Sweet Dreams

• Sweetened mascarpone is a simply made dense and rich frosting for cupcakes. Sift between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup of confectioner's sugar per 8 ounces of mascarpone into a bowl to rid it of any clumps. With a whisk attachment, whip mascarpone in a stand mixer. Slowly add the sifted confectioner's sugar to taste and whip the mixture until it is smooth. Mix in vanilla extract to taste. Alternatively, reduce the amount of confectioner's sugar and add in lemon curd or sweetened fruit puree for a flavored frosting.

Whipped Into Shape

• For a lighter mascarpone frosting, whip 8 fluid ounces of heavy cream for every 8 ounces of mascarpone to stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone with a small amount of sifted confectioner's sugar and vanilla extract, to taste. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until just blended. Pipe or spread the frosting on cooled cupcakes.

Extra Cheese

• For a creamy, tangy cupcake topping, enhance your favorite cream cheese frosting by adding mascarpone. Reduce the amount of cream cheese to one-quarter of the original amount and replace it with mascarpone. Mix the ingredients as usual, whipping in the mascarpone with the cream cheese, to create a frosting that balances the richness of the lighter Italian cheese with the zip of the cream cheese.

Chocolate Craving

• Flavor any frosting that includes mascarpone with chocolate. Melt bittersweet or semisweet chocolate in a double boiler or a microwave, then allow it to sit at room temperature until cooled but still pourable. During the final stages of mixing a mascarpone-based frosting, drizzle in the melted chocolate and mix until completely combined. Adjust the amount of chocolate to taste.