Keto Means
Photo by Karolina Grabowska Pexels Logo Photo: Karolina Grabowska

Is cheesecake better with mascarpone or cream cheese?

Since mascarpone or "Italian cream cheese" has a higher fat content than "American" cream cheese, mascarpone has a much richer, creamier taste. The cream cheese we use on bagels has a slightly more acidic taste than mascarpone, which makes it perfect for cheesecakes.

What is the healthiest protein?
What is the healthiest protein?

What are the healthiest sources of animal protein? White-meat poultry, such as chicken or turkey breasts. Fish, especially fatty fish like salmon,...

Read More »
Can keto mess with your hormones?
Can keto mess with your hormones?

Body composition changes (such as those that come with weight loss as a result of the keto diet or another diet) can alter GnRH levels, according...

Read More »

The question I've always asked at fancy restaurants: mascarpone vs cream cheese—what's the difference? They have a similar appearance, both have a faint cheesy taste, they're definitely creamy, and both are white. Are they the same thing? Can they be used interchangeably? Does a mascarpone bagel exist? Can you use cream cheese instead of mascarpone when making tiramisu? I decided to get to the bottom of this mystery and this is what I found.

Mascarpone vs Cream Cheese

Mehak Dhawan

The biggest difference between mascarpone vs cream cheese is the amount of milk fat each contains and where they originated. Mascarpone originated in Italy, whereas the cream cheese we know and love was created in America. By law, American cream cheese must contain at least 33 percent milk fat and no more than 55 percent moisture. Mascarpone is essentially Italian cream cheese, but it's made from whole cream. Since mascarpone or "Italian cream cheese" has a higher fat content than "American" cream cheese, mascarpone has a much richer, creamier taste. The cream cheese we use on bagels has a slightly more acidic taste than mascarpone, which makes it perfect for cheesecakes.

Can You Use Them Interchangeably?

Miranda Knight

It depends on the flavor you're looking for, but if you can't get mascarpone, you can substitute it for cream cheese if you do a few things. First, remove the cream cheese from the fridge and let it warm to room temperature. To make it the same consistency of mascarpone, stir and smash the cream cheese with a fork. Then, mix your cream cheese with heavy whipping cream or sour cream (if you don't have heavy whipping cream). If you use heavy whipping cream, use up to 1/4 cup per 8 oz. of cream cheese. If you use sour cream, use equal parts sour cream and cream cheese. #SpoonTip: The consistency will be slightly different than traditional mascarpone but it will be similar enough that it won't affect most recipes.

Simple Dessert Recipes

Isabel Wang

Tiramisu is the most classic dessert when people think of mascarpone cheese. It's a rich coffee-soaked cake with mascarpone cream and cocoa powder on top. This lemon berry mascarpone tart is another beautiful dessert using mascarpone cheese. This tart with a shortbread crust has the perfect sweetness and is a happy medium between a cheesecake and a cream pie. When it comes to cheesecake desserts, think outside the box with these lemon cream cheese bars. These are a perfect combination of sweet and tangy. Cream cheese blondies are another drool-worthy dessert that combines two already incredible foods. Easy to make and a beautiful finish! It's also always an option to stick with a classic cream cheese frosting recipe with some red velvet cake (or any cake for that matter). Now that you know the difference between mascarpone vs cream cheese, go brag to your friends and share some delicious mascarpone or cream cheese desserts with them!

Which coffee is best for burning belly fat?
Which coffee is best for burning belly fat?

black coffee According to our medical expert Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, author of The First Time Mom's Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility,...

Read More »
What snacks can I have keto?
What snacks can I have keto?

Best keto snacks: Benefits and nutrition Nut butters. Olives. Nuts and seeds. Avocados. Boiled eggs. Cheese. Green bell peppers. Carrots. More...

Read More »

What should I drink everyday to get a flat stomach?
What should I drink everyday to get a flat stomach?

15 Best Drinks to Have Every Day for a Flat Belly Peppermint Tea. Yogurt Drinks. Kombucha. Dandelion Root Tea. Coconut Water. Pineapple Juice....

Read More »
Can you eat hotdogs on keto diet?
Can you eat hotdogs on keto diet?

Meats such as beef, poultry, fish, and seafood—cured meats such as sausage, ham, and hot dogs that are rich in fats and without artificial...

Read More »
Is cucumber a low carb?
Is cucumber a low carb?

Cucumbers are low in carbs and very refreshing. One cup (104 grams) of chopped cucumber contains 4 grams of carbs, less than 1 gram of which is...

Read More »
How long does it take to go through ketosis?
How long does it take to go through ketosis?

The body can reach ketosis in about two days to a week through a low carb, high-fat diet, like the ketogenic diet. Low-carb diets have been shown...

Read More »