
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich and Creamy: Smooth mascarpone creates a luscious texture.
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Simple Preparation: Requires only a few ingredients and no baking.
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Versatile Dessert: Can be flavored or topped with fruit, chocolate, or nuts.
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Light and Airy: Whipped cream adds fluffiness, balancing the richness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 ounces mascarpone cheese
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional toppings: fresh berries, cocoa powder, shaved chocolate, or nuts
Directions
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Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
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Mix Mascarpone: In another bowl, soften mascarpone cheese by stirring gently.
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Combine: Fold whipped cream into mascarpone gently until smooth and well combined, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
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Chill: Refrigerate mousse for at least 1 hour to set and chill.
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Serve: Spoon mousse into serving dishes and garnish with your choice of toppings.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4-6
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Chilling Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
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Chocolate Mascarpone Mousse: Fold in melted and cooled dark chocolate.
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Fruit Flavored: Add pureed berries or citrus zest to the mascarpone before folding.
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Coffee Infused: Stir in a tablespoon of espresso or coffee liqueur.
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Vegan Option: Use vegan mascarpone and coconut cream.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Serve chilled; do not heat.
FAQs
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best made a few hours ahead to chill properly.
How do I prevent mascarpone from curdling?
Use room temperature mascarpone and fold gently with whipped cream.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead?
Mascarpone has a milder flavor and creamier texture, but cream cheese can be substituted with some changes in taste.
Is mascarpone mousse gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Can I add alcohol?
Yes, add liqueurs like amaretto or Baileys for extra flavor.
How light is this mousse?
It’s creamy but light due to whipped cream incorporation.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients.
How do I serve mousse?
Serve in small glasses, bowls, or layered in parfaits.
Can I freeze mascarpone mousse?
Freezing can affect texture; it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Are mascarpone mousse and cheesecake similar?
Both have creamy textures but mousse is lighter and fluffier.
Conclusion
Mascarpone Mousse is a simple yet elegant dessert offering rich, creamy indulgence with minimal effort. Its versatility and luscious texture make it perfect for any occasion, whether dressed up with chocolate, fruit, or enjoyed on its own.

Mascarpone Mousse
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- Author: Ava
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mascarpone Mousse is a rich and creamy dessert blending smooth mascarpone cheese with light whipped cream, perfect for elegant occasions or simple indulgence.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional toppings: fresh berries, cocoa powder, shaved chocolate, or nuts
Instructions
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- In another bowl, gently soften mascarpone cheese by stirring.
- Fold whipped cream into mascarpone gently until smooth and well combined, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
- Refrigerate mousse for at least 1 hour to set and chill.
- Spoon mousse into serving dishes and garnish with optional toppings before serving.
Notes
- Fold in melted, cooled dark chocolate for chocolate mascarpone mousse.
- Add pureed berries or citrus zest to mascarpone for fruit-flavored mousse.
- Stir in espresso or coffee liqueur for a coffee-infused version.
- Use vegan mascarpone and coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Serve chilled; do not heat.
- Use room temperature mascarpone to prevent curdling and fold gently.
- Can substitute cream cheese, but mascarpone offers a milder, creamier texture.
- Add liqueurs like amaretto or Baileys for extra flavor.
- Freeze not recommended as texture may be affected.
- Serve in small glasses, bowls, or layered parfaits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Refrigeration
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg