Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar

For the Filling:

• 16 ounces (about 2 cups) mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of one lemon (optional)
• Fresh berries for topping (optional)

How to prepare

For the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust. Make sure it's evenly distributed and press it down firmly.
• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it's set. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

For the Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
• In another bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using).
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
• Pour the mascarpone filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
• Refrigerate the Mascarpone Torta for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set.

Decorate the top with fresh berries or any topping of your choice and serve.

A few substitute toppings for Mascarpone Torta

• Top the Mascarpone Torta with a layer of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
• Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the mascarpone filling for a chocolatey twist. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a chocolate ganache on top.
• Infuse the mascarpone filling with coffee or espresso for a delightful coffee-flavoured Torta. Dust the top with cocoa powder or coffee grounds for decoration.
• Mix chopped nuts (such as toasted almonds or hazelnuts) into the crust or sprinkle them on top for added crunch. Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished Torta before serving.
• Infuse the mascarpone filling with a liqueur like Grand Marnier, amaretto, or Frangelico for a boozy twist. Soak the crust in a flavoured syrup or liqueur before adding the filling.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own unique Mascarpone Torta. The key is to have fun experimenting with different flavours and textures to suit your preferences and the occasion.