Mascarpone cheese is often called Italian cream cheese because they are similar, but have distinct differences too: Texture and Consistency Mascarpone is creamy and smooth. American cream cheese is firmer and typically sold in bricks that you usually need to soften or bring down to room temperature before using in baking recipes. Taste Cream cheese is tangier than mascarpone, which is milder and has a slightly sweet flavour. Fat Content Mascarpone cheese can contain as much as 75% butterfat vs. cream cheese, which ranges from 33 to 40%.