Mascarpone Substitutions

Flavor: Cream cheese has a more pronounced tang compared to mascarpone's mild sweetness. In tiramisu — mascarpone's signature dish — cream cheese changes the flavor profile noticeably. The tang can actually be pleasant, but it's a different dessert. Adding a tablespoon of sugar per cup helps balance the extra acidity.

Texture: Cream cheese is firmer and slightly grainier than mascarpone's silky smoothness. For the best results, soften the cream cheese thoroughly and whip it with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream per 8 ounces to approximate mascarpone's velvety texture. Without this step, the result can be slightly lumpy.