Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could enjoy both a slice of classic tiramisu and a rich, fudgy brownie at the same time, these Tiramisu Brownies are about to make all your dessert dreams come true. This irresistible treat layers a dense espresso-soaked brownie with pillowy mascarpone cream, finishing with a dusting of cocoa for that signature tiramisu flair. Every bite is a perfect harmony of chocolate, coffee, and creamy goodness—truly everything you love in one show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Tiramisu Brownies is that they require just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the table. Gather these pantry staples and a few creamy extras, and you’re on your way to dessert nirvana.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Makes the brownie layer ultra fudgy and rich—don’t skimp on it!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownie just right and helps create that shiny, crackly top.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give your brownies structure and a bit of chew.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to both the brownie and mascarpone layers.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep, chocolatey intensity to the brownie base, making each bite decadently rich.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect texture—a brownie that’s sturdy but never dry.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors and prevents the brownies from being overly sweet.
- Baking powder: Gives a little lift without taking away from that classic brownie fudginess.
- Strong brewed espresso or coffee: Infuses the brownies with authentic tiramisu flavor—brew it extra strong for best results.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): For an adult twist that amplifies the coffee notes (totally up to your mood—or guest list!).
- Mascarpone cheese (softened): The heart of that creamy topping with its classic Italian richness.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds tang and stability, making the cream layer luscious but not too heavy.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture smoothly, with no grittiness.
- Heavy cream: Whipped into peaks for that cloudlike texture in the cream layer.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting): Adds the finishing touch and a little chocolatey bite on top.
How to Make Tiramisu Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang for easy removal later. This step keeps your Tiramisu Brownies from sticking and ensures those beautiful, clean layers.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy—it should look almost like caramel. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir just until everything’s combined and no flour streaks remain. Try not to overmix, so your brownies stay tender!
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This gives you a deeply chocolaty, fudgy brownie base—exactly right for Tiramisu Brownies. Let them cool completely before moving on.
Step 4: Espresso Soak
Once your brownies are cool, brush the top with strong brewed espresso. If you’re feeling adventurous, splash on a tablespoon of coffee liqueur for an extra adult kick. This step is what marries the tiramisu and brownie layers, saturating the chocolate with rich, roasty flavor.
Step 5: Make the Mascarpone Cream
In a large bowl, beat together the softened mascarpone, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract until dreamy and smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this makes your cream layer truly cloud-like. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, keeping every precious bit of air intact.
Step 6: Assemble and Chill
Carefully spread the mascarpone cream over the espresso-soaked brownies, ensuring you get an even, thick layer. Pop the pan into the fridge and let it chill for at least 2 hours, until the cream is set and everything is wonderfully melded together—patience pays off here!
Step 7: Cocoa Dust and Slice
Right before serving, use a fine-mesh sieve to dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Slice into squares (the anticipation is real!) and get ready to dig into your homemade Tiramisu Brownies masterpiece.
How to Serve Tiramisu Brownies
Garnishes
For that authentic tiramisu look, a simple dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder over the chilled cream is a must. You can get playful and add a few chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of espresso powder for extra flair. Feeling fancy? Top each square with a chocolate-covered coffee bean for a sophisticated touch.
Side Dishes
Tiramisu Brownies shine on their own but are even more memorable when served alongside a hot espresso or a shot of icy cold milk. For an elegant dessert plate, pair them with mixed berries or a scoop of vanilla gelato—the refreshing contrast balances all those luscious layers beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
These brownies are fantastic as part of a dessert platter for gatherings; arrange them in a staggered stack on a cake stand or serve them individually in cupcake liners for easy, elegant party bites. You can even cut them into small cubes and layer them in glasses for a tiramisu brownie parfait—so fun, so delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Tiramisu Brownies fresh by covering the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transferring the squares to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay luscious and moist for up to 4 days—the flavors deepen beautifully as they rest!
Freezing
If you want to keep your brownies longer, you can freeze them. Slice them first, then wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
These brownies are best enjoyed cold or slightly cool—just like classic tiramisu. However, if you prefer a softer cream layer, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Avoid heating them in the microwave, as the mascarpone cream can separate.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Brownies without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! The coffee liqueur is optional; you can simply use strong brewed espresso or coffee for the soak. Your brownies will still have that lovely tiramisu essence without any alcohol.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone, a full-fat cream cheese will work in a pinch—just know the flavor and texture will be a bit tangier and less rich. You can also blend cream cheese with a bit of heavy cream to mimic mascarpone’s silky texture.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Watch your baking time—a larger batch might need a few more minutes in the oven, so keep an eye on it and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Why do my Tiramisu Brownies need to chill for so long?
Chilling allows the mascarpone cream to firm up and makes slicing so much easier. It also lets all those wonderful flavors meld together, making each bite even more delicious and true to the tiramisu experience.
Can I make Tiramisu Brownies gluten free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the brownie layer. The results are almost indistinguishable, so everyone can enjoy this stunning dessert.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Tiramisu Brownies—honestly, they never last long in my kitchen! Whether you’re making them for a special dinner or just because you want to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to impress. Let these brownies bring a little Italian-inspired magic to your next dessert moment.
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Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Tiramisu Brownies with layers of espresso-soaked brownie, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder. This dessert combines the best of both worlds – classic tiramisu and fudgy brownies.
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 Soak:
- 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
Mascarpone Cream Layer:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Dusting:
- unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix brownie layer: Whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Sift in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder. Pour into pan and bake for 22–25 minutes.
- Soak with espresso: Brush cooled brownies with brewed espresso and coffee liqueur.
- Make mascarpone cream: Beat mascarpone, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Whip heavy cream separately and fold into mascarpone mixture.
- Assemble: Spread cream over brownie layer and chill for 2 hours.
- Dust and serve: Dust with cocoa powder and slice into squares before serving.
Notes
- For a bolder coffee flavor, increase the espresso soak or add espresso powder to the brownie batter.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Best served chilled.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
