Best Mascarpone Cheesecake Recipes

MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE WITH ALMOND CRUST

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Tightly wrap the outside of a 9-inch diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides with 3 layers of heavy-duty foil. Finely grind the almonds, cracker crumbs, and sugar in a food processor. Add the butter and process until moist crumbs form. Press the almond mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan (not on the sides of the pan). Bake the crust until it is set and beginning to brown, about 12 minutes. Cool. Decrease the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
• For the filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and sugar in a large bowl until smooth, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
• Pour the cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake until the center of the cheesecake moves slightly when the pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour 5 minutes (the cake will become firm when it is cold). Transfer the cake to a rack; cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate until the cheesecake is cold, at least 8 hours and up to 2 days.
• For the topping: Combine the chocolate-hazelnut spread and cream in a small bowl. Heat in the microwave until warm, stirring every 20 seconds to blend, about 1 minute.
• Cut the cake into wedges. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the wedges and serve.

MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan., In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., For filling, in a large bowl, beat the cheeses, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake at 325° for 50-60 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer., Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Before serving, prepare topping mix according to package directions. Garnish cheesecake with whipped topping; drizzle with caramel. Refrigerate leftovers.

MASCARPONE CANNOLI CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Pulse the biscotti to fine crumbs in a food processor. Drizzle in the butter, add the salt and pulse until the mixture has the texture of wet sand. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
• Bake for 8 minutes, until the crust smells toasted and is beginning to brown. Set aside to cool while you make the filling. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
• In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally with a rubber spatula. Add the salt, vanilla and lemon zest; beat on medium speed until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again. Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in the chocolate chips.
• Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the center of the cake still moves just slightly.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Run a knife around the edge of the pan before releasing the collar.
• Top each slice of cheesecake with a spoonful of cherries, if using.

MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Make crust:
• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter bottom and side of a 9-inch springform pan.
• Stir together cookie crumbs and butter in a bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup crumb mixture for sprinkling over cheesecake, then pat remainder onto bottom and 1 1/2 inches up side of springform pan (about 1 inch thick). Put pan in a shallow baking pan and bake until golden, about 10 minutes. Cool completely on a rack, about 25 minutes. Leave oven on.
• Make filling while crust bakes:
• Beat cream cheese, mascarpone, and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium high speed until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla, lemon juice, and salt and mix at low speed until combined. Pour into cooled crust and bake until cake is set and puffed around edge but still trembles slightly when pan is shaken gently, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool slightly in springform pan on rack, about 20 minutes. (Cheesecake will continue to set as it cools.) Leave oven on.
• Make topping:
• Stir together sour cream, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl and spoon over cheesecake, spreading gently and evenly, leaving a 1/4-inch border around edge.
• Bake cheesecake until topping is set, about 10 minutes. Run a thin knife around edge to help prevent cracking. Sprinkle top with reserved crumbs and cool completely in pan on rack, then chill, loosely covered, at least 8 hours.

MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE WITH BALSAMIC STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• Tightly wrap outside of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides with 2 layers of heavy-duty foil. Mix biscotti crumbs and butter in bowl. Press mixture evenly onto bottom (not sides) of prepared pan. Chill 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, mascarpone and 1 1/4 cups sugar in large bowl until smooth. Add eggs 1 at a time; beat just until blended. Spread cheese mixture evenly over crust in pan. Place springform pan in large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of springform pan. Bake until cheesecake is golden and center of cake moves only slightly when pan is shaken, about 1 hour 10 minutes.
• Transfer cake to rack; cool 1 hour. Chill overnight. (Cake can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and keep chilled. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.)
• Mix strawberries, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar and vinegar in large bowl. Let stand at room temperature until juices form, about 30 minutes.
• Cut cake into wedges. Spoon strawberries alongside and serve.

MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE WITH ROASTED CASHEW CRUST AND PASSION FRUIT CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• For crust:
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Wrap outside of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides with 2 layers of heavy-duty foil. Finely grind cashews and brown sugar in processor. Add flour, salt, and spices; blend 5 seconds. Add butter and blend until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add egg yolk; using on/off turns, blend until moist clumps form. Press dough over bottom and 1/2 inch up sides of prepared pan. Pierce crust all over with fork. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool crust. Maintain oven temperature.
• For filling:
• Combine first 3 ingredients in large bowl. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean. Using electric mixer, beat cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy. Add mascarpone cheese and sour cream; beat at low speed just until blended, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally. Add eggs 2 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Transfer filling to prepared crust.
• Place springform pan in large roasting pan. Fill roasting pan with enough hot water to come halfway up sides of springform pan. Place roasting pan with cheesecake in oven; cover roasting pan with foil. Bake cheesecake 30 minutes. Lift edge of foil to allow steam to escape; cover again. Bake cake 30 minutes. Lift foil again; cover again. Bake until cake is loosely set but filling jiggles all over when pan is shaken gently, lifting foil every 10 minutes, about 30 minutes longer. Remove cheesecake from water. Place on rack; cool 1 hour. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, at least 6 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; keep refrigerated.)
• Cut around pan sides to release cheesecake. Cut into wedges. Drizzle each wedge with warm caramel sauce. Spoon some fruit alongside and serve.
• *Italian cream cheese, available at Italian markets and many supermarkets.

GIADA DE LAURENTIIS' MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE WITH ALMOND CRUST

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Tightly wrap the outside of a 9-inch diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides with 3 layers of heavy-duty foil.
• Finely grind the almonds, cracker crumbs, and sugar in a food processor. Add the butter and process until moist crumbs form.
• Press the almond mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan (not on the sides of the pan).
• Bake the crust until it is set and beginning to brown, about 12 minutes. Cool. Decrease the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
• For the filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and sugar in a large bowl until smooth, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
• Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
• Pour the cheese mixture over the crust in the pan.
• Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan.
• Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
• Bake until the center of the cheesecake moves slightly when the pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour 5 minutes (the cake will become firm when it is cold).
• Transfer the cake to a rack; cool for 1 hour.
• Refrigerate until the cheesecake is cold, at least 8 hours and up to 2 days.
• For the topping: Combine the chocolate-hazelnut spread and cream in a small bowl. Heat in the microwave until warm, stirring every 20 seconds to blend, about 1 minute.
• Cut the cake into wedges. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the wedges and serve.

LEMON MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray the sides and bottom of a springform pan with cooking spray.
• Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted margarine for crust together in a small bowl until well combined. Spread into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan, making sure there aren't any cracks.
• Beat mascarpone cheese and sugar for filling in a large bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add sour cream and vanilla, stirring after each addition. Add lemon juice and zest. Pour into the crust.
• Bake in the preheated oven until slightly golden and semi-soft in the middle, testing with a toothpick, 55 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit for 1 1/2 hours to cool. Cut into slices to serve.

CREAM CHEESE AND MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar until light. Add flour, cornmeal, and salt, and mix until well combined. Press mixture onto the bottom and 3/4 of the way up sides of a 10-by-3-inch springform pan to form a neat crust. Place in the oven, and bake until lightly golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove pan from oven, and place on a wire rack. Gently press sides of crust back into place if necessary. Let cool to room temperature.
• Reduce oven to 325 degrees. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese, mascarpone, and remaining 1 1/4 cups sugar on low speed until smooth and well combined. Add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until combined, scraping down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula as necessary.
• Add cream, vanilla extract, and orange and lemon zests; beat just until combined. Do not overbeat. Pour mixture into cooled shell; place in oven; bake until set but still wobbly in center, 65 to 70 minutes. Turn oven off, and allow cheesecake to sit in the oven 1 hour more. Remove cheesecake from oven, and place on a wire rack to cool. When completely cool, chill at least 2 hours or overnight. Remove outside ring of springform pan.
• Combine stewed rhubarb with raspberries. Spoon fruit over cheesecake immediately before serving.

GIADA DE LAURENTIIS MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE WITH ALMOND CRUST

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Tightly wrap the outside of a 9-inch diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides with 3 layers of heavy-duty foil. Finely grind the almonds, cracker crumbs, and sugar in a food processor. Add the butter and process until moist crumbs form. Press the almond mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan (not on the sides of the pan). Bake the crust until it is set and beginning to brown, about 12 minutes. Cool. Decrease the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
• For the filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and sugar in a large bowl until smooth, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
• Pour the cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake until the center of the cheesecake moves slightly when the pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour 5 minutes (the cake will become firm when it is cold). Transfer the cake to a rack; cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate until the cheesecake is cold, at least 8 hours and up to 2 days.
• For the topping: Combine the chocolate-hazelnut spread and cream in a small bowl. Heat in the microwave until warm, stirring every 20 seconds to blend, about 1 minute.
• Cut the cake into wedges. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the wedges and serve.

BLUEBERRY MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and position a rack in the middle. Butter a 9-by-2-inch round cake pan or a 9-inch springform pan and dust with sugar, tilting the pan to coat and discarding any excess.
• In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mascarpone, cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon of the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl once. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Turn the mixer to low and add the flour, scraping the bowl to make sure it is incorporated.
• Pour the batter into the pan. Bake until the top of the cake is a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let the cake cool in its pan on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes. Run a knife around the sides of the cheesecake. If using a cake pan, invert a serving plate over the pan and reinvert the cheesecake on the plate. If using a springform pan, remove the sides and set the bottom on a serving plate. Let cool completely.
• In a medium bowl, mix the blueberries with the 2 tablespoons sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon lemon zest. If using fresh berries, crush a few with the back of a spoon to encourage juices to form. (Taste the fruit; if it's too tart, add another teaspoon of sugar.)
• When ready to serve, dust the cheesecake with confectioners' sugar, if using, and spoon the blueberries over the cheesecake. Cut and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or creme fraiche, if you like.

MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan or 2 (12-count) mini cheesecake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil.
• Add the cookies in a large resealable bag. Cover the bag with a kitchen towel and crush with a rolling pin until the cookies are coarsely ground. In a medium bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs with the melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of the prepared springform pan or mini cheesecake pans. Put on a sheet pan and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool before adding the cheesecake filling.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
• In bowl of a food processor combine the cheeses with the sugar until mix until completely blended. Add the eggs, 1 at time, incorporating completely after each addition. Add a pinch of salt, the almond extract, and orange zest and blend for 10 seconds. Pour the filling into the prepared pan with crust. Put the springform pan into a roasting pan and pour in enough hot water to come 3/4 of the way up the sides the springform pan. If using a springform pan bake for 1 hour, if using mini cheesecake pans bake until completely set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven and transfer the springform pan from the water bath to the counter and let cool completely before removing the cake from the pan. Slice and serve.

MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE WITH RHUBARB GLAZE AND CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES

Steps:

• For crust:
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides with nonstick spray. Mix crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon in medium bowl. Add butter and stir to blend. Press mixture evenly onto bottom (not sides) of pan. Bake until crust is set, about 10 minutes. Cool completely. Maintain oven temperature.
• For filling:
• Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth. Add mascarpone and beat until smooth. Mix in flour. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Mix in vanilla, lemon juice, lemon peel, and salt. Pour filling into pan.
• Bake cheesecake until puffed around edges and center moves slightly when pan is gently shaken (center may fall and crack), about 1 hour. Turn oven off; leave cake in oven with door closed 1 hour. Transfer cake to rack and cool completely. Stir sour cream until smooth; spread atop cake. Refrigerate cake overnight.
• For glaze:
• Combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, 2/3 cup water, and lemon juice in large saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer until rhubarb is tender, about 9 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool 10 minutes. Pour mixture through strainer set over 4-cup measuring cup, pressing on solids to extract 1 1/2 cups liquid. Return 1 1/2 cups liquid to same saucepan; bring to simmer over medium heat. Whisk cornstarch and 3 tablespoons water to blend in small bowl; add to liquid in saucepan; whisk constantly until mixture boils and thickens, about 6 minutes. Pour glaze into small bowl; chill until cold, about 2 hours. Spread glaze over cheesecake. Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours and up to 1 day.
• For chocolate-covered strawberries:
• Line small baking sheet with waxed paper. Stir chocolate in top of double boiler set over simmering water until smooth. Remove chocolate from over water. Dip strawberries halfway into melted chocolate. Gently shake off excess chocolate; place on prepared sheet. Chill until chocolate is set, about 30 minutes and up to 6 hours. Place strawberries around top edge of cake. Serve.
• Italian cream cheese available at Italian markets and many supermarkets.

CREAM CHEESE MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Tightly wrap the outside of a 9-inch diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides with 3 layers of heavy-duty foil. Finely grind the almonds, cracker crumbs, and sugar in a food processor. Add the butter and process until moist crumbs form. Press the almond mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan (not on the sides of the pan). Bake the crust until it is set and beginning to brown, about 12 minutes. Cool. Decrease the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
• For the filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and sugar in a large bowl until smooth, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat in the lemon juice and vanilla. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
• Pour the cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake until the center of the cheesecake moves slightly when the pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour 5 minutes (the cake will become firm when it is cold). Transfer the cake to a rack; cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate until the cheesecake is cold, at least 8 hours and up to 2 days.
• *Prep time does not include time for butter, cream cheese or eggs to come to room temperature.

LEMON MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine biscotti crumbs and butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. , Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned., In a large bowl, beat cheeses and sugar until smooth. Beat in the lemon juice, flour, lemon zest and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust. , Return pan to baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Cool for 30 minutes. , Meanwhile, soak apricots in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and discard liquid. In a small saucepan, bring the apricots, cold water and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 12-14 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from the heat; stir in marmalade. Cool to room temperature. , Carefully spread topping over cheesecake; cool 30 minutes longer. Refrigerate overnight., In a microwave, melt white chocolate; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cheesecake. Let stand for 15 minutes. Refrigerate leftovers.

MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Make crust:
• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F Butter bottom and side of a 9-inch springform pan.
• Stir together cookie crumbs and butter in a bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup crumb mixture for sprinkling over cheesecake, then pat remainder onto bottom and 1 1/2 inches up side of springform pan.
• Put pan in a shallow baking pan and bake until golden, about 10 minutes.
• Cool completely on a rack, about 25 minutes. Leave oven on.
• Make filling while crust bakes:
• Beat cream cheese, mascarpone, and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium high speed until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Add vanilla, lemon juice, and salt and mix at low speed until combined.
• Pour into cooled crust and bake until cake is set and puffed around edge but still trembles slightly when pan is shaken gently, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Cool slightly in springform pan on rack, about 20 minutes.
• (Cheesecake will continue to set as it cools.) Leave oven on.
• Make topping:
• Stir together sour cream, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl and spoon over cheesecake, spreading gently and evenly, leaving a 1/4-inch border around edge.
• Bake cheesecake until topping is set, about 10 minutes.
• Run a thin knife around edge to help prevent cracking.
• Sprinkle top with reserved crumbs and cool completely in pan on rack, then chill, loosely covered, at least 8 hours.
• NOTES:.
• • Cheesecake can be chilled, loosely covered, up to 3 days.
• • Cut cake with a long, thin sharp knife dipped in a tall glass of hot water.

SAVORY MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO

Steps:

• Make the crust:
• In a bowl blend together the cracker crumbs, the walnuts, the butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Press the mixture onto the bottom of a buttered 10-inch springform pan and bake the crust in the middle of a preheated 325°F. oven for 10 minutes.
• Make the pesto:
• In a food processor purée the basil, the sun-dried tomatoes with the reserved oil, the garlic, the Parmesan, the pine nuts, salt and pepper to taste until the mixture is smooth.
• Make the filling:
• In the bowl of an electric mixer blend together the mascarpone, the cream cheese, the eggs, and the flour until the mixture is very smooth.
• Pour half the filling into the crust, spoon the pesto over it, spreading the pesto carefully with the back of a spoon, and spread the remaining filling over the pesto. Bake the cheesecake in the middle of a preheated 325°F. oven for 1 hour.
• In a bowl blend together the sour cream and the flour, spread the sour cream topping on the cheesecake, and bake the cheesecake for 5 to 10 minutes more, or until it is set. Let the cheesecake cool in the pan on a rack and chill it, covered loosely, for at least 3 hours or overnight. Remove the side of the pan, garnish the cheesecake with the sun-dried tomato slices and the basil, and serve it with the greens.

MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE WITH QUINCE COMPOTE

Steps:

• For crust:
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Coarsely grind nuts with brown sugar in processor. Blend in melted butter. Press mixture over bottom (not sides) of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 1/2-inch-high sides. Bake until crust is set, about 12 minutes. Cool crust completely.
• For filling:
• Pour 3 cups cream into medium bowl. Pour 1/4 cup water into small heatproof bowl; sprinkle gelatin over. Let stand 15 minutes. Place bowl with gelatin in small skillet of barely simmering water; stir until gelatin dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove bowl from water. Pour remaining 1/2 cup cream into gelatin. Pour gelatin mixture into cream in bowl; whisk gently until well blended.
• Using electric mixer, beat mascarpone and powdered sugar in large bowl until smooth. Beat in cream-gelatin mixture just until smooth. Pour filling over cooled crust. Cover and chill overnight. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.)
• Using small sharp knife, cut around pan sides to loosen cheesecake. Remove pan sides. Place cake on platter. Cut cake into wedges and serve with compote.
• *Italian cream cheese available at Italian markets and many supermarkets.

CRANBERRY MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Place pan on a triple layer of foil large enough to wrap around the pan so the layers come all the way up the outside of the pan.
• In a medium bowl, stir to combine cookie crumbs, sugar, stevia, and butter. Press mixture into bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Bake until set, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
• Lower oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
• In a large bowl or a stand mixer with the paddle, beat cream cheese, mascarpone, sugar, stevia, eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until combined and smooth. Scrape into the pan.
• Place pan in a large roasting pan with high sides. Pour in enough scalding hot water to come halfway up the pan sides. Bake until cheesecake is set around the edge but still jiggly in center, about 1 hour 10 minutes.
• Remove cheesecake from water bath, remove foil, and let cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 24, and up to 48, hours.
• In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, and stevia. Bring to a boil; stir in cranberries and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wide, shallow pan and refrigerate until completely cool.
• Before serving, spread cranberry sauce on top of cheesecake.

FRUIT AND MASCARPONE ITALIAN CHEESECAKE/PIE

Steps:

• Combine mascarpone, powdered sugar, and whipping cream in a medium bowl; beat until creamy.
• Spread mixture evenly onto crust.
• Chill thoroughly in the refridgerator for at least 1 hour.
• Arrange sliced fruit over pie before serving.