Learn how to make the best tiramisu brownies recipe with this easy, step-by-step guide. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare. Perfect for any occasion!
Introduction
Welcome to the ultimate tiramisu brownies recipe experience – where the rich decadence of fudgy chocolate brownies meets the sophisticated flavors of classic Italian tiramisu. This fusion dessert combines the best of both worlds: a moist, espresso-infused brownie base topped with a light, creamy mascarpone layer and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. Whether you’re a devoted fan of traditional tiramisu or a brownie enthusiast looking for something new, these tiramisu brownies will satisfy your sweet cravings with their unique flavor profile and impressive presentation.
Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this tiramisu brownies recipe is surprisingly easy to make yet delivers restaurant-quality results. With this step-by-step recipe, you’ll create a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning when sliced and served.
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
- Perfect flavor fusion – Experience the wonderful marriage of rich chocolate brownies and classic Italian tiramisu in every bite
- Impressive presentation – Beautiful layers create an eye-catching dessert that’s sure to impress your guests
- Make-ahead friendly – These brownies actually taste better the next day as flavors meld together
- Customizable – Easy to adjust coffee strength or add liqueur for an authentic tiramisu experience
- Unique dessert option – Stand out from ordinary brownies with this sophisticated upgrade
- Great for coffee lovers – The espresso flavor enhances the chocolate while adding that classic tiramisu taste
- No special equipment needed – Simple to make with basic kitchen tools
Ingredients for Tiramisu Brownies
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 8 oz (226g) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons instant espresso powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Mascarpone Layer:
- 16 oz (450g) mascarpone cheese, cold
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Topping:
- 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
How to Make This Tiramisu Brownies Recipe – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until completely smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the melted chocolate-butter mixture until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – stop when no dry streaks remain.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The brownies should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
Step 6: Cool the Brownies
Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial before adding the mascarpone layer!
Step 7: Prepare the Mascarpone Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold mascarpone cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the whipped cream, continuing to beat until medium peaks form.
Step 8: Add Coffee Flavor
Dissolve the espresso powder in hot water, let it cool, then mix it with the mascarpone along with the vanilla extract and coffee liqueur (if using). Gently fold in the whipped cream until you have a smooth, uniform mixture.
Step 9: Assemble the Tiramisu Brownies
Spread the mascarpone mixture evenly over the cooled brownies. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth, level surface.
Step 10: Add the Final Touch
Using a fine mesh sieve, dust the top generously with cocoa powder. If desired, add chocolate shavings for extra decadence.
Step 11: Chill
Refrigerate the tiramisu brownies for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 12: Serve
When ready to serve, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares using a clean, sharp knife (wiping the blade between cuts for neat slices).
Pro Tips for the Perfect Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
- Quality matters: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the richest flavor in your brownies.
- Room temperature eggs: This ensures they incorporate properly into the batter for the best texture.
- Don’t overbake: Slightly underbaked brownies yield that perfect fudgy texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy mascarpone layer.
- Cold mascarpone: Keep your mascarpone cheese cold until ready to use to achieve the perfect consistency for spreading.
- Overnight chilling: For the best flavor development, make these brownies a day ahead and chill overnight.
- Clean cuts: For pristine slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts.
- Espresso intensity: Adjust the amount of espresso powder to suit your taste preferences – more for intense coffee flavor, less for a subtle hint.
Best Ways to Serve Tiramisu Brownies
These tiramisu brownies are versatile enough to be served in multiple ways:
- As an elegant dessert at dinner parties, served on small plates with a fork
- Alongside a shot of espresso for the ultimate coffee lover’s experience
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
- Paired with fresh berries to add a fruity contrast to the rich flavors
- As part of a dessert buffet, where they’ll surely be the star attraction
- With a glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo for an authentic Italian pairing
For an extra special presentation, serve with a light dusting of additional cocoa powder or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings just before serving.
Nutritional Information for Tiramisu Brownies
Per serving (based on 16 brownies):
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
Storage & Leftovers for Your Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
- Refrigeration: Due to the mascarpone topping, this tiramisu brownies recipe must be stored in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: These brownies freeze surprisingly well! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Serving after refrigeration: For the best texture and flavor, let the brownies sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This takes the chill off and allows the fudgy texture to soften slightly.
FAQs for This Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Can I make these tiramisu brownies without espresso powder?
Yes, you can substitute the espresso powder with 2-3 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee in the brownie batter. For the mascarpone layer, use 1 tablespoon of coffee extract or strongly brewed coffee (cooled).
Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you can create a substitute by beating 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth and creamy. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add alcohol to make these more like traditional tiramisu?
Absolutely! Traditional tiramisu often contains coffee liqueur or marsala wine. Add 2-3 tablespoons of Kahlúa, rum, or marsala wine to the mascarpone mixture for an authentic touch.
How far in advance can I make these brownies?
These tiramisu brownies actually improve with time as the flavors meld. You can make them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator for the best taste experience.
Related Recipes
If you love these tiramisu brownies, you might also enjoy these other decadent desserts:
- Classic Tiramisu – The traditional Italian dessert that inspired these brownies
- Espresso Chocolate Cake – Another coffee-infused chocolate treat for coffee lovers
- Mascarpone Cheesecake – A creamy, indulgent dessert featuring the star cheese of tiramisu
- Mocha Brownies – Rich chocolate brownies with a coffee kick
- Italian Cream Cake – A luxurious dessert with Italian influences
Conclusion
This tiramisu brownies recipe represents the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts – the deep chocolate richness of brownies and the sophisticated coffee-infused creaminess of tiramisu. By following this recipe, you’ve created a dessert that’s impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough to make whenever you crave something extraordinary.
The combination of the fudgy brownie base, light mascarpone cream, and dusting of cocoa creates a multi-dimensional treat that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you’re a dedicated baker or just starting your culinary journey, these tiramisu brownies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Have you tried making this tiramisu brownies recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow dessert enthusiasts who appreciate the finer things in life.
Now you know how to make the best tiramisu brownies recipe at home!
