If you have a sweet tooth and a love for classic Italian flavors, the Tiramisu Brownies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine the fudgy richness of a perfectly baked brownie infused with the bold aroma of espresso, topped with a luxuriously creamy mascarpone layer that melts in your mouth. This delightful fusion brings together the best of two worlds, creating a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is irresistible. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these brownies are the perfect treat to impress friends or savor yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this recipe may seem indulgent, it relies on simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously. Each element plays a vital role in balancing texture, flavor, and appearance to create a truly memorable dessert.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds rich moisture and helps the brownie base stay fudgy.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the brownie and helps create a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and contribute to a chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Provides warmth and depth to both the brownie and cream layers.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Delivers that classic chocolate intensity in the brownies and dusting.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Holds the structure of the brownies just right.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Baking powder (1/4 tsp): Gives a slight lift, preventing dense heaviness.
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee (1/4 cup, cooled): Infuses the brownies with authentic tiramisu flavor.
- Coffee liqueur (1 tbsp, optional): Adds an adult twist with extra richness and aroma.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a creamy, luxurious topping that’s the heart of tiramisu.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Offers tang and stabilizes the mascarpone layer.
- Powdered sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the cream without any grit.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Whipped to fluffy peaks for a light, airy mascarpone topping.
- Optional toppings: Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting and chocolate shavings for added texture and elegance.
How to Make Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Melt the butter and whisk it together with the sugar until shiny and smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract for richness, then sift in your cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can toughen your brownies. Pour this luscious batter into the pan and bake for about 20 to 22 minutes, watching for a few moist crumbs on your toothpick insert. When done, cool completely to set the fudgy base for the delicious layers to come.
Step 2: Infuse with Espresso
This is where the magic of tiramisu really begins. Once your brownie is cool, generously brush the top with cooled espresso mixed with coffee liqueur if you’re using it. This soaking step infuses the brownies with that unmistakable coffee kick, creating deep complexity and complementing the chocolate beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream Layer
In a bowl, beat together the softened mascarpone, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Folding this fluffy whipped cream gently into the mascarpone mixture brings lightness and volume, creating the signature airy texture that tiramisu lovers adore.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Spread the creamy mascarpone mixture evenly over the espresso-soaked brownie base. Cover the pan and chill your tiramisu brownies in the fridge for at least two hours. This waiting time allows the layers to meld into a harmonious whole and ensures the cream sets just right, so every bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 5: Final Touches
Just before serving, dust the top with a fine layer of unsweetened cocoa powder and sprinkle optional chocolate shavings for an elegant finish. Then, slice into squares and serve your homemade tiramisu brownies chilled for the ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, keep it simple but striking: a dusting of cocoa powder adds a hint of bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweetness underneath. Chocolate shavings or even a light drizzle of chocolate syrup can bring a little extra flair, while a few coffee beans on top add a charming, rustic touch.
Side Dishes
While these brownies are decadent on their own, they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A small glass of sweet dessert wine or an espresso can also amplify the tiramisu-inspired flavor notes and transform your dessert into a refined dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving your Tiramisu Brownies Recipe in individual clear cups layered with extra espresso-soaked crumbs and mascarpone cream for mini tiramisu parfaits. Or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for parties. Arranged on a beautiful platter, garnished with mint leaves and edible flowers, they look just as delightful as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The beauty of the Tiramisu Brownies Recipe is that it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Keep any leftovers covered tightly and refrigerated, where they’ll remain moist and fresh for up to four days. Just be sure to let the brownies come to a slightly cool room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time or save some for later, you can freeze these brownies. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
These brownies are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them warmer, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can break down the creamy mascarpone layer. A gentle warming in an oven set to low heat for 5–7 minutes, uncovered, will suffice without compromising texture.
FAQs
Can I make this tiramisu brownies recipe without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! The coffee liqueur adds depth and a boozy aroma, but it’s totally optional. Simply omit it for a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version without sacrificing that essential coffee flavor from the espresso.
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone isn’t available, a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream, as in this recipe, works wonderfully. You can also try ricotta cheese blended until smooth, but mascarpone’s rich, buttery texture is unique and highly recommended for authenticity.
Is it necessary to use espresso, or can I use regular coffee?
Strong brewed coffee can be used if you don’t have espresso on hand. Just make sure it’s well brewed and cooled to maintain that intense coffee flavor. Espresso does provide a more concentrated taste but good quality coffee works fine.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time since a larger pan may need an extra few minutes to cook through. The layering and chilling steps remain the same.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the brownies?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This simple trick helps the knife glide through cleanly without dragging the creamy layer. Wipe the knife between cuts for perfect squares every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Tiramisu Brownies Recipe brings together familiar flavors in a fresh, exciting way. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these brownies promise rich chocolate bliss enhanced by coffee and velvety mascarpone cream. Give it a try because once you taste this dessert, it will quickly become one of your most treasured recipes. Happy baking!
Print
Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, layered flavors of these Tiramisu Brownies, combining a fudgy espresso-soaked brownie base with a creamy mascarpone topping reminiscent of classic Italian tiramisu. Perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike, these brownies offer a delightful twist on two beloved treats in one.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Espresso-Soaked Layer
- 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
Mascarpone Cream Layer
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Topping
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Optional chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the brownies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Make the brownie batter: In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, then stir gently until just combined to create your brownie batter.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let cool completely to prepare for layering.
- Brush with espresso mixture: Once the brownies are fully cooled, evenly brush the top with brewed and cooled espresso mixed with optional coffee liqueur to infuse a rich coffee flavor.
- Prepare mascarpone cream: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture to create a light, fluffy cream layer.
- Assemble the tiramisu brownies: Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the espresso-soaked brownie base. Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to set.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and sprinkle with optional chocolate shavings. Slice into 9 brownies and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- These brownies are best made a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the coffee liqueur without sacrificing flavor.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
