

Easy Homemade Mascarpone is one type of cheese that is homemade. You can use this in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. This cheese has a soft, creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste with a rich touch of milk. Mascarpone is usually used in tiramisu, cheesecake, or as a spread on bread and other desserts.

You can also make it at home with simple ingredients and an easy method. And will be discussed now. It only takes 10 minutes of preparation time and 15 minutes of cooking time, and don’t forget to give this cheese a resting time of 12 hours. To make this cheese, you only need 3 ingredients that you can buy at the supermarket. Serve this as a main course dip.

Easy Homemade Mascarpone is a type of cheese that is homemade and can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.

What is Easy Homemade Mascarpone?

Mascarpone is a type of cheese that has a soft, creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste with a rich touch of milk. Even though mascarpone is available in stores, you can also make it at home, of course, the quality is guaranteed. There are several important steps in making this cheese, such as heating the cream, adding lemon juice, cooling, filtering with clean cheesecloth, and serving.

In the process of heating cream, the step you have to pay attention to is using a kitchen thermometer to measure the temperature and make sure the cream is hot enough. Add enough lemon juice and mix well. The process of cooling the cream takes around 30-40 minutes. After the filtering process, put the cream in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Mascarpone is ready.

Tips for Making This Cheese

Making this at home is easy, but there are a few things you need to pay attention to so that the result is perfect, soft, and creamy. Here are the tips.

Use High Quality Heavy Cream

Choose heavy cream with a fat content of at least 35% so that the results are creamier. Don’t use low-fat whipping cream because this type of cheese requires a high fat content for the perfect texture. Avoid heavy creams with added stabilizers or thickening agents, choose pure ones.

Don’t Let the Cream Boil

Heat over low heat until there are small bubbles on the edge of the pan. If it is too hot, the cream may crack, and the texture will not be smooth.

Stir Gently After Adding Lemon

Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled lemon juice, which often contains additional ingredients. After that, stir until it thickens.

Strain through a Cheesecloth for a Smooth Texture

Use a cheesecloth or fine strainer to separate the liquid from the cheese. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 12–24 hours so that the mascarpone thickens.

Store Properly for Maximum Durability

This cheese is ground for 4–5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Don’t freeze it because it will change the texture to become broken and watery.

The Texture of Easy Homemade Mascarpone

It has a distinctive texture. The following is an explanation of the texture.

Soft and Creamy

The texture is very soft, almost like butter, which spreads easily.

Thick but Not Dense

Not as thick as cream cheese, but lighter and mixes easily.

Smooth

Without coarse grains, so it feels soft and melts when eating it.

Other Variants of Easy Homemade Mascarpone

Here are some other interesting variants that you can try making.

Vanilla

You can add ½ tsp vanilla extract or vanilla beans to the mascarpone after it has cooled. Suitable for cheesecake, tiramisu, bread spread, or smoothie mix.

Chocolate

You can add 2 tbsp cocoa powder or 50g melted chocolate to the mascarpone, then stir well. Suitable for chocolate mousse, cake filling, or waffle and pancake spread.

Honey

For this variant, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of honey for a natural sweet taste. Suitable for spreading on bread, granola bowls or accompaniment to fresh fruit.

The Specialties of This Cheese

The following are the specialties of this type of cheese that you can make at home.

More Economical

The price of this type of cheese in stores is often expensive, while making it yourself can be much cheaper. The ingredients for making it, such as heavy cream, are available anywhere and are often more affordable.

Flexible for Various Recipes

It’s perfect for desserts like tiramisu, cheesecake, or frosting. Use this also for savory dishes, such as pasta or creamy sauces. Apart from that, it can be used as a spread.

Fresher and Natural

Make this without preservatives or chemical additives. The taste is fresher and more natural because it comes directly from quality ingredients.

Very practical, right? You can make this at home. The complete mascarpone recipe is below!

Ingredients of Easy Homemade Mascarpone

8 cup Heavy Cream: The main ingredient has a high fat content of at least 35%, which makes mascarpone rich and creamy. The fat in heavy cream allows the mascarpone to thicken without the need for additional ingredients. Apart from that, it can give a distinctive creamy taste and is not too sour like other cheeses.
¼ cup Lemon Juice: As a natural clotting agent. Adds a little acidity for flavor balance without making it too sharp. It is also a natural alternative to rennet or vinegar.
1 tsp Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the structure of mascarpone. Increases thickening effectiveness. In addition, it helps to get a more stable texture that lasts longer.

How to Make Easy Homemade Mascarpone

First, pour the heavy cream into a large saucepan. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat and gently heat the cream.

Stir frequently to prevent burning. You want the cream to reach about 190 °F, just before it begins to boil.

When the cream reaches the proper temperature, add the lemon juice. If using tartaric acid, dissolve it in a small amount of warm water and add to the cream.

Then, gently stir the mixture. The acid will begin to thicken and curdle the cream.

After that, turn the heat to low. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a consistency similar to heavy cream or slightly thicker. The goal is to get a slightly thicker texture, but don’t overcook it. It should still be pourable.

Once the cream has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.

When cool, place the cheesecloth in the large bowl. Pour the cream onto the cheesecloth.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8-12 hours or overnight. This will allow the mascarpone to set and continue to thicken.

After chilling and straining (if desired), your mascarpone should have a rich, creamy texture.

Serve this as a dip for the main dish or mixed with other ingredients.

Notes

Store the mascarpone in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-5 days.

Make sure to let the mascarpone rest overnight before using it so that the texture is thicker and creamier.

Nutrient Content

The following is the nutritional content of this cheese.

Heavy cream: This ingredient contains protein nutrients that help the mascarpone structure remain stable. Apart from that, it is rich in vitamins A and D, which are good for the body.

Lemon juice: This ingredient contains vitamin C, which can increase the body’s resistance and act as an antioxidant. Citric acid can help the thickening process in making mascarpone.

Cream of tartar: Contains potassium, which plays a role in body fluid balance and muscle function.

Serving Recommendations

Here are some food ideas that pair well with this cheese.

Tiramisu

Mascarpone is the main ingredient in classic tiramisu. The method is to mix it with eggs and sugar, then combine it with soaking the ladyfingers in coffee.

Fresh Fruit

This type of cheese is also suitable when combined with strawberries, blueberries, or mango. You can make it as a dip or mix it in fruit salad.

Pasta

Can substitute heavy cream or Parmesan cheese for a lighter, creamier sauce. Mix with garlic, black pepper, and parmesan cheese for a rich taste.

Making mascarpone at home is very easy and only requires 3 simple ingredients. With the right technique, you can enjoy fresh mascarpone without having to buy it at the store. Apart from being more economical, it is also healthier and free of additives.

Don’t miss a recipe! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @Muchdesserts and our Tiktok! You can also sign up and check Muchbutter for mouthwatering food pictures and daily cooking recipes!

Thanks for your support. I really appreciate it!

You should try making other dessert recipes below!