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This vegan mascarpone recipe is an easy vegan substitute for mascarpone that requires only 4 ingredients! Though you can buy vegan mascarpone in the UK and other parts of Europe, dairy free mascarpone is tough to find in the US. Get the delicious recipe for vegan mascarpone cheese, find out is mascarpone vegetarian, and more!
➕ What is vegan mascarpone made of?
Here are the ingredients for this rich and creamy vegan mascarpone substitute:
- 8 ounces vegan cream cheese
- 2½ tablespoons vegan sour cream
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream (unsweetened)
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
You’ll also need a rubber spatula, as well as a food processor or high-speed blender. Get a printable recipe card at the end of the post!
I used Miyoko’s creamery cream cheese, which is made with cashew milk and coconut cream. I also used Forager sour cream, which is made with coconut and cashews as well. You can find everything you need for this recipe at Whole Foods or Amazon.
To make vegan mascarpone no nuts, simply use your favorite nut free vegan cream cheese and sour cream brands. If you use different brands than I am using, the final results may taste different, but it should still have good flavor. This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, low carb, and gluten free if you use the same products I’m using.
🧀 How to make Vegan Mascarpone
Here are the step-by-step directions to make this non-dairy substitute for mascarpone:
- Place the vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream, coconut cream, and lemon juice in a food processor.
- Blend until smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor occasionally if the ingredients are sticking before you continue blending. (Be more patient about it than I was!)
🤷 Where to Buy Vegan Mascarpone
Can you get dairy free mascarpone? I was unable to find vegan mascarpone near me or online, which is why I’m making DIY dairy-free mascarpone. You may be able to find a good vegan mascarpone alternative in other countries.
Vegan Mascarpone Brands
There is a lactose free mascarpone at Tesco and Lidl, but these cheeses do contain dairy milk. Schlagfix is a vegan mascarpone brand you may find in Europe. Vegart vegan mascarpone-style plant cream is another European vegan brand I haven’t seen in the US.
💡 What is the best substitute for mascarpone cheese?
Crème fraiche is the best substitute for mascarpone if you don’t need a dairy free option. Some vegan mascarpone substitutes to consider include vegan ricotta, vegan yogurt, and vegan cream cheese. However, ricotta has a different fat content and texture, and cream cheese is thicker than mascarpone.
Can mascarpone substitute cream cheese?
Yes, mascarpone can generally substitute for cream cheese in most recipes, and vice versa. Since cream cheese is thicker than mascarpone, mix the cream cheese with heavy cream, and whip until smooth and creamy to use it as a substitute. If you are vegan, use your favorite vegan heavy cream and vegan cream cheese.
FAQs
Is mascarpone vegetarian?
Mascarpone is vegetarian as it’s made from cream and citric acid. Check the label to ensure it’s a gelatin-free version and fits your dietary needs.
What is the difference between cream cheese and mascarpone?
Mascarpone is sometimes referred to as “Italian cream cheese,” but cream cheese and mascarpone are not the same. Cream cheese is tangier and denser than mascarpone. Mascarpone is slightly sweet, as well as richer and silkier due to its higher fat content.
Is mascarpone the same as ricotta cheese?
No, mascarpone and ricotta cheese are different. Mascarpone is creamy, while ricotta is more grainy, made from whey, and has a slightly different flavor.
Can you freeze mascarpone?
While you can freeze mascarpone, it’s not ideal as it can alter its texture and affect the quality when thawed. Freezing might cause separation, resulting in a grainy or watery consistency. The shelf life of mascarpone is at least 3-4 days in the fridge, up to approximately one week.
👩🏻🍳 Vegan Mascarpone Recipes
Easy vegan mascarpone can be used like traditional mascarpone. Use it to make a vegan tiramisu recipe with vegan ladyfingers or try it in cheesecake dessert, frostings, or fruit parfaits for a creamy texture. Spread it on pancakes, french toast and waffles, or swirl it into pasta dishes for added richness.
This vegan substitute for mascarpone is also delicious as a dip for strawberries. Alternatively, mix it with a bit of maple syrup, vanilla extract, and lemon zest and use it to top air fryer frozen waffles. Experiment with vegan mascarpone in recipes that call for a creamy and tangy element, making it versatile for both sweet and savory dishes.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also enjoy these:
Watch How to Make It!
Vegan Mascarpone Recipe (Vegan Substitute for Mascarpone)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces vegan cream cheese (227 grams)
- 2½ tablespoons vegan sour cream
- 2 tablespoons coconut cream (unsweetened)
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Place the vegan cream cheese, vegan sour cream, coconut cream, and lemon juice in a food processor.
- Blend until smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor occasionally if the ingredients are sticking before you continue blending. Enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 2 recipe (transition or weight maintenance). Is vegan mascarpone healthy? Vegan mascarpone is a healthier option for those with dairy allergies compared to traditional mascarpone made with dairy. While it’s not necessarily “healthy” in all contexts, it can be a better choice for certain dietary preferences or health goals. Like any food, its healthiness depends on factors such as ingredients, processing, portion size, and individual needs. This recipe makes about 1¼ cups, so you’re getting a generous 3-4 tablespoons per serving. While it’s lower in saturated fat than classic mascarpone, this recipe does count as an ultra-processed food to be enjoyed in moderation. Nutrition information is for one serving and depends on the vegan brands you use.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂