Homemade Mascarpone Cheese

Transform your kitchen into an artisan dairy with this simple and satisfying recipe for homemade mascarpone cheese. Made with just two ingredients—luxuriously rich heavy cream and a splash of fresh lemon juice—this DIY mascarpone delivers a silky, creamy texture and subtly tangy flavor that store-bought versions can't match. Perfect for enhancing desserts like tiramisu, creating velvety sauces, or spreading on warm toast, this recipe requires minimal prep time and no special equipment aside from a kitchen thermometer and cheesecloth. With an easy stovetop process and a hands-off overnight draining period, you’ll have a batch of fresh mascarpone ready to elevate any dish in less than a day. Whether you're a pastry aficionado or a curious home cook, this recipe offers a delightful taste of indulgence with every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups Heavy cream (at least 36% fat)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Pour the heavy cream into a medium-sized saucepan and place it over low to medium heat. Heat slowly, stirring occasionally, until the cream reaches a temperature of 185°F (85°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Step 2

Once the cream reaches 185°F (85°C), add the lemon juice. Stir gently to incorporate.

Step 3

Maintain the cream at 185°F (85°C) for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the cream will thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon. Do not let the mixture boil.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature (this may take about 30-45 minutes).

Step 5

Line a fine-mesh strainer with several layers of cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour the cooled mixture into the cheesecloth-lined strainer.

Step 6

Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and gently twist them to secure the mascarpone, forming a pouch. Place the bowl with the strainer in the refrigerator and allow the mascarpone to drain and set for at least 12 hours or overnight.

Step 7

After draining, transfer the mascarpone cheese from the cheesecloth to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated and use within 4-5 days.

Step 8

Enjoy your homemade mascarpone cheese in desserts like tiramisu, as a base for creamy sauces, or simply spread on toast!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	488.2 grams (488.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1644

Total Fat 170.40g	218%
Saturated Fat 110.40g	552%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 536mg	179%
Sodium 158mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate 13.70g	5%
Dietary Fiber 0.00g	0%
Total Sugars 13.00g
Protein 9.50g	19%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 316mg	24%
Iron 0mg	0%
Potassium 173mg	4%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 94.3%

Protein: 2.3%

Carbs: 3.4%