The Best Mascarpone Frosting Recipe

If there’s one frosting I never get tired of, it’s this Mascarpone Frosting. It has a creamy texture like classic cream cheese frosting but softer in flavor, which makes it rich, smooth, and irresistible. Cakes topped with this frosting are always the first to disappear, and I get messages afterward from friends and family raving about it. After creating hundreds of cake recipes over the years, I can confidently say this decadent frosting is foolproof and always a crowd favorite.

If you’re looking for a delicious cake that shows off this frosting in the best way, you have to try my Cannoli Poke Cake Recipe, filled with sweet ricotta and mascarpone cream and topped with this unforgettable frosting. And if you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Cannoli Dip, Italian Cannoli Cookies, Easy Cannoli Cups, or Lemon Italian Ricotta Cookies. Each one uses similar creamy Italian cheese flavors, so you can enjoy that same rich, smooth taste in a variety of delicious desserts.

Ingredient Notes

See recipe card for quantities.

Mascarpone cheese – This "Italian cream cheese" is the key ingredient that makes this frosting so rich and smooth. It has a higher fat content than American cream cheese, which gives it a velvety consistency and a mild flavor. Look for it in the specialty cheese section of most grocery stores.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the cold mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Using a hand mixer or the whisk attachment of a stand mixer, mix just until smooth. Do not overbeat.

Step 3: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low until incorporated.

Step 4: Once all the sugar is mixed in, increase speed to medium-high and beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth and spreadable.

Storage and Make Ahead

Storage – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before using and re-whip if necessary.

Freezing – Not recommended, as mascarpone cheese frosting can separate when thawed.

Make Ahead – This frosting can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap, then bring it to room temperature and re-whip before spreading.

The Best Mascarpone Frosting Recipe

Tina Frank

This mascarpone frosting is thick, creamy, and perfect for spreading on cakes or cupcakes. A smooth, rich frosting made with cold mascarpone cheese and a touch of vanilla.

5 from 7 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 16

Calories 2300 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• (2) 8-ounce tubs mascarpone cheese cold
• 3 tablespoons cold heavy cream plus more as needed to loosen
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

 

• Add (2) 8-ounce tubs of cold mascarpone, 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt to a large mixing bowl and mix the ingredients together with a hand or stand mixer just until combined and smooth. Don’t overbeat the mascarpone mixture.
• Gradually mix in 4 ½ cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low. Once incorporated, beat on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy.
• If the frosting is too thick, mix in heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until smooth and spreadable.

Notes

Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before spreading. Re-whip if needed.

Chill the frosting slightly before piping for a sturdy mascarpone frosting that holds its shape.

Keep the mascarpone cold to maintain a stable whipped cream texture.

Avoid overbeating to prevent a grainy texture.

Use a large bowl so you have plenty of space to mix without powdered sugar spilling.

For the best results, use fresh, high-quality mascarpone.

Nutrition

Calories: 2300kcalCarbohydrates: 542gProtein: 1gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 607mgPotassium: 73mgSugar: 531gVitamin A: 690IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.4mg

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