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    Home » Italian Basic Recipes

    Homemade Mascarpone Cheese

    Published: Feb 7, 2023 · Modified: Jun 6, 2024 by Silvana Nava · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    Making homemade mascarpone cheese is not as difficult as it may seem. Just two ingredients, a few steps, and a little time on your hands.

    If you carefully follow a few small precautions and have a little patience, you will get a great mascarpone cheese! Better than many commercially available products!

    homemade mascarpone cheese - 1

    Homemade mascarpone cheese is a simple and inexpensive recipe. The perfect solution for making a healthy and wholesome cheese with your own hands and in your own home.

    All you need to make mascarpone at home is fresh, high-quality heavy cream and lemon juice (or citric acid).

    In order for the proteins in the cream to coagulate, we need to observe two basic factors: the right temperature and the right amount of citric acid. The necessary resting time in the refrigerator will do the rest.

    Mascarpone is one of the typical dairy products of Northern Italy. In these areas it's widely used in many traditional recipes, both sweet and savory.

    Therefore, we can consider Mascarpone not only as a delicious creamy spreadable cheese, but also as a real basic recipe for the preparation of other dishes.

    homemade mascarpone cheese - 2

    Although everyone thinks of mascarpone as a cheese, it's actually not a cheese at all!

    In fact, mascarpone is not made with curdled milk like traditional cheeses, but with heavy cream (also known as whipping cream). Mascarpone is also a vegetarian cheese because it's made without the use of animal rennet.

    Try this recipe for homemade mascarpone. A cream with a delicate flavor and enveloping texture that you can use to prepare many delicious dishes, first of all the amazing and famous tiramisu.

    So let's see together how to make homemade mascarpone cheese in a few simple steps.

    homemade mascarpone cheese - 6

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Kitchen Tools and Equipment
    • Instructions
    • Storage
    • Tips
    • Variations
    • History and Legends
    • Recipe Card


    Ingredients

    • Prep Time: 10 Min
    • Cook Time: 15 Min
    • Rest/Cool Time: 1 Hour at room temperature and 24 Hours in the refrigerator

    PLEASE NOTE: These are the doses you need to get about 300 grams (10,5 ounces or about 1 ½ cups) of mascarpone cheese.

    • 500 ml (1,1 pound or 2 cups) of heavy cream (also known as whipping cream, high quality with a fat content of 30% to 40%)
    • 2 g (½ teaspoon) of citric acid, or 7 ml (1 ½ teaspoon) filtered lemon juice

    Kitchen Tools and Equipment

    • To make homemade mascarpone cheese, it's necessary to gently heat the cream to a temperature between 82°C and 85°C (between 180°F and 185°F). It's therefore necessary to have a kitchen thermometer.
    • You will also need a juicer, preferably with a strainer, to extract the lemon juice.
    • Then you need a large strainer, a bowl of the same size and a clean dishcloth with a not too thick weave. There are also handy unbleached organic cotton cheesecloth bags for straining cheese on the market.
    • If you don't use the mascarpone immediately, you will need an airtight container or glass jar with a lid to store it in the refrigerator.

    Instructions

    homemade mascarpone cheese recipe step 1

    Step 1) - To make homemade mascarpone cheese, start by squeezing the lemon and straining the juice. If using citric acid, dissolve it in 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of warm water. Set aside.

    Place the heavy cream in a small saucepan over LOW HEAT. Stir thoroughly as the cream heats up so the water evaporates.

    homemade mascarpone cheese recipe step 2

    Step 2) - The temperature should be between 82°C and 85°C (between 180°F and 185°F). This requires the use of a thermometer.

    PLEASE NOTE: This step is very important because if the temperature exceeds 85°C (185°F), the proteins in the cream will break down.

    Once the correct temperature is reached, turn off the heat and add the lemon juice (or citric acid). Stir for a few minutes.

    homemade mascarpone cheese recipe step 3 b

    Step 3) - You will notice that the cream starts to get a little thick. At this point, cover the saucepan and let it sit at room temperature for one hour.

    Meanwhile, take a fairly large strainer and place it over a container.

    homemade mascarpone cheese recipe step 4 b

    Step 4) - Place a clean dishcloth (or the appropriate cotton cheesecloth bags) - with a not very thick weave  - inside the strainer.

    Pour the "quasi-mascarpone" into the dishcloth. This will allow the remaining water to pass through the mesh of the tea towel and fall into the container.

    You must discard the liquid from the bowl. The solid part remains in the cloth and is the "real" mascarpone.

    homemade mascarpone cheese recipe step 5 b

    Step 5) - Cover with cling film and refrigerate.

    The process of filtering and separating the liquid part from the creamy part is slow. It will take 24 hours, during which time you should keep the mixture in the refrigerator.

    homemade mascarpone cheese recipe step 6 b

    Step 6) - After 24 hours, remove the bowl from the refrigerator. The mixture will be solid and can be scooped out with a spoon. While the bottom of the bowl will be liquid and must be thrown away.

    Your mascarpone is ready. Now you can make many delicious recipes with this homemade mascarpone cheese!

    homemade mascarpone cheese - 4

    YOU MUST ALSO TRY:

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    Storage

    Store homemade mascarpone in a clean bowl covered with plastic wrap or in a lidded jar.

    Of course, homemade mascarpone does not keep as well as industrial mascarpone. You must use it within 2-3 days or it will go rancid.

    Can you Freeze Mascarpone?

    We don't recommend freezing.

    Once thawed, mascarpone loses some of its creaminess and flavor. This is because the fatty part of mascarpone separates from the watery part at low temperatures, forming lumps.

    If you really need to freeze it, you must first add sugar. This absorbs the liquid part of the mascarpone.

    Once thawed, you can only use it to make desserts.

    Therefore, even if we don't recommend freezing mascarpone in pure form, it retains its texture and flavor when frozen with sugar in preparations such as the classic tiramisu.

    homemade mascarpone cheese - 3

    Tips

    I don't Have a Thermometer, What Should I do?

    As we have already mentioned, we recommend the use of a thermometer because it's very important to maintain the correct temperature.

    We recommend that you buy one. It's essential for certain preparations.

    If you definitely don't have a thermometer, we recommend that you turn off the heat as soon as the first bubbles appear.

    DO NOT BOIL COMPLETELY.

    The risk of not using a thermometer is that the mascarpone will not be as good as it could be.

    How Long Should I Keep Mascarpone in the Refrigerator?

    As long as possible. Do not shorten the resting time of mascarpone in the refrigerator. The longer you let the cheese rest and cool, the firmer and creamier it becomes.

    What is the Best Heavy Cream to Use to Make Mascarpone at Home?

    Use high quality, high fat fresh heavy cream. Preferably around 30-40% of fat.

    The better the quality of the cream, the better the homemade mascarpone will be!

    homemade mascarpone cheese - 6

    Variations

    Lemon Juice or Citric Acid?

    As mentioned above, you can use pure citric acid instead of lemon juice.

    For half a liter (2 cups) of fresh heavy cream, we recommend using 2 grams (½ teaspoon) of citric acid dissolved in 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of warm water.

    But which is the best choice?

    From the point of view of taste, it's preferable to use lemon juice. The taste of mascarpone is closer to the usual one.

    But not all lemons contain the same amount of citric acid. You have to be careful to add a few drops when you see that the cream does not thicken. Without overdoing it or the mascarpone will be too sour.

    It's always best to strain the lemon juice before adding it to the heavy cream.

    Citric acid guarantees a good result. With lemon, the mascarpone taste better.

    How to Make Vegan Mascarpone Cheese

    There are dairy-free alternatives that are a great option for those who are vegan or trying to avoid dairy.

    The one made with soy yogurt and vegetable cream sounds great to us!

    You need:

    • 500 ml (2 cups) of soy yogurt
    • 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) of vegetable cream
    • A pinch of salt

    Line a colander with cotton cloth and place it over a bowl.

    Pour in the soy yogurt, pressing down with a spoon. Close the cloth flaps into a bundle and refrigerate for at least 7 to 8 hours.

    When ready, place the yogurt cream in a bowl. Whip the vegetable cream, then add to the drained yogurt and season with a pinch of salt.

    Refrigerate for 4 to 5 days.

    You can use vegan mascarpone in so many recipes, both sweet and savory.

    homemade mascarpone cheese - 2

    History and Legends

    The true origins of Mascarpone are not entirely known, but its production and consumption certainly date back several centuries.

    Mascarpone was born in Lombardy, especially in Lodi and Abbiatense, areas of farmers and breeders.

    In fact, it's believed that it was first processed in the 12th century to store and use surplus milk.

    In fact, in the late autumn, just before calving, cows produced milk with a high fat and protein content and in large quantities.

    It was also the best time to store this delicate product, which does not like high temperatures.

    Mascarpone even appears in an ancient text on milk and its derivatives, the "Summa Lacticinorum" of 1477.

    The name "mascarpone" is thought to derive from the word "mascherpa", which means "milk cream" in the Lombard dialect.

    There are many curious legends about mascarpone.

    It's said that Napoleon was so fond of mascarpone that when he tasted it in Lodi in May 1796, he fell in love with it and asked for more of it when he returned to France.

    It also seems that mascarpone was the cause of the suicide of the famous French chef Francois Vatel.

    Legend has it that the great chef killed himself in despair when he could not find the amount of mascarpone he needed to prepare a dessert for the Sun King at the end of a special banquet.

    homemade mascarpone cheese - 1

    Recipe Card

    STEP BY STEP PHOTOS ABOVE!Have a look at my step-by-step photo instructions, variations and tips. That way, you can get it perfect the first time you try it!
    homemade mascarpone cheese recipe

    Homemade Mascarpone Cheese Recipe

    Silvana Nava
    Making homemade mascarpone cheese is not as difficult as it may seem.
    Just two ingredients, a few steps, and a little time on your hands.
    If you carefully follow a few small precautions and have a little patience, you will get a great mascarpone cheese! Better than many commercially available products!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Cooling Time 1 day d
    Total Time 1 day d 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins
    Course Cheese
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 300 grams (1 ½ cup)
    Calories 1716 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 500 ml heavy cream 2 cups (also known as whipping cream, high quality with a fat content of 30% to 40%)
    • 2 g citric acid ½ teaspoon, or 7 ml (1 ½ teaspoon) filtered lemon juice

    Instructions
     

    • Squeeze the lemon and strain the juice. If using citric acid, dissolve it in 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of warm water. Set aside.
    • Place the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir thoroughly as the cream heats up so the water evaporates. The temperature should be between 82°C and 85°C (between 180°F and 185°F). This requires the use of a thermometer.
    • Once the correct temperature is reached, turn off the heat and add the lemon juice (or citric acid). Stir for a few minutes.
    • You will notice that the cream starts to get a little thick. At this point, cover the saucepan and let it sit at room temperature for one hour.
    • Take a fairly large strainer and place it over a container. Place a clean dishcloth (or the appropriate cotton cheesecloth bags) - with a not very thick weave  - inside the strainer.
    • Pour the "quasi-mascarpone" into the dishcloth. This will allow the remaining water to pass through the mesh of the tea towel and fall into the container. You must discard the liquid from the bowl. The solid part remains in the cloth and is the "real" mascarpone.
    • Cover with cling film and refrigerate. The process of filtering and separating the liquid part from the creamy part is slow. It will take 24 hours, during which time you should keep the mixture in the refrigerator.
    • After 24 hours, remove the bowl from the refrigerator. The mixture will be solid and can be scooped out with a spoon. While the bottom of the bowl will be liquid and must be thrown away. Your mascarpone is ready.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1716kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 14gFat: 182gSaturated Fat: 116gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 46gCholesterol: 568mgSodium: 136mgPotassium: 478mgSugar: 15gVitamin A: 7394IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 332mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword homemade mascarpone cheese, mascarpone cheese, mascarpone cheese recipe
    Tried this recipe?Mention @recipesfromitaly or tag #recipesfromitaly!

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    Comments

    1. Jean says

      October 14, 2024 at 12:13 am

      5 stars
      I like this mascarpone cheese recipe but why discard the whey? Is there no way to use it? When I drain yogurt to make labneh, my husband drinks the whey, if I haven’t used it to make pancakes.

      Reply
    2. Pete M says

      January 30, 2024 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      Can the leftover liquid be used for baking? Seems to me that it's going to be like acidic whey, which I'm thinking could be used in place of buttermilk.

      Reply
    3. Yara says

      April 28, 2023 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for your detailed and helpful explanation 🙂

      Reply
    4. Lisa says

      March 18, 2023 at 2:49 pm

      5 stars
      I'm going to try this mascarpone recipe. I don't understand why it would only last 2 or 3 days. Lemon juice or citric acid is a preservative. And cream is basically butter which lasts quite a while even out of the refrigerator. Neither one of those would allow something to go rancid within a few days. So the whole rancid thing doesn't make sense to me. I thought maybe the cooking might change the chemical makeup but I'm adding the citrus after cooking. I'm going to see how long it lasts. But the recipe is appreciated.

      Reply
      • mike says

        December 12, 2024 at 5:01 am

        It lasts more like 2-3 weeks. Nobody in these cooking articles ever gives you anywhere close to the right time something remains unspoiled.

        Reply
    5. Michaela says

      February 16, 2023 at 4:42 pm

      5 stars
      Hello! Thank you for sharing this recipe and the one for tiramisu. My mascarpone cheese always seems a bit thin when I'm done chilling it. It doesn't pour through the cheese cloth, but it's still a bit runny. How do I fix this for next time? Why would that be happening?

      Reply
      • Barbara says

        February 16, 2023 at 5:37 pm

        Hi Michaela,
        Choose a wider-weave dishcloth and leave it a few more hours in the refrigerator.

        Reply
    5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    CIAO! Barbara & Silvana here! We are the authors of these amazing Italian recipes. Living in Italy, they are part of our culture, tradition and everyday life. And we want to share them with you all, straight from Italy! Learn more about us! Read our story!

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