The Best Tiramisu Brownies
The Best Tiramisu Brownies blend the rich, fudgy texture of chocolate brownies with the creamy, coffee-infused layers of traditional tiramisu. This unique dessert delivers a luscious combination of deep cocoa, smooth mascarpone, and bold espresso flavors, perfect for any occasion and easy to customize according to your preferences.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 9-12 brownies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Can be adapted; original recipe contains gluten and dairy
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Coffee Base
- 1/4 cup (60ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
Mascarpone Topping
- 1 cup (240g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cooled strong brewed coffee or espresso
Finishing Touch
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or powdered sugar, for dusting
- Prepare the Coffee Base: Brew strong coffee or espresso and set it aside to cool; this quality coffee will infuse the brownies with rich and aromatic coffee flavor.
- Make the Brownie Batter: Melt the butter in a bowl and mix in the cocoa powder and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, adding the vanilla extract with the last egg. Carefully fold in the all-purpose flour (and salt if using) just until incorporated, keeping the batter dense yet tender.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into a lined baking dish (about 8×8 inches) and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. The brownies should be set around the edges but still slightly moist inside—avoid overbaking to maintain fudgy texture.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Topping: In a mixing bowl, whip together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and cooled coffee until creamy and fluffy, creating the creamy tiramisu layer.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread the mascarpone topping evenly over the cooled brownies. Dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set.
Notes
- Use Fresh Coffee: For the richest flavor, always use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee instead of instant varieties.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until brownies are just set; underbaked brownies stay fudgy and moist.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor and texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps create a smoother batter and better mixing.
- Quality Mascarpone: Investing in a good mascarpone cheese makes a noticeable difference for the creamy topping.
- Variations: Add chopped toasted nuts, use gluten-free flour blends, create a vegan version with coconut oil and flax eggs, incorporate chocolate-covered espresso beans, or infuse with coffee liqueur or Marsala wine.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with cocoa powder, shaved chocolate, or coffee beans. Serve with vanilla gelato, whipped cream, or alongside an espresso or cappuccino.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days; freeze wrapped individually for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Best served cold or at room temperature; warm gently if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: tiramisu brownies, coffee dessert, chocolate coffee brownies, mascarpone brownies, espresso dessert, fudgy brownies