Homemade Mascarpone Substitute: Easy 3-Ingredient Cream Cheese Blend

Mascarpone Substitute: Creamy Cheese Alternative

If mascarpone is MIA in your fridge or wallet, this easy mascarpone substitute will swoop in to save your desserts and savory dishes.

Why Make Your Own Mascarpone Substitute?

• Cost-Effective: Save money when mascarpone is overpriced.
• Kitchen Convenience: Use common pantry staples.
• Customizable: Adjust richness by tweaking cream or butter.

Ingredients for Homemade Mascarpone Substitute

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Let cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so they blend smoothly.
2. Combine: In a medium bowl, add cream cheese, heavy cream, and butter.
3. Mix Until Smooth: Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 1–2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides. Beat until silky and lump-free.
4. Chill & Thicken: Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes to let the flavors marry and texture firm up.
5. Use or Store: Dollop into tiramisu, frost cakes, swirl into soups, or substitute one-to-one for mascarpone in any recipe!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Texture

• Room Temperature Matters: Softened ingredients blend more evenly, preventing lumps.
• Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter texture, add up to 1 tablespoon more heavy cream.
• Flavor Boost: Stir in a drop of vanilla or a pinch of sea salt for sweet or savory applications.
• Pro Tip: Chill the bowl beforehand—cold bowls keep dairy cool and whip up fluffier.

Nutrition Information (per 1 1/4 cups)

• Calories: 119 kcal
• Fat: 12 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g)
• Cholesterol: 39 mg
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbs: 1 g (Sugar: 0 g)
• Sodium: 85 mg

Now you have a foolproof mascarpone substitute ready for tiramisu, cheesecake, pasta sauces, and beyond—no mascarpone required.

Original recipe at Allrecipes.com