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The Best Tiramisu Brownies

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: tiramisu brownies, coffee dessert, chocolate coffee brownies, mascarpone brownies, espresso dessert, fudgy brownies