Are you making a recipe that calls for mascarpone cheese but you’re all out or cannot find any at the store? Have no fear! There are multiple substitutes for mascarpone cheese you can use no matter what you are making, and you will find all of them right here.
Whether you are making a cheesecake, tiramisu, or any other dish that uses mascarpone, any of the following alternatives will allow you to make a delicious tasting dish.
You will also learn how to use each substitute in your recipe.
So what are the best substitutes for mascarpone cheese?
The top mascarpone substitutes are crème fraiche, cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and vegan mascarpone cheese.
Now that you know what you can use, let’s get to how best to use each of these mascarpone replacements so you can get to baking!
Mascarpone Cheese Alternatives
You will find numerous kitchen staples can be used instead of mascarpone, so if you want a simple, convenient replacement we have you covered.
And if you are looking for a dairy-free or vegan friendly option, you will find that as well.
Each of these alternatives will provide you with the creamy texture and delicious flavor needed for any recipe that uses mascarpone cheese.
Crème Fraiche
Creme fraiche is a French cheese that is quite similar in texture to mascarpone. And it will work wonderfully in any recipe. It is an excellent addition to savory dishes like soup, pizza and sauces as well as sweet desserts like cheesecake and tiramisu.
Creme fraiche has a lower fat content than mascarpone but not enough to make a significant difference in your final dish.
Related: Crème Fraiche Substitutes
Equivalent
1 cup of creme fraiche equals 1 cup of mascarpone
Cream Cheese
If you already have this kitchen staple in the fridge then you are in luck! Cream cheese is an excellent substitute for mascarpone that can be used in any type of recipe. It is a classic cheesecake ingredient and can be used in all types of sweet or savory recipes.
You can use cream cheese without any alterations, but it works best when you mix 1 cup of cream cheese with a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of heavy cream. Once stirred you will have the perfect substitute for mascarpone for tiramisu.
Related: Cream Cheese Substitutes
Equivalent
1 cup of cream cheese equals 1 cup of mascarpone
Sour Cream
Believe it or not, sour cream is a great ingredient to use instead of mascarpone in savory dishes. It offers a great base for soups, sauces and thickening up dinners that calls for mascarpone.
While not as thick as mascarpone it’s slightly lower fat content still does the job in a pinch. I like to stir in a tablespoon of butter to thicken my sour cream up before adding it to my other ingredients.
Related: Sour Cream vs Cottage Cheese
Equivalent
1 cup of sour cream equals 1 cup of mascarpone
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is quite similar to mascarpone in texture and flavor. And it is a great all around substitute and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.
While ricotta is a bit grainier than mascarpone it will not adversely effect your final dish. If you are concerned about this, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream for each cup of ricotta used to create a smoother texture.
Related: Ricotta vs Mascarpone
Equivalent
1 cup of ricotta cheese equals 1 cup of mascarpone
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is another kitchen staple that can be used as a mascarpone replacement in all types of recipes. It offers a flavor that compliments any dish that uses mascarpone.
Before adding it to your other ingredients, simply place your cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and mix until it is smooth and creamy.
Related: Cottage Cheese vs Quark
Equivalent
1 cup of cottage cheese equals 1 cup of mascarpone
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a solid replacement for mascarpone in sweet dishes that do not require baking. It has a thinner consistency than mascarpone so it is a great choice in dishes that are served cool such as parfaits or smoothies.
Greek yogurt has a creamy texture and tangy flavor that pairs well with recipes that include fruit. If you mix one part Greek yogurt with one part cream cheese or ricotta it can be used in dishes that require baking.
Related: Greek Yogurt Substitutes
Equivalent
1 cup of Greek yogurt equals 1 cup of mascarpone
Vegan Mascarpone
There are a few vegan friendly substitutes for mascarpone cheese you can use. The most popular are vegan cream cheese and tofu.
Either of these can be used in any type of recipe with the right preparation. You can find the complete guide in our vegan substitutes for mascarpone cheese article.
Mascarpone Replacements FAQ
What is the best mascarpone cheese substitute for tiramisu?
When making tiramisu without mascarpone cheese, use creme fraiche, cream cheese, or ricotta cheese. Each of these will provide the texture and flavor necessary for making tiramisu. Use a 1:1 ratio when using any of these alternatives.
What is a good mascarpone substitute for pasta?
When making a pasta recipe without mascarpone, you can use ricotta cheese or creme fraiche. Both of these ingredients will provide a similar flavor and texture to mascarpone.
You can also use a few more common cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella.
What can I substitute for mascarpone in cheesecake?
The best substitute for mascarpone when making cheesecake is cream cheese. It provides the ideal texture and flavor for any cheesecake recipe. Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing mascarpone with cream cheese.
You can also use creme fraiche in a cheesecake recipe. It will produce a delicious cheesecake with a decadent texture.