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Creamy Mascarpone Cheese (Homemade Substitute) Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes plus chilling time
  • Yield: 21 servings (approximately 21 tablespoons or about 1 1/3 cups total)
  • Category: Cheese Substitute
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Description

This Mascarpone Cheese substitute recipe is a simple and quick way to create a creamy, rich cheese using common ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and lemon juice. Ideal for those who may not have mascarpone on hand, this blend offers a smooth texture perfect for desserts, spreads, and savory dishes.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

  • 16 ounces cream cheese (454 grams, room temperature, 2 bricks)

Dairy & Acid

  • â…“ cup sour cream (76 grams)
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (57 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (14 grams, freshly squeezed)


Instructions

  1. Measure Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients precisely, ensuring the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending.
  2. Blend Together: Add cream cheese, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and lemon juice into a blender or small food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, scraping down the sides occasionally to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  3. Chill to Firm: Transfer the blended mixture into a container and refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the cheese to firm up and achieve the ideal creamy texture similar to traditional mascarpone.

Notes

  • Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly for a better texture.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor and acidity balance.
  • Chill the cheese well to help it set and thicken.
  • This substitute works well in recipes requiring mascarpone, including tiramisu, cheesecakes, and savory dips.
  • Store the cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days.