Raspberries With Mascarpone Cream

Name: Raspberry and mascarpone cream
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 250 gr mascarpone; 2 tbsp lemon curd (optional); 1-2 tbsp icing sugar (to taste); 50 gr Amaretti cookies (crumbled); 100 gr ladyfingers (for the bottoms); 200 gr raspberries (fresh); lemonzest/juice; icing sugar for dusting

Ever had guests show up just as you’re about to serve dessert—and you’ve only got enough for the people already at the table? Or maybe it’s Christmas Day and you suddenly remember… you forgot to plan dessert? Don’t worry, I’ve been there. And this recipe has saved me so many times.

This raspberry and mascarpone cream dessert is fast, foolproof, and seriously delicious. Best of all? It takes less than 10 minutes to put together, looks gorgeous, and is always a crowd-pleaser.

raspberries with mascarpone cream dusted with icing sugar

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

Perfect for holidays, last-minute dinners, or surprise guests
Ready in under 10 minutes
Only a handful of ingredients
No baking required

Recipe Ingredients

To make 4 small desserts, you’ll need:

Fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
Mascarpone cheese
Heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
Sugar or honey (to taste)
Cookies: ladyfingers, amaretti, or even white chocolate chip cookies
Optional: lemon zest, lemon curd, or a splash of vanilla

Raspberries and mascarpone cream. Two glasses with a spoon

Assembly Tips

All you need are a few wide glasses—whiskey tumblers or dessert cups work beautifully. Here’s how to layer it:

Whip the mascarpone cream
Mix mascarpone with a bit of heavy cream and sugar or honey until smooth and creamy. You can add a spoonful of lemon curd or a little lemon zest to cut through the richness. For a lighter option, use a mix of mascarpone and Greek yogurt.
Layer it up
Start with a layer of crushed cookies (ladyfingers work great, but amaretti adds a lovely almond flavor). Spoon over some mascarpone cream, then add fresh raspberries. Repeat the layers once more.
Finish & chill (if you have time)
Top with a few extra berries or a dusting of crumbled cookie. You can serve it right away, or let it chill for 15–30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Cookie Choices – What Works Best?

The beauty of this dessert is its flexibility. Here are some cookie options that work well:

Ladyfingers: Light and perfect for layering
Amaretti: Crushed into the cream or layered for a more intense flavor
White chocolate chip cookies: Sweet and indulgent
Shortbread or digestive biscuits: Subtle and buttery

Pro Tip

Avoid cookies that are too strongly flavored (like gingerbread or double chocolate) as they can overpower the delicate mascarpone.

Optional Add-Ins

Lemon curd: Adds brightness and balances the mascarpone’s richness
Yogurt: Swap some or all of the cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version
Vanilla or almond extract: A drop goes a long way in enhancing the flavor

FAQ Raspberries with Mascarpone Cream

Yes! Frozen raspberries work beautifully—just be sure to thaw and drain them first so they don’t water down the cream layers. You can also warm them slightly to make a quick compote if you prefer a saucier texture.

You can substitute mascarpone with full-fat cream cheese, though the flavor will be tangier and a bit firmer. To soften it, mix with a tablespoon of cream or milk. For a lighter option, try a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt.

It’s best assembled just before serving, but you can prep the cream and crush the cookies a few hours ahead. If you want to fully assemble it in advance, do it no more than 2–3 hours before and store in the fridge. Add fresh raspberries and cookie garnish right before serving to keep them crisp.

Ladyfingers and amaretti are my favorites, but shortbread, digestive biscuits, or even white chocolate chip cookies are all great options. Just avoid cookies with overpowering flavors or hard textures that won’t soften in the cream.

Last-Minute Dessert Magic

Whether it’s a forgotten Christmas dessert, unexpected Easter guests, or just a craving for something sweet and simple—you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket. It’s one of those effortless treats that feels a little fancy but takes almost no time at all. And if you’re looking for similar really fast dessert options? Try the below as well!