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This mascarpone cake frosting recipe is smooth and creamy thanks to the higher fat content of both the mascarpone and the heavy cream used in this recipe. It yields a light and airy frosting that will not overpower your cakes and cupcakes but take them to a completely new level!

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mascarpone cake frosting recipe in a glass cup

This lusciously smooth creamy frosting pairs perfectly with any baked goods and enhances its flavor, texture, and overall experience. Give this a try the next time you’re in the mood to bake a treat or preparing for a party or get-together. I guarantee this will be your new favorite frosting recipe.

Since you are here and probably love frosting recipes, check out this Peanut Butter Icing Recipe, this Swiss Meringue Buttercream Recipe, or this Vanilla Bean Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe.

What is Mascarpone?

Mascarpone is a creamy, soft, cheese with the smoothest texture ever! It is essentially an Italian cream cheese. This cheese is similar to an American cream cheese but is a lot richer and creamier. It is known for its rich and slightly sweet flavor, often used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is a key ingredient in tiramisu and is also used in cheesecakes, pasta sauces, and other desserts.

mascarpone cake frosting recipe ingredients:

Ingredients for this Mascarpone Cake Frosting Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

Mascarpone Cheese: is the main ingredient. If you’ve never used it before, you can easily find it at any grocery store next to the cream cheese or in the specialty cheese area.
Heavy Cream: is used to thin out the cheese a bit so it’s able to be whipped easier and improve the texture overall.
Powdered Sugar: is used to lightly sweeten the icing.
Vanilla Extract: is added to lightly flavor this vanilla mascarpone frosting.
Salt: A pinch of salt adds a little balance to all the flavors as a whole.

mascarpone cake frosting recipe on a cupcake with a strawberry on top

How to Make this Mascarpone Cake Frosting Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions!

In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Be sure to use the whisk attachment to make your life easier.
Add in the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is well combined then add the heavy whipping cream, and whip until the frosting has thick, stiff peaks with a spreadable consistency.
Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more powdered sugar.
Use immediately to frost your cake or refrigerate it until you’re ready to use. If refrigerated, allow the frosting to come to room temperature before frosting the cake. You can also re-whip it to get it light and airy again.

Why You Need to Make this Recipe!

This mascarpone icing is so versatile and goes so well with cakes, cupcakes, and even brownies!
It is a simple recipe to make and uses a whole container of mascarpone cream so that you’re not stuck with any leftovers.
The flavor of the mascarpone is different from other frostings you’ve had before and will really enhance the flavor of whatever you put it on.
It’s easy to add other flavors to and customize so you can play around with it and adjust it to your liking.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How to Store Leftover Mascarpone Cake Frosting

To store, simply put it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It should last for at least 4 days. Freezing this frosting is not recommended as separation will occur once you take it out and it begins to thaw.

a cupcake with icing and a strawberry on top

How Should I Use this Mascarpone Cake Frosting?

As a Topping: This creamy Italian cheese can be used as a topping in a wide variety of ways, basically any way that a normal frosting can. Use this instead of your usual American buttercream, whipped cream frosting, or traditional cream cheese frosting. Put it on your favorite cakes or cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, or virtually any one of the delicious desserts out there.
As a Filling: Not only can this frosting go on top, but it can also go inside! Create visually beautiful and moist cake layers or cookie sandwiches by using this as a mascarpone cake filling.

close up of the mascarpone cake frosting recipe

What Other Flavors Can I Try?

Make a Chocolate Mascarpone Frosting by adding in some unsweetened cocoa powder. Keep the vanilla extract as it will help the chocolate flavor.
Mix-Ins! There’s no better way to complement a creamy texture than by adding a little crunch! Top your frosting with some mini chocolate chips, and crushed waffle cone pieces of graham cracker. You can even add fresh fruit like sliced strawberries.
Swap out the vanilla extract and Use Other Extracts such as almond extract or fruit flavors like lemon or blood orange extract. These flavors particularly work well on a vanilla cake during the spring or summer months. You can even add the zest of the fruit if you’re going to go this route.