Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the rich, fudgy decadence of brownies with the sophisticated, creamy charm of tiramisu, you’re in for a true treat. This Tiramisu Brownies Recipe perfectly marries those two beloved desserts into one unforgettable experience. Imagine biting into a moist, chocolatey brownie base topped with delicate ladyfingers soaked in coffee and crowned with a luscious mascarpone cream. It’s a stunning dessert that’s as impressive as it is approachable, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tiramisu Brownies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing that rich chocolate depth, the perfect coffee kick, or the creamy texture that pulls everything together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons | 56 g): Melted and cooled, butter gives the brownies their moist, tender crumb and rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup | 100 g): Sweetens the brownies and balances the cocoa’s bitterness perfectly.
- Light brown sugar (⅓ cup | 75 g): Adds a subtle caramel undertone while keeping the texture chewy.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): These bind everything together and help create a fudgy texture.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon | 5 ml): Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch brings out the sweetness and chocolate notes brilliantly.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup | 45 g): Provides that deep chocolate richness essential in brownies.
- All-purpose flour (⅓ cup | 40 g): Keeps the brownies tender but sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
- Espresso powder (1 teaspoon): Intensifies chocolate flavor and adds that classic tiramisu coffee aroma.
- Ladyfingers (12 savoiardi biscuits): Light, airy, and perfect for soaking up coffee without falling apart.
- Hot brewed coffee (1 cup | 240 ml): For dipping the ladyfingers, infusing the dessert with authentic tiramisu essence.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 ounces | 225 g, room temperature): The star of the cream layer, offering a smooth, velvety richness.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup | 240 ml): Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the mascarpone mixture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup | 60 g): Sweetens and smooths the cream layer perfectly.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons or vanilla bean paste 1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic depth to the cream layer.
- Instant espresso powder (1 teaspoon, optional): Boosts the coffee kick in the mascarpone cream if you’re a coffee lover.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): For dusting the finished brownies, adding a beautiful chocolatey finish.
How to Make Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 320°F (160°C) if you have a fan oven. Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s an overhang on two sides to easily lift the brownies out later. This simple prep step ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until glossy and smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Next, sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and espresso powder so there are no lumps, then gently fold everything together using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want a rich, fudgy batter that’s just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for around 15 minutes. You’re aiming for moist crumbs on a toothpick—avoid overbaking to keep the brownies from drying out. Let them cool completely in the pan; this base needs to be firm enough to hold the tiramisu layers on top.
Step 4: Add the Tiramisu Layer
Brew a cup of hot, strong coffee and pour it into a shallow bowl. Take the ladyfingers and quickly dip each one into the coffee—both sides—just enough to soak but not saturate them. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers evenly over the cooled brownies, creating that distinctive tiramisu layer that adds a perfect bit of texture and flavor contrast.
Step 5: Make the Mascarpone Cream
Whisk or beat the mascarpone cheese in a medium bowl until perfectly smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional instant espresso powder until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the creamy whipped mixture into the mascarpone until fully combined and silky smooth. This luscious cream layer is what truly elevates the Tiramisu Brownies Recipe to dessert heaven.
Step 6: Assemble and Chill
Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfinger layer. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This step allows the layers to meld together and the flavors to deepen, ensuring every bite is a dreamy balance of textures and tastes.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, dust the top of your tiramisu brownies generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the brownies out of the pan, slice into squares, and prepare to wow your family, friends, or even just yourself with this sensational dessert.
How to Serve Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some finely grated dark chocolate or a few coffee beans over the cocoa dusting. A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can also add subtle warmth that complements the coffee and chocolate flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serving these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream can add a lovely cool contrast. A side of fresh berries or a simple berry compote can also cut through the richness with a fruity brightness that’s simply irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this dessert in individual glass jars or clear cups for a pretty presentation that shows off the layers. You could even turn it into bite-sized portions by creating tiramisu brownie parfaits—perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, cover the tiramisu brownies tightly with plastic wrap or a reusable lid and store them in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this divine dessert even after the initial excitement.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead in bulk, you can freeze the brownies (without the mascarpone layer). Wrap them tightly in plastic and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before adding the tiramisu layers for best results.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t ideal. Instead, simply take it out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly for the perfect texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use strong brewed tea instead of coffee for the ladyfingers?
Yes, strong brewed tea can be a fantastic coffee-free alternative that still provides moisture and subtle flavor to the ladyfingers, though coffee is traditional and adds a more robust taste.
Is mascarpone cheese essential for this recipe?
Mascarpone is key to achieving the creamy, authentic tiramisu texture and flavor. While cream cheese can be substituted in a pinch, the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Can I make the batter a day ahead?
It’s best to prepare and bake the brownie batter fresh for optimal texture. However, you can make the mascarpone cream or soak the ladyfingers a few hours ahead to save time on the day of serving.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Try using gluten-free flour in the brownie batter and substitute the ladyfingers with gluten-free biscuits or sponge cake for a safe, delicious variation.
What if I don’t have espresso powder?
You can omit espresso powder, but it really enhances the chocolate and coffee flavors. If you have instant coffee granules, those can work as well in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
This Tiramisu Brownies Recipe is truly a showstopper that effortlessly combines two classic desserts into one heavenly treat. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it promises to deliver layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert!
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Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Tiramisu Brownies are a decadent fusion of rich chocolate brownies layered with classic Italian tiramisu flavors. Soft, fudgy brownies form the base, topped with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone whipped topping, then dusted with cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Perfect for entertaining or a special dessert treat, this recipe combines the best of two beloved desserts into one indulgent delight.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (75 g) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
Tiramisu Layer
- 12 ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits)
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot brewed coffee
Mascarpone Cream
- 8 ounces (225 g) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste)
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional, for stronger flavor)
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 320°F (160°C) for a fan oven. Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and combined. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, whisking until fully incorporated. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and espresso powder. Using a spatula, gently stir until just combined and no dry pockets remain.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Add the Tiramisu Layer: Pour the hot brewed coffee into a shallow bowl. Gently and quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee, ensuring both sides are moistened but not soaked. Layer the dipped ladyfingers evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Make the Mascarpone Cream: In a medium bowl, whisk or beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional espresso powder until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfinger layer. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set and chilled.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies from the pan, slice, and enjoy.
Notes
- Do not soak the ladyfingers for too long as they can become soggy and ruin the texture.
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before adding the tiramisu layer to prevent melting the mascarpone cream.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add the optional instant espresso powder to the mascarpone cream.
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld and to achieve the proper set texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
