If you love the rich decadence of brownies combined with the classic Italian coffee-flavored dessert, you are in for an absolute treat with this Tiramisu Brownies Recipe. Imagine fudgy chocolate brownies layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and topped with a luscious mascarpone cream that melts in your mouth. It’s a heavenly fusion that brings together the best of both worlds into one unforgettable dessert experience. Whether you’re surprising guests or indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for creating the perfect texture and flavor balance in your Tiramisu Brownies Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, from the chocolatey depth of cocoa powder to the creamy smoothness of mascarpone, not to mention the aromatic kick of espresso.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melted and cooled to bring richness and moist texture to the brownies.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that delicate crumb.
- Light brown sugar (â…“ cup): Offers subtle molasses notes for extra depth.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture, best at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, fragrant undertones.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): The hero ingredient for deep chocolate intensity.
- All-purpose flour (â…“ cup): Keeps the brownies soft and tender.
- Espresso powder (1 teaspoon): Elevates the chocolate taste with a mocha twist.
- Ladyfingers (12): Light and airy biscuits that soak up coffee beautifully.
- Hot brewed coffee (1 cup): Delivers the defining tiramisu coffee flavor and moistens the ladyfingers.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 ounces): Smooth, creamy, and quintessential for authentic tiramisu cream.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped to soft peaks to create a light, fluffy topping.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the mascarpone mixture gently.
- Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons): Amplifies the cream’s delicate flavor.
- Instant espresso powder (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a more pronounced coffee punch in the cream.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): For dusting the finished brownies, adding an elegant touch.
How to Make Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F or 320°F if you have a fan oven. Take an 8×8 inch baking pan and carefully grease it, then line it with parchment paper, making sure some overhang is left for easy brownie removal later. This simple setup ensures your brownies bake evenly and unmold without any hassle.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and combined. Then whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and salt until everything is fully incorporated. Sift in your cocoa powder, flour, and espresso powder to avoid lumps, and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for around 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Let the brownies cool completely—this prevents the ladyfingers from becoming soggy when layered on top.
Step 4: Add the Tiramisu Layer
Pour hot brewed coffee into a shallow bowl. Quickly dip each ladyfinger, moistening both sides but not soaking them. Layer these coffee-dipped biscuits evenly over your cooled brownies, creating a beautiful, flavorful second layer that pays homage to traditional tiramisu.
Step 5: Make the Mascarpone Cream
Whisk mascarpone cheese in a medium bowl until silky smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional espresso powder until soft peaks form. Now gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone for a cloud-like, creamy topping that completes your dessert perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble and Chill
Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfinger layer. Cover your pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the layers to set beautifully and all those flavors to marry into perfection.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look and a bittersweet finish. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, slice into squares, and treat yourself or your guests to something legendary.
How to Serve Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dusting of cocoa powder is the classic way to finish your tiramisu brownies, but a few chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of finely chopped dark chocolate can add a lovely texture and extra decadence. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint can bring a refreshing contrast and an elegant pop of color.
Side Dishes
These brownies are the star of any dessert course but pairing them with a simple dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato transforms the experience into a full-on indulgence party. For coffee lovers, a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino alongside complements all the coffee notes in the brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve these tiramisu brownies in little individual glass jars layered beautifully with extra mascarpone cream and cocoa dust? They also work beautifully on a dessert platter, surrounded by fresh berries and edible flowers for a pretty, festive look perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your tiramisu brownies keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, tightly covered. The flavors even deepen a bit overnight, making the next-day bite just as incredible as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the entire pan or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. They can last up to a month frozen without losing their lovely texture or flavor.
Reheating
These brownies are best enjoyed chilled, so there isn’t much need for reheating. If you prefer them slightly warmer, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bring to room temperature before serving rather than microwaving, which can affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I make the coffee layer richer?
Absolutely! For a more intense coffee flavor, try adding a splash of coffee liqueur or a strong espresso in place of the brewed coffee when dipping the ladyfingers.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone isn’t available, cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream and powdered sugar can be a decent substitute but the flavor won’t be quite as light and delicate.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies should be slightly soft in the center but a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs—not completely clean, but not wet batter either.
Can I prepare this recipe without espresso powder?
Yes! Espresso powder enhances the chocolate and coffee flavors but leaving it out will still deliver delicious brownies thanks to the brewed coffee and vanilla.
Is it necessary to chill the assembled brownies?
Chilling is key to allowing the mascarpone cream to set and for the flavors to meld, so it is highly recommended to refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Tiramisu Brownies Recipe truly is a showstopper—a perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy coffee goodness that’s sure to wow anyone who tries it. It’s a fantastic way to bring together your love of classic tiramisu and brownie indulgence in one elegant dessert. Dive in and make this recipe part of your repertoire; I promise it will become a beloved tradition in your kitchen and at your table.
Print
Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Tiramisu Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the creamy, coffee-infused flavors of traditional tiramisu. Layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and luscious mascarpone cream, this dessert is an indulgent treat perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate fans alike.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- â…“ 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
- â…“ 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)
For Garnish
- 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) if using a fan oven. Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and fully combined. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, whisking thoroughly until incorporated. Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and espresso powder. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined, ensuring there are no dry pockets, but do not overmix.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the prepared batter into the lined pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Remove from oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Add the Tiramisu Layer: Pour the hot brewed coffee into a shallow bowl. Quickly and gently dip each ladyfinger into the coffee, making sure they are moistened on both sides but not soggy. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers evenly over the cooled brownie base as a second layer.
- Make the Mascarpone Cream: In a medium bowl, whisk or beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste), and optional instant espresso powder until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream mixture into the mascarpone until completely smooth and combined.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfinger layer, smoothing the top. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the tiramisu brownies out of the pan. Slice into 12 squares and enjoy this decadent coffee-chocolate treat.
Notes
- Be careful not to soak the ladyfingers for too long in the coffee, or they will become soggy and affect the texture of the dessert.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add the optional espresso powder to the mascarpone cream.
- Make sure the mascarpone and eggs (if used in variations) are at room temperature for smoother blending.
- This dessert can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute the ladyfingers with sponge cake or pound cake soaked in coffee if preferred.
