Creative Ways To Use Keto Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is a soft Italian cheese with a high fat content, making it perfect for keto desserts. Mascarpone has a creamy texture and a mild flavour, and is best known for its use in tiramisu. It can also be used to make a simple chocolate mousse, by mixing it with cocoa powder, sweetener and vanilla extract. For a more indulgent dessert, you can make a mascarpone cheesecake. Alternatively, for a quick and easy dessert, simply dollop it on some fruit. Mascarpone can also be used in savoury dishes, such as cauliflower mac and cheese, zucchini pasta and garlic mashed cauliflower.

Keto mascarpone mousse

Ingredients:

• Mascarpone Cheese
• Whipping Cream
• Vanilla Essence
• Erythritol (Powdered)
• Dark Chocolate
• Cocoa Powder
• Cream Cheese

Optional Ingredients:

• Fresh Berries
• Sugar-Free Cocoa Powder
• Granulated Sweetener with Stevia and Erythritol
• Sugar-Free Vanilla Extract
• Heavy Cream
• Eggs

Method:

Add the mascarpone cheese, vanilla essence, erythritol, and heavy cream to a mixing bowl. Using an electric whisk, blend the ingredients until you achieve a fluffy consistency. For a chocolate mousse, add cocoa powder to taste. For a vanilla mousse, whisk the whipping cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form, then add the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sweetener and blend until just combined.

Fill serving glasses with the chocolate mousse, dolloping the vanilla mousse on top. Swirl with a knife to create a marble effect. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Tips:

You can use stevia drops instead of powdered sweetener. Taste and adjust the sweetener to your preference. You can also add a teaspoon of coffee extract, cinnamon, or brandy to the chocolate mousse for extra flavor.

Storage:

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cups with cling film or store in an airtight container. You can also freeze leftovers in ice cube trays or popsicle molds for a frozen treat!

Keto chocolate mousse

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mascarpone (250g/8.8oz)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 tablespoons powdered sweetener
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (100g/3.5oz) (or use more mascarpone)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (100g/3.5oz)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons powdered sweetener

Optional:

• 1 teaspoon of coffee extract
• Cinnamon or brandy
• Berries and/or mint leaves for garnish

Method:

Place all the ingredients for the chocolate mousse in a blender or bowl. Blend or whisk with an electric mixer until well combined and the whipping cream starts to thicken. Be careful not to over-mix!

In a separate bowl, whisk the whipping cream for the vanilla mousse to soft peaks. Add the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sweetener and blend until just combined.

Fill serving glasses with the chocolate mousse and dollop the vanilla mousse on top. Swirl with a knife until you have a marble effect.

This keto chocolate mousse can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator until serving.

Tips:

• If you cannot source mascarpone, use cream cheese for the entire recipe. Whip the cream separately to soft peaks and fold it in last.
• You could also use ricotta cheese.
• For a dairy-free mousse, use vegan mascarpone and coconut cream instead of dairy cream.
• This recipe makes 8 smaller servings or 6 large ones.

Keto desserts

Mascarpone cheese is a great ingredient to use in keto desserts as it is super low carb and high in healthy fats. Here are some ideas for keto desserts using mascarpone cheese:

Keto Mascarpone Mousse

This is a quick and easy dessert that can be made in a few different ways. One option is to simply mix together mascarpone cheese, heavy whipping cream, cocoa powder, and a sweetener like stevia or erythritol. You can also add in some vanilla extract for extra flavor. Another variation is to make a lemon mascarpone mousse by blending together mascarpone, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and a sweetener. For a more indulgent treat, you can even add in some heavy cream.

Keto Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that can be made keto-friendly by using mascarpone cheese. To make keto tiramisu, you'll need to create a mug sponge cake using almond flour, Swerve confectioners'-style sweetener, coconut flour, baking powder, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Once the cake is cooked, cube it into 1-inch pieces. Then, make the mascarpone filling by whisking together mascarpone, Swerve, and vanilla extract. Finally, assemble the parfaits by layering the spongecake, a coffee and brandy mixture, and the mascarpone filling in glasses or jars.

Mascarpone Chocolate Frosting

This frosting is a delicious way to enjoy the creaminess of mascarpone cheese. Simply combine heavy whipping cream, mascarpone, cocoa powder, and a sweetener like stevia in a large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. You can use this frosting on keto-friendly baked treats or even enjoy it by the spoonful!

Mascarpone Stuffed Strawberries

This dessert is a perfect way to enjoy fresh summer berries. Simply stuff strawberries with mascarpone cheese and arrange them on a platter. You can also add a sweetener to the mascarpone for an extra touch of sweetness.

Lemon Mascarpone Tart

This tart is a delicious and decadent dessert that combines homemade lemon curd and mascarpone cheese in a gluten-free crust. It's a perfect keto-friendly treat for any occasion.

Keto main course meals

Mascarpone cheese is a great ingredient to use in keto meals, as it is low-carb and high in healthy fats. It is also very versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Here are some ideas for keto main course meals using mascarpone cheese:

Keto Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Chicken and vegetables in a creamy gravy, topped with gluten-free fluffy biscuits. This dish is easy to make and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet

Tender chicken sautéed in a creamy pink sauce, made in one pan in just 20 minutes. This low-carb Italian dish is perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight meal.

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Chunks of chicken in a creamy Indian sauce, easily made in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

A keto twist on a classic dish. This casserole has the same great flavour as traditional beef stroganoff, with the addition of cheesy mashed cauliflower.

Pork Chops with Bacon Mushroom Gravy

Tender, juicy pork chops pan-fried in bacon fat and smothered in a creamy mushroom gravy. The addition of bacon gives this keto-friendly dish a boost of flavour.

Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

A casserole version of a great classic. This dish combines tender, juicy chunks of ham, chicken, Swiss cheese and cauliflower, all baked in a creamy sauce.

Mascarpone vs cream cheese

Mascarpone and cream cheese are both mild-flavoured, soft cheeses that are often used interchangeably in keto recipes. However, there are some differences between the two.

Mascarpone is an Italian cheese with a very smooth, creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavour. It has a high fat content (75% butterfat), which makes it perfect for adding creaminess to desserts and sauces. It is also very low in carbs, with only 1 net carb per 1/4 cup serving.

Cream cheese, on the other hand, is an American invention with a firmer texture and a tangy, salty flavour. It has a lower fat content than mascarpone, which means it softens when heated or blended. Cream cheese also tends to have a higher carb count.

When it comes to keto recipes, mascarpone is often favoured for its high fat and low carb content. It is a key ingredient in many keto desserts, such as tiramisu, chocolate mousse, and cheese cakes. However, cream cheese can also be used in keto recipes, especially when mascarpone is not available. In general, the two cheeses can be substituted for each other in most recipes, but adjustments may need to be made to the quantities and other ingredients to achieve the desired texture and flavour.

Frequently asked questions