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    Home / Cake basics / Frosting & filling

    Chocolate Mascarpone Frosting

    Last update: Feb 21, 2025 Published: Feb 17, 2022 by Fadela This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 6 reviews

    Best chocolate mascarpone frosting recipe, light and creamy! This is a super easy and very quick recipe in just 3 minutes of time you will have a delicious chocolate-flavored frosting to decorate and fill your layer cakes and decorating cupcakes like in these Nutella cupcakes.

    Chocolate mascarpone frosting pipped on a plate
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients Notes
    • How to Make Cocoa Mascarpone Chocolate Frosting
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Tips for this recipe
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • Recipe Questions
    • More Mascarpone Frostings
    • Chocolate Mascarpone Frosting

    If you like the classic mascarpone frosting recipe then here is my chocolate version, the chocolate mascarpone frosting. This frosting is made with only 4 ingredients, mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, unsweetened cocoa powder, and confectioner's sugar.

    This chocolate whipped mascarpone frosting recipe is very different from the classic chocolate ganache recipe. It is lighter than a buttercream recipe, has a more airy and less silky texture, and is less heavy than a ganache.

    Also much less sweet than other chocolate frosting recipes and with a very fresh taste, a bit like a chocolate whipped cream but stabilized with the addition of mascarpone which gives it a more firm hold.

    Ingredients Notes

    You need these ingredients to make an easy chocolate mascarpone frosting :

    • Mascarpone cream: Use full-fat mascarpone cheese and very cold.
    • Powdered sugar: Do not replace it with granulated sugar as this will result in a cream that is not very smooth with visible grains.
    • Cocoa powder: Only unsweetened and bitter cocoa powder.
    • Heavy cream: Ful fat heavy cream or heavy whipping cream with at least 30% fat and very cold.
    • Vanilla extract: Optional, vanilla bean seeds, or liquid vanilla extract to flavor the frosting.
    Chocolate mascarpone frosting on a large bowl with a spatula

    How to Make Cocoa Mascarpone Chocolate Frosting

    Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that full recipe instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the recipe card below!

    Step 1: Sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder and powdered sugar through a fine sieve until you have a well-blended mixture.

    Step 2: Beat cold mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar and cocoa powder mixture and the vanilla extract with a hand mixer or in the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment at medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

    Step 3: Add the cold heavy cream and continue to mix with a hand mixer at medium speed for about 2-4 minutes until you have a smooth and firm frosting.

    Enjoy! Use this chocolate whipped frosting immediately in your cake or dessert.

    Medium bowl with cocoa powder and mascarpone cheese
    Medium bol with ingredients and hand mixer

    Serving Suggestions

    • Chocolate Cake: Spread the chocolate mascarpone filling generously between layers and over the top of a rich chocolate birthday cake or vanilla birthday cake for a decadent dessert.
    • Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the frosting onto my chocolate cupcakes, raspberry cupcakes or strawberry cupcakes.
    • Brownies: Frost a batch of my chocolate chip brownies or a chocolate sheet cake with the chocolate frosting for an extra layer of richness.
    • Crepes: Fill French vanilla crepes to make a chocolate crepe cake or in this chocolat crepe recipe.
    • Chocolate Trifle: Layer the frosting with chocolate cake or brownie pieces and whipped cream in a trifle dish or in a chocolate tiramisu dessert.
    • Chocolate Tart: Spread the frosting onto my chocolate ganache tart and top with fresh berries or try with these mini chocolate tartlets.
    • Fruit Dip: Serve the frosting alongside a platter of fresh fruit for dipping, such as strawberries, bananas, and pineapple.
    Chocolate mascarpone frosting pipped on a plate

    Tips for this recipe

    • Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality Dutch process cocoa powder for the best flavor and texture in your frosting.
    • Full-fat and cold cream : Use very cold whole cream or take directly from heavy whipping cream (double cream).
    • Ensure Ingredients Are Cold: Keep your mascarpone cheese and heavy cream cold before using them. This helps the frosting to hold its shape better when whipped.
    • Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the frosting once you've combined all the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense or grainy texture.
    • Make the Frosting Last: Prepare the frosting just before you're ready to use it. This ensures that it stays fresh and holds its texture well.

    Variations & Substitutions

    • Real Chocolate Frosting: Replace the dark chocolate cocoa powder with about 100 - 150 g of melted chocolate, slightly cooled to the frosting for a more rich chocolate flavor.
    • Mocha Cocoa whipped Frosting: Add a tablespoon or two of instant espresso powder or strong brewed coffee to the frosting for a delicious mocha flavor.
    • Chocolate Orange Mascarpone Frosting: Incorporate some freshly grated orange zest into the frosting.
    • Chocolate Nutella Frosting: Stir in some finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or a spoonful of hazelnut spread like this Nutella mascarpone frosting.
    • Chocolate cream cheese frosting: Replace the mascarpone cheese with cream cheese for a tangy flavor as in this recipe for whipped cream cheese frosting.
    • Firm chocolate ganache: For a firmer chocolate ganache perfect for converting cake try this chocolate ganache frosting.
    • Black cocoa powder: For a more intense flavor, as in this recipe for black cocoa cake.

    Recipe Questions

    Can I make mascarpone chocolate frosting ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare your frosting ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you're ready to use it, simply take it out of the refrigerator and give it a quick mix to restore its creamy consistency.

    How to fix a runny mascarpone whipped cream?

    The cream can become grainy if whipped too quickly and for too long. Gradually add very cold heavy cream while mixing with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth.

    Can I use chocolate mascarpone whipped cream frosting on a cake that will be left at room temperature?

    It's recommended to avoid leaving cakes frosted with mascarpone-based frostings at room temperature for extended periods, as they can soften. However, if necessary, you can use it at room temperature for a short period, but keep in mind it may lose some firmness.

    Can I use this chocolate frosting for piping decorations?

    Yes, this frosting can be piped onto cupcakes or cakes using a piping bag and tip. However, it may not hold intricate shapes as well as buttercream frosting.

    Can I adjust the sweetness of chocolate mascarpone cream frosting?

    Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of this chocolate frosting by adding more or less powdered sugar to taste. Start with the recommended amount in the recipe and adjust as needed to suit your preferences.

    What's the difference between chocolate mascarpone frosting and chocolate ganache?

    Chocolate whipped cream is a creamy topping made with mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder, and sugar, while chocolate ganache is a rich frosting made from chocolate and cream.

    More Mascarpone Frostings

    • Blueberry Frosting
    • Fresh Strawberry Whipped Cream
    • Raspberry Whipped Cream Frosting
    • Oreo Whipped Cream Frosting
    Chocolate mascarpone frosting on a plate with a spoon

    I hope you love this chocolate mascarpone whipped cream frosting. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!

    Print
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    Chocolate mascarpone frosting on a large bowl with a spatula

    Chocolate Mascarpone Frosting


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 6 reviews

    • Author: Fadela
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 6 portions
    Print Recipe
    Save Recipe Recipe Saved

    Description

    Chocolate Mascarpone Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe ( about 10 portions)


    Ingredients

    • 250 g (1 cup) Mascarpone cheese - cold
    • 50 g (⅓ cup) Powdered sugar - sifted
    • 35 g (⅓ cup) Cocoa powder - unsweetened
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 240 ml (1 cup) Heavy cream - full fat and very cold

    Instructions

    1. Start by sifting the powdered sugar and cocoa powder together through a fine sieve until well blended.
    2. Then in a large bowl or in the bowl of your stand mixer place the cold mascarpone cheese, the confectioner's sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder mixture, and the vanilla extract.
    3. Blend with the whisk on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes to loosen the mascarpone and obtain a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
    4. Add the cold heavy cream and whisk on medium speed, not high speed, for about 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
    5. Use your frosting immediately or store it covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

    Equipment

    Hand mixer

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    Stand mixer

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    Image of Fine mesh strainer

    Fine mesh strainer

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    Notes

    Storage : In the fridge for 2 - 4 days

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Frosting
    • Cuisine: French

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size:
    • Calories: 236
    • Sugar: 9.1 g
    • Sodium: 19.4 mg
    • Fat: 15.6 g
    • Carbohydrates: 10.9 g
    • Protein: 1.9 g
    • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carli

      January 31, 2023 at 11:45 am

      Hello first of all thank you very much for your recipes it's a delight, first then I would like to know if it is possible to make this recipe with nutella?
      Mascarpone nutella whipped cream
      Thanks in advance

      Reply
      • Fadela

        February 03, 2023 at 9:54 am

        Hello, yes, it's perfectly possible to use Nutella instead of cocoa. First mix the Nutella with the mascarpone, then add the cold liquid cream.

        Reply
    2. Sam

      April 07, 2023 at 7:11 pm

      Hello,

      In a naked cake, do you recommend a dark chocolate ganache or a chocolate mascarpone chantilly ganache? What's the real difference? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Fadela

        April 08, 2023 at 5:41 pm

        Hello, I would say that the ganache montée is creamier but they are very similar in texture, both can be used for a naked cake.

        Reply
    3. Socha

      October 30, 2023 at 10:18 am

      The recipe is perfect, easy to make, quick, not too sweet, tastes delicious and holds up very well! Used here on a number cake!

      Reply
      • Fadela

        November 01, 2023 at 9:17 am

        Thank you very much for your feedback ❤️

        Reply
    4. Marie-Louise

      November 16, 2023 at 7:47 pm

      I made this recipe yesterday for a number cake for a birthday, excellent recipe, everyone loved it, thank you for the recipe.

      Reply
    5. Sylvie Beaupré

      December 21, 2023 at 7:52 pm

      Hello, does this frosting freeze?

      Reply
      • Fadela

        December 22, 2023 at 2:59 pm

        Hello Sylvie, it's possible to freeze the frosting inside a cake. But after thawing, the texture may change and you won't be able to use it to decorate or smooth a cake.

        Reply
      • Fadela

        April 03, 2024 at 8:22 am

        Hello Sylvie, it's possible to freeze the frosting inside a cake. But after thawing, the texture may change and you won't be able to use it to decorate or smooth a cake.

        Reply
    6. Katherine

      April 14, 2024 at 10:23 am

      Miam !

      Reply
    7. Dlevy

      December 16, 2024 at 7:21 pm

      If I want to frost a 3 layer cake would I need to double the recipe ?

      Reply
      • Fadela

        December 18, 2024 at 12:26 pm

        For a 3-layer cake, you should double the recipe. The original recipe is enough for a 2-layer cake or 10-12 cupcakes, so doubling it will give you enough frosting to cover all three layers and the outside of the cake. This will ensure you have plenty of frosting for filling and decorating!

        Reply
    8. Christie

      February 21, 2025 at 11:08 pm

      Will 33% cream work for this or would it have to be a higher percentage?

      Reply
      • Fadela

        March 04, 2025 at 12:52 pm

        Yes, 33% cream will work perfectly! The recipe calls for 30-35%, so you're right in the ideal range. No need to use a higher percentage. Hope you enjoy the recipe!

        Reply

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