What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar
Step 1: Heat the Cream
Pour the heavy cream into a saucepan and place it over low heat. Slowly bring the cream to a temperature of around 180°F, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. This gentle heat will help thicken the cream and create a creamy consistency in the mascarpone.
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice or Vinegar
Once the cream reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat. Stir in the tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. The acid in these ingredients will react with the cream and cause it to curdle, separating the curds from the whey.
Step 3: Let It Rest
Cover the saucepan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature undisturbed for about 10-12 hours. During this time, the curds will continue to separate and thicken, creating the creamy texture characteristic of mascarpone.
Step 4: Strain the Curds
After the resting period, line a fine-mesh sieve or colander with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Place the sieve over a large bowl to collect the whey. Carefully pour the curdled mixture into the sieve, allowing the whey to strain out. Alternatively, you can tie the edges of the cheesecloth together and hang it over a bowl to drain the whey overnight. This will result in a thicker consistency.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Transfer the strained mascarpone into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will help the flavors develop and the cheese to fully set.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Once chilled, your homemade mascarpone is ready to be used in your favorite recipes. Whether you’re making a classic tiramisu or spreading it on freshly baked scones, this creamy cheese will elevate any dish it touches.
Making mascarpone from scratch allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade creamy mascarpone cheese!