Tip of the Week: Using Cream Cheese to substitute Mascarpone Cheese (2024)

Tip of the Week: Using Cream Cheese to substitute Mascarpone Cheese (1)

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Sometimes cooking can be expensive. Certain ingredients may be imported or are too pricey for our budgets and we need to find substitutes for them.

Here’s one quick tip I found to use cream cheese as a substitute for mascarpone cheese, which is generally used in the famous Italian dessert Tiramisu or sometimes in cheesecakes.

Today’s tip comes from ehow.com’s article here.

How to Substitute Cream Cheese for Mascarpone Cheese:


Ingredients:

Tip of the Week: Using Cream Cheese to substitute Mascarpone Cheese (2)

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1) Heavy whipping cream or sour cream

Instructions

1)Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and allow it to warm to room temperature. Then stir and smash it thoroughly with a fork to soften it. This will help make its consistency more similar to that of mascarpone and will make it easier to mix the cream cheese with another ingredient, if you so choose.

2)Mix your cream cheese with heavy whipping cream or sour cream if you wish. If you use sour cream, add up to an equal amount of sour cream to the cream cheese (though you can use significantly less if you wish). When using heavy whipping cream, use up to 1/4 cup per 8 oz. of cream cheese. Mix thoroughly to completely blend the sour cream or whipping cream with the cream cheese.

3)Use your cream cheese — either plain or mixed — exactly as you would have used mascarpone. The flavor and texture will be slightly different than that of mascarpone, but similar enough that it will not adversely affect most recipes.

Tip of the Week: Using Cream Cheese to substitute Mascarpone Cheese (2024)

FAQs

Tip of the Week: Using Cream Cheese to substitute Mascarpone Cheese? ›

To make this mascarpone substitute, mix together 12 ounces of room temperature cream cheese (1 ½ blocks) with ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream and ¼ cup of sour cream until combined. The whipping cream will cut some of the tanginess of cream cheese while mimicking mascarpone's smooth, velvety texture.

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone cheese? ›

Yes, cream cheese makes a great substitute for mascarpone. There are two methods to substitute mascarpone: Substitute 1 cup of mascarpone with 1 cup of a cream cheese and whipping cream mixture. To make this mixture, use 1/4 cup of cream for every 8 oz.

Which is better for you cream cheese or mascarpone? ›

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.

Is mascarpone more expensive than cream cheese? ›

Mascarpone costs more than domestic cream cheese, although products from U.S. brands producing it in the Italian style are less expensive than imported ones. You can find both in many large grocery stores in the dairy or cheese section or at specialty cheese shops.

How do I substitute mascarpone for heavy cream? ›

Mascarpone is one of the best substitutes for heavy cream because it's so easy to use — you just have to use it in a 1:1 ratio. Simple! Now you just have to think about the consistency you want as your end goal because mascarpone can be quite stiff and thick.

Does mascarpone taste like cream cheese? ›

What Does Mascarpone Taste Like? Mascarpone cheese is often compared to cream cheese, ricotta cheese, crème fraiche, and clotted cream; however, mascarpone is a sweeter and less tangy product than its peers. Mascarpone is slightly sweet with a hint of acidity.

Can you swap mascarpone with ricotta? ›

Mascarpone: Another Italian cheese, mascarpone makes a great ricotta substitute. However, since mascarpone is more tart and flavorful, you should only use it in dishes with other strong flavors. It may overpower milder ingredients.

Can you use Philadelphia instead of mascarpone? ›

No mascarpone and cream cheese are not the same, they are both dairy-based and do have some similarities but they are made in different ways. They have a similar texture so can very often substitute each other but Philadephia is more savory while mascarpone is milkier in taste.

What is special about mascarpone? ›

Mascarpone contains 70 to 75% milk fat, giving it a smooth, creamy texture and pale ivory color. Unlike other cheeses, mascarpone is made by coagulating cream (rather than milk) with acid and heating it.

Why is my mascarpone not creamy? ›

It's important to use heavy cream with at least 30% fat to ensure the cheese is rich and creamy. I prefer to use cream with 35% fat, as that's what we have here in Finland. Actually, this recipe makes such rich mascarpone which is more like double cream.

How long does mascarpone last once opened? ›

A closed package of mascarpone will last in the fridge until its best-by date. If you've already opened it, the clock starts ticking, and you have around 1 week to use it all up.

Is there mascarpone at Costco? ›

Bella Casara Mascarpone Cheese, 2 kg | Costco.

Which cream cheese is the best for cheesecake? ›

You can use either mascarpone, or Philadelphia cream cheese (or the supermarket version), but it MUST BE full fat cream cheese.

What can I use if I don't have mascarpone cheese? ›

Crème Fraîche and sour cream bring unique tastes and handle heat like pros. Then there's ricotta, Mascarpone's flavor buddy, perfect for cheesecakes and spreads. Cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese are also the go-to for rich textures.

Can I use Philadelphia instead of cream cheese? ›

Yes, it is. Philadelphia is a brand name, of course, and the product is a kind of cream cheese.

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.

What is the difference between mascarpone and double cream? ›

Mascarpone is thicker still and is technically a cheese rather than a cream. It has a slightly sweet flavour making it better for desserts and is commonly used in Tiramisu. Personally I enjoy Marscarpone with figs and Marsala wine -delicious! And also some double cream - 500ml to a litre.

Is mascarpone cream cheese the same as soft cheese? ›

They are made in distinctly different ways. Mascarpone is made from fresh cow's milk and is traditionally double- or triple-creamed. On the other hand, cream cheese is crafted from pasteurized cow's milk and is best described as a soft and unripened cheese.

Where do you find mascarpone cheese in the grocery store? ›

Mascarpone cheese is usually found in the cheeses section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

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