If you've only ever made whipped cream the usual way, mascarpone cream (sometimes called mascarpone Chantilly) is about to raise the bar.
Rich, smooth, and incredibly stable, it's the ultimate upgrade to your everyday whipped topping.
Our version is incredibly simple. You add everything at once and whip it together from the start.
No folding, no fuss, no risk of splitting. This method lets you control the texture as you go, without the guesswork of combining two separately whipped mixtures.
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This lightly sweetened mascarpone whipped cream is beautifully pipeable, holds its shape, and makes an elegant (but easy) finish for cakes, pavlova, trifles and more.
And if you've had trouble with watery or collapsing whipped cream before? This version will change your mind.
Unlike crema di mascarpone (the traditional Italian dessert made with eggs and often a splash of booze), this version is egg-free, alcohol-free, and incredibly versatile.
Think of it as a lighter, whipped alternative that works beautifully as a topping or filling.
Why you'll love this mascarpone cream
- All-in-one method - Everything goes into the bowl at once.
- Quick and easy - Ready in under 5 minutes.
- Beautifully stable - Whips to firm peaks and holds its shape. Perfect for piping.
- Rich but not too sweet - Less sugary than buttercream, but still indulgent.
- Versatile flavour base - Add lemon zest, espresso powder, cocoa or liqueurs if you fancy.
- Endlessly useful - Ideal for cakes, pavlova, trifles, tarts, and more.
- Egg- and alcohol-free - Unlike traditional crema di mascarpone, this version is lighter and more adaptable.
Key ingredient notes and substitutions
Mascarpone
The mascarpone cheese should be slightly above room temperature before using - cool, but not cold.
Cold mascarpone can appear grainy and it may be harder to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
Note: Mascarpone is often also known as Italian cream cheese.
Double cream (heavy cream)
Cold cream straight from the fridge always whips up more easily.
While we prefer using double cream for its higher fat content, whipping cream or single cream also works well.
Icing sugar/powdered sugar
For a smoother texture, sift the icing sugar to get rid of any lumps.
This is especially important if you plan to pipe the mascarpone whipped cream.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla bean is a very prominent flavour in this cream. Try to use a good quality for best results.
Our absolute favourite vanilla to use is a homemade vanilla extract - it's top-notch!
You can use an extract, essence, vanilla paste or scrape the seeds from a vanilla pod.
For a different flavour, you can swap the vanilla extract with almond extract. Start with half a teaspoon and add more if needed.
Top Tips
- Cream should be fridge-cold, but mascarpone needs to be cool and soft, not cold and stiff straight from the fridge.
- Sift the icing sugar, always.
- Stop whisking just before you *think* it's ready, as it can quickly overwhip if you're not careful. Keep the speed low once the cream starts to thicken.
- If you accidentally overwhip the cream and it becomes dry and grainy, add a little extra cream and fold it in gently by hand.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Fit an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachments.
2. Add the mascarpone and cold cream to a large bowl (or the bowl of the stand mixer), then sift in the icing sugar.
3. Add the vanilla extract or the seeds scraped from a vanilla pod.
4. Begin whisking on a low-medium speed and watch closely as the cream thickens.
Stop just before you think it's ready and check the consistency. This process should take about 1-2 minutes, depending on your whisking method and speed.
5. For firm peaks, the cream should hold its shape and form stable peaks at the end of the whisks when lifted out. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can cause the cream to become dry and grainy.
If you accidentally overwhip the cream, add a little extra cream and gently fold it in by hand.
Make Ahead and Reviving
Mascarpone cream is a dream for prep-ahead desserts. You can make it up to 2-3 days in advance, and it'll still be smooth, stable and beautifully pipeable when you need it.
If it's been sitting for a while and seems a little firm or flat, don't worry, it just needs a little TLC.
Give it a gentle whisk (we do this by hand) to bring back the airy texture, and if needed, add a small splash of cold cream to loosen it slightly. It refreshes remarkably well without losing structure or flavour.
Storing
Store mascarpone cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
When made and stored properly, it holds its shape beautifully with no noticeable weeping or deflating.
If it firms up a little or loses some of its whipped texture, simply give it a quick whisk to refresh, and if it feels too stiff, add a splash of cold cream to loosen it slightly before piping or spreading.
Freezing isn't recommended, as it can negatively affect the texture.
Variations
Chocolate mascarpone cream - Add 1-2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder.
Coffee version - Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder.
Citrus twist - Add orange or lemon zest.
Boozy option - Splash in Amaretto, Marsala or rum.
Top tip!
If you're using this mascarpone cream to top something sweet, like cupcakes or pavlova, why not try my homemade marshmallow fluff (without corn syrup)?
It's pillowy, glossy, and totally corn syrup-free. A dreamy alternative when you want something a little more playful.
Uses for mascarpone cream
For more detailed work you can fill a piping bag with the mascarpone cream, but many of the ideas below only require dolloping:
- Dollop on fresh berries, figs, or stone fruit like poached pears and grilled peaches.
- Top fruit tarts, apple pie, or a spiced apple cake.
- Use as a luscious pancake or strawberry croissant filling, or alongside scones and jam instead of clotted cream.
- Fill and frost layer cakes, Swiss rolls, cupcakes, brownies, banana muffins, carrot cake, cinnamon rolls, and cruffins.
- Layer into classic desserts like tiramisu, trifle, Eton mess, strawberry shortcake, and panettone.
- Fill éclairs, brandy snaps, and mousse for a creamy surprise.
- Serve as a sweet dip for fruits, cakes, and biscuits on your dessert platter.
- Add a silky swirl on top of cheesecake and pavlovas.
- Dollop over a warm baked pudding instead of ice cream for a comforting finish.
FAQs
Yes. Cream cheese works in a pinch, but the texture will be lighter and slightly tangier, technically more like "cream cheese frosting" than mascarpone cream.
You can, but it's harder to get the right consistency and risks overwhipping. Our all‑in‑one method is simpler, cleaner, and more reliable, plus it gives you control as you whip.
This usually happens from overwhipping or using ingredients with mismatched temperatures. If it happens, gently fold in a splash of cold cream to bring it back together.
Definitely! Mascarpone cream holds firm peaks and pipes beautifully. Great for cupcakes, tarts, and cake decorations.
Yes. Properly whipped and chilled, it keeps its shape for days. If it firms up or loses volume, a gentle whisk (and a splash of cream, if needed) will refresh it nicely.
Not on its own. It can become grainy or watery once thawed. It can work in a frozen dessert (like tiramisu), but for best results, use fresh or store chilled for 2-3 days.
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. It normally won't weep or deflate, but if it firms up, just whisk to refresh and add a splash of cream if needed.
Nope. Traditional crema di mascarpone uses egg yolks and sugar, and sometimes alcohol, resulting in a custard-like dessert. This version skips the eggs and booze for a lighter, whipped alternative.
Nothing! Chantilly mascarpone is just a fancier term for mascarpone whipped cream; both refer to our creamy, whipped topping.
Yes - Use gel or paste food colouring. Avoid liquid colours, as they add moisture and can dilute the texture.
Yes, this cream contains no gluten ingredients. Always check labels if you're using processed mascarpone or flavoured add-ins.
Absolutely! It stores well for 2-3 days. If it gets firm or loses fluff, whisk it lightly and add a drop of cream if needed to revive texture.
Recipe
Mascarpone Cream
Ingredients
- 250 gram mascarpone cheese - slightly above room temperature, cool but not cold
- 250 millilitre double cream - cold from the fridge
- 65 gram icing sugar - sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Fit an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachments.
- Add the mascarpone and cold cream to a large bowl (or the bowl of the stand mixer), then sift the icing sugar in.250 gram mascarpone cheese, 250 millilitre double cream, 65 gram icing sugar
- Also add the vanilla extract or the seeds scraped from a vanilla pod.2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Begin whisking on a low-medium speed and watch closely as the cream thickens. Stop just before you think it's ready and check the consistency. This process should take about 1-2 minutes depending on your whisking method and speed.
- For firm peaks, the cream should hold its shape and form stable peaks at the end of the whisks when lifted out. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can cause the cream to become dry and grainy.
- *If you accidentally overwhip the cream, add a little extra cream and gently fold it in by hand.
Notes
Top Tips
- Use cold cream and mascarpone that is slightly above room temperature.
- Sift the icing sugar, always.
- Stop whisking just before you *think* it's ready, as it can quickly overwhip if you're not careful. Keep the speed low once the cream starts to thicken.
- If you accidentally overwhip the cream and it becomes dry and grainy, add a little extra cream and fold it in gently by hand.
**Nutritional data disclaimer**
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is calculated by a third party and we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We try our best to give you the most accurate information, but we do not take responsibility for errors that may be present. Also, the nutritional value of the recipe may change depending on the exact brands and products used. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice on your dietary needs.
Nutrition
For food safety advice, including guidance on food allergies
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