Tiramisu Brownies Recipe

If you think brownies and tiramisu are two separate indulgences, think again! These Tiramisu Brownies bring together the rich, fudgy depth of chocolate brownies with the creamy, coffee-kissed charm of classic tiramisu. Imagine biting into a decadent brownie base layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a luxuriously smooth mascarpone cream, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. This dessert is a spectacular fusion that feels both familiar and exciting, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Tiramisu Brownies lies in simple but chosen ingredients that each add their own unique touch. From the bittersweet chocolate that builds a deep base to the airy mascarpone cream that brightens every bite, every item contributes to a symphony of flavors and textures.

• 100 g dark or semi-sweet chocolate: Finely chopped so it melts perfectly into the batter.
• 50 g natural cocoa powder: Gives rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
• 230 g unsalted butter: Roughly cubed, browned for a nutty aroma and extra depth.
• 4 large eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better and ensure a tender texture.
• 150 g granulated sugar: Balances bitterness with sweetness and helps with moisture.
• 100 g brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel undertone to the brownies.
• 100 g all-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the brownies dense.
• 250 g mascarpone cheese: Cold, essential for the creamy topping that makes this dessert unmistakably tiramisu.
• 200 g whipping cream: Cold, whipped to create fluffy, airy texture in the cream layer.
• 50 g powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone cream subtly without graininess.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream layer.
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder: Brings the signature coffee flavor of tiramisu into the ladyfinger soak.
• 150 g hot water: For dissolving espresso powder into a perfect dip for ladyfingers.
• 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur or dark rum (optional): Adds an adult twist and complexity to the soak.
• 12 ladyfingers: Briefly soaked to lend softness without becoming mushy.
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for dusting): A final elegant touch that enhances presentation and taste.

How to Make Tiramisu Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. I prefer overlapping two sheets in a T-shape so the overhang acts like handles, making it super easy to lift the finished brownies out neatly. Metal binder clips hold the parchment in place — a small trick that saves you from sticky fingers later!

Step 2: Brown the Butter and Melt the Chocolate

In a small pan on medium heat, melt the butter and continue cooking until the white milk solids separate and turn golden brown, filling your kitchen with a dreamy nutty aroma. Be careful to remove it just as it browns, or the flavor will turn bitter. Pour this browned butter over the chopped chocolate and cocoa powder, letting it sit for a few minutes before stirring everything into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugars

In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs with both granulated and brown sugars until the mix looks pale and slightly fluffy—about three minutes. This step is crucial because it aerates the batter, ensuring your brownies have a tender crumb and beautiful rise.

Step 4: Combine Chocolate Mixture with Eggs

While still whisking the eggs mixture with one hand, slowly drizzle in the warm chocolate-butter blend. This slow incorporation ensures the eggs don’t scramble but create a silky batter instead. Once combined, fold in the all-purpose flour gently with a spatula to keep the batter light and avoid overmixing, which can make brownies tough.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Transfer the batter into your parchment-lined pan, using an offset spatula to spread it evenly and into the corners. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 28-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs to keep the brownies fudgy, never dry.

Step 6: Prepare Mascarpone Cream

While the brownies cool, whip up the signature mascarpone cream. Beat mascarpone cheese until smooth, then add cold whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip everything for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and just barely slides when you tilt the bowl—this means it’s perfect for layering without running off.

Step 7: Soak and Layer Ladyfingers

Mix espresso powder, hot water, and coffee liqueur in a shallow bowl. Quickly dip each ladyfinger on both sides—it’s essential that you dip them just briefly to avoid sogginess. Arrange the soaked ladyfingers evenly atop the cooled brownie base, creating the classic tiramisu layer that adds beautiful texture and authentic flavor.

Step 8: Assemble the Tiramisu Brownies

Spread the luscious mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfinger layer with your offset spatula, smoothing it into a creamy blanket. Chill the pan for about an hour to let everything set and meld into one unforgettable dessert. Right before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look and an extra punch of chocolate.

How to Serve Tiramisu Brownies

Garnishes

For a prettier presentation, sprinkle a few dark chocolate shavings or finely grated orange zest over the dusted cocoa. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing note that cuts through the richness beautifully. These little touches make your Tiramisu Brownies feel elegant and extra special.

Side Dishes

Tiramisu Brownies are rich and filling, so pair them with something light like a simple bowl of mixed berries or a crisp espresso for the true coffee lover’s experience. A dollop of lightly whipped cream on the side also complements the chocolate and coffee flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of cutting into squares, try serving Tiramisu Brownies as individual parfaits layered in small glasses with extra ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. This not only looks stunning but offers a playful way to enjoy the layers in every spoonful. For parties, skewering bite-sized brownie cubes with coffee-soaked ladyfinger pieces and mascarpone dollops on toothpicks is a fun, mess-free option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Tiramisu Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the delicate mascarpone cream and keeps the ladyfingers from becoming overly soggy. Each bite will taste like it was freshly made!

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies, but it’s best to skip the cocoa dusting beforehand. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating

These brownies are best served cold or at room temperature, so skip reheating to avoid melting the mascarpone layer. If you want a warmer brownie base experience, warm a single piece gently in the microwave for just 10 seconds before adding fresh mascarpone cream separately.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa powder?

Yes, but natural cocoa powder is preferable because it has a lighter taste that pairs nicely with the espresso. Regular cocoa tends to be a bit more intense and slightly more bitter.

What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone is key for the authentic tiramisu cream flavor, but you can substitute it with a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream for a similar texture, though the flavor will be tangier.

Do I have to use coffee liqueur in the soak?

No, the coffee liqueur is optional. It adds complexity and warmth, but you can omit it or replace it with dark rum or even just use strong espresso for the soak without any alcohol.

How long should I soak the ladyfingers?

Just a quick 1-second dip on each side! Ladyfingers soak quickly and can become mushy if left too long, which takes away from the wonderful texture contrast in the Tiramisu Brownies.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Tiramisu Brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free ladyfingers. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavors will still shine through!

Final Thoughts

Making Tiramisu Brownies is like giving yourself a warm hug wrapped in chocolate and coffee. This dessert effortlessly blends two favorites into one sensational treat that’s perfect any time you want to impress or indulge. I promise once you try these, they’ll become a beloved classic in your recipe collection—so go ahead, dive in and enjoy every luscious bite!

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