Crema mascarpone, Italian Mousse is soft and silky. Made with just four simple ingredients, this no-bake dessert can be made ahead of time in just 10 minutes, so it's perfect for entertaining. It's light, fluffy, completely vegetarian, egg-free, and gluten-free too!
Only 4 ingredients = the most delicious dessert. ❤️
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MASCARPONE MOUSSE
I love easy but bold desserts. Just my baked matcha cheesecake or Biscoff milkshake. These desserts are fun to serve to guests but so easy to make.
Talking about easy, this mousse mascarpone. is oh-so-easy! Perfectly served on its own, or you can top it with fresh berries, grate over some dark chocolate, or add a shot of your favorite liquor, it's simply irresistible.
Traditionally, Crema Mascarpone is made using eggs. I've chosen to make this egg-free, just like my egg-free Tiramisu recipe.
Although non-traditional, this mascarpone creme still has a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
🍰 RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME
4 Ingredient Caramel Apple Jello Shots, Chocolate Crepe Roll, Matcha Cheese Cake , Blended Cottage Cheese recipe or Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream. ❤️
❤️ WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
- Minimal ingredients! Only four ingredients give you a wonderful dessert.
- Less than 10 minutes to make (a little extra time for chilling)
- Have fun customizing it: Whether served as a standalone dessert or accompanied by fresh berries, serve it in small sherry glasses or in dessert bowls, have fun with the presentation!
🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Mascarpone: If you can't get your hands on mascarpone, you can substitute it for smooth cream cheese like Philadelphia.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Make sure it is cold before whipping.
Powdered Sugar: Also called icing sugar or confectioner sugar.
Vanilla extra: This adds extra flavor and depth to the dessert.
OPTIONAL: Garnish with fresh berries, grated chocolate, slices of oranges, or mint leaves.
👩🏼🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.
Step 1:
In a mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup of cream. With an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the cream until it forms soft peaks (do not overbeat the cream, as it will turn to butter!)
Step 2: Sweetener
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture and powdered sugar. Add ⅓ cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature). Beat for about 10-15 seconds or until well combined. Don't overbeat the mixture. The mixture should be a smooth and fluffy consistency.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking, adding more sugar if you like it sweet. This will influence the overall taste of your Crema Mascarpone.
Step 3: Chill
Transfer the whipped Crema Mascarpone into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Decorate
Before serving, add fresh berries, grated chocolate, or chopped nuts. (optional)
🥃 HOW TO SERVE
- Served cream mascarpone in sherry glasses because this offers a smaller portion as the dessert is very rich. But small bowls or one large bowl is also fine. Have fun with the presentation.
- Serve with an after-dinner drink or by itself.
📝 TIPS AND TRICKS
CHILL IN THE FRIDGE: Allow the crema al mascarpone to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This not only enhances the flavors but also ensures the dessert reaches the ideal consistency for serving.
ADD SUGAR GRADUALLY: Add powdered sugar gradually, tasting as you go. This allows you to tailor the sweetness to your preference. Remember, adding more sweetness later than correcting an overly sweet dessert is easier.
ADD A SHOT OF LIQUOR: Add a shot of your favorite liquor for a delicious after-dinner adult dessert.
GARNISH: Get creative with garnishes. Sprinkle a touch of cocoa powder, grated chocolate, or chopped nuts on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
❓FAQS
While mascarpone cheese and cream cheese share some similarities, they are distinct in terms of flavor, texture, and production. Mascarpone is incredibly creamy, velvety, and smooth, with a high fat content. Cream cheese has a dense and firmer texture.
Yes, you can swap mascarpone for full-fat cream cheese when making Crema Mascarpone. Full-fat Philadelphia cheese works very well.
For this recipe, I would recommend using full-fat cream cheese as a substitution. Make sure it's soft (at room temperature) this will make it easier to whip.
Mascarpone and cream are similar in that they both possess a rich, creamy flavor. Mascarpone has a hint of tanginess.
Make-ahead, Storage
Make-ahead: I would recommend making this 30 minutes to 1 hour ahead of time.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing: I would not recommend freezing.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
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CREMA MASCARPONE ITALIAN MOUSSE (VEGETARIAN)
- Total Time: 10 min Prep Time + Chilling Time
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crema mascarpone, Italian Mousse is soft and silky. Made with just four simple ingredients, this no-bake dessert can be made ahead of time in just 10 minutes, so it's perfect for entertaining. It's light, fluffy, completely vegetarian, egg-free, and gluten-free too!
Ingredients
⅓ cup whipping cream (cold)
⅓ cup mascarpone cheese (at room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoon powdered sugar (also known as icing sugar or confectioners sugar)
Optional ingredients
Fresh berries, grated chocolate, or chopped nuts to decorate
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the cream. With an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the cream until it forms soft peaks (do not overbeat the cream, as it will turn to butter)
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture and powdered sugar. Add the mascarpone cheese (room temperature). Beat for about 10-15 seconds or until well combined. Don't overbeat the mixture. The mixture should be a smooth and a fluffy consistency.
(Adjust the sweetness to your liking, adding more sugar if you like it sweet. This will influence the overall taste of your Crema Mascarpone.) - Transfer the whipped Crema Mascarpone into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, add fresh berries, grated chocolate, or chopped nuts if you like.
- If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!
Notes
CHILL IN THE FRIDGE: Allow the crema al mascarpone to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This not only enhances the flavors but also ensures the dessert reaches the ideal consistency for serving.
ADD SUGAR GRADUALLY: Add powdered sugar gradually, tasting as you go. This allows you to tailor the sweetness to your preference. Remember, adding more sweetness later than correcting an overly sweet dessert is easier.
ADD A SHOT OF LIQUOR: Add a shot of your favorite liquor for a delicious after-dinner adult dessert.
GARNISH: Get creative with garnishes. Sprinkle a touch of cocoa powder, grated chocolate, or chopped nuts on top for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Make-ahead: I would recommend making this 30 minutes to 1 hour ahead of time.
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nikki says
Let me know if you have any questions. Nikki x