Borghetto’s Mascarpone Cream – The perfect Panettone pairing 🎄🇮🇹
Panettone is a Christmas must-have in every Italian home, but let’s be honest—what makes it truly magical is the mascarpone cream that goes with it.
In my mom family's village - Borghetto Lodigiano, near Milano - we don’t just eat panettone as it is—we drown it in a silky, rich, and slightly boozy mascarpone cream. And trust me, once you try it this way, you’ll never go back.
This is my special recipe, slightly tweaked from nonna Zoe’s classic version, making it lighter, creamier, and impossible to resist. Perfect for spooning over slices of panettone, pandoro, or—let’s be real—just eating straight from the bowl.
Ingredients 🥄 (Serves 6-8)
✔️ 250 g (1 cup) mascarpone cheese
✔️ 200 ml (¾ cup) heavy cream, cold
✔️ 2 egg yolks (pasteurized, for safety)
✔️ 50 g (¼ cup) sugar
✔️ 1 tbsp Marsala wine or rum (optional, but highly recommended)
✔️ Zest of 1 orange (for a festive touch)
✔️ Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for topping
How to make the perfect Mascarpone Cream 🎄✨
Step 1: Whip the Cream
1️⃣ In a cold bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Don’t overwhip! It should be light and airy. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Mascarpone base
2️⃣ In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy.
3️⃣ Add the mascarpone cheese and mix gently until smooth. (Be careful... The cream can go "crazy")
4️⃣ Stir in the Marsala wine (or rum) and orange zest for extra flavor.
Step 3: Fold everything Together
5️⃣ Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate it.
6️⃣ Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving—it tastes even better when cold!
How to Serve It 🍽️
• Spoon it generously over slices of panettone or pandoro.
• Top with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch.
• Use it as a dip for Christmas cookies (because why not?).
Why you’ll love this Mascarpone Cream
✨ It’s silky, creamy, and rich—but not too heavy.
✨ The hint of Marsala and orange zest makes it extra festive.
✨ It turns simple panettone into a luxurious dessert.
This mascarpone cream has become a Christmas tradition in my home, and every year, friends and family ask for it! Try it this holiday season and let me know—does it become your new Christmas obsession too? 🎄✨
Buon Natale e buon appetito! 🇮🇹❄️
