Description
A lusciously smooth and light mascarpone frosting with subtle notes of orange blossom and cardamom, perfect for elevating any dessert with a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 17.6 oz mascarpone cheese, very cold
- 1 cup heavy cream, very cold
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated (from 1 medium orange)
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 0.5 teaspoon alcohol-free orange blossom water
- 0.25 cup shelled pistachios, unsalted (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pistachios: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Spread shelled pistachios on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Cool completely, then finely crush.
- Whip the Cream: In a large, chilled bowl, combine very cold heavy cream, alcohol-free vanilla extract, ground cardamom, alcohol-free orange blossom water, and 0.5 cup powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until medium-stiff peaks form; do not overbeat.
- Beat the Mascarpone: In a separate large bowl, combine very cold mascarpone cheese, the remaining 0.5 cup sifted powdered sugar, and finely grated orange zest. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined and smooth (30-60 seconds); do not overmix. (If lumpy, ensure it is very cold; a quick, gentle whisk often smooths it.)
- Combine Gently: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the mascarpone mixture in three additions until just combined and no streaks remain. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate frosting for at least 30 minutes to firm up and meld flavors. Once chilled, spread or pipe onto your desired dessert and garnish with toasted crushed pistachios.
Notes
For variations, try lemon zest, cocoa powder, or espresso powder. If frosting is too thin, chill for 15-20 minutes and gently re-whip. Overmixing can cause separation; a splash of cold cream can sometimes help.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing, Whipping, Chilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (approx 30 g)
- Calories: 225 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg
Keywords: mascarpone, frosting, orange blossom, cardamom, easy dessert, creamy, elegant, no-fuss