Tiramisu Brownies Recipe | Rich Chocolate Dessert with Coffee Flavor

Achieving perfect Tiramisu Brownies every single time is truly a joy, and I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that I’m excited to share with you.

My Secret Trick: I always use instant espresso powder in both the brownie batter and the coffee syrup. It truly deepens the chocolate flavor in the brownie without making it taste overwhelmingly like coffee, and it gives the syrup that authentic tiramisu kick.

When mixing your mascarpone topping, make sure your heavy cream and mascarpone are well-chilled. This will help them whip up beautifully and hold their shape, giving you that luscious, airy texture we all adore. Don’t overmix it, though, or it can become grainy!

For the coffee syrup, ensure your brownies have cooled slightly before soaking them. This allows them to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy. I usually give them about 15-20 minutes after they come out of the oven.

Finally, resist the urge to cut into your Tiramisu Brownies too soon! Chilling them for at least 2-3 hours, or even better, overnight, allows all those incredible flavors to meld together and the mascarpone topping to firm up, making for cleaner slices and an even more delightful bite.

Fun Variations for Tiramisu Brownies

The beauty of baking is how easily we can add our own little flourishes, and Tiramisu Brownies are no exception! If you’re feeling a bit adventurous in the kitchen, here are some delightful twists I’ve tried or heard my friends rave about.

Nutty Delight

My sister absolutely adores a bit of crunch, so for her, I sometimes add a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter before baking. It introduces a lovely texture contrast that pairs beautifully with the creamy topping.

Liqueur Love

While coffee liqueur is traditional, you could experiment with other spirits! A splash of amaretto or even a dark rum in the coffee syrup can add another layer of complexity and warmth to these Tiramisu Brownies. Just be mindful of the quantities to keep the balance.

Chocolate Drizzle

For the ultimate chocolate lover (and who isn’t?), a delicate drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the mascarpone topping before dusting with cocoa can be a gorgeous and delicious addition. It adds an extra touch of decadence that’s hard to resist.

Tiramisu Brownies

Indulge in the rich, coffee-infused delight of Tiramisu Brownies, a perfect fusion of fudgy chocolate brownies and creamy mascarpone topping. These decadent squares offer the best of both classic desserts.

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Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 16 pieces

Course: Baked Goods, Dessert

Cuisine: Fusion, Italian-American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Brownie Layer

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter 113g, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 60g
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 45g
• 1 tsp instant espresso powder or instant coffee powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Coffee Syrup

• 1/4 cup hot water
• 2 tsp instant espresso powder
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp coffee liqueur e.g., Kahlúa, or dark rum (optional)

For the Mascarpone Topping

• 8 oz mascarpone cheese 226g, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream 120ml, very cold
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar 30g, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For Dusting

• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Equipment

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment Paper
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
• Small saucepan
• Pastry Brush
• Spatula
• Sifter

Method

 

Prepare the Brownie Layer

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Do not overbake. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes.

Prepare the Coffee Syrup

1. While the brownies are cooling, prepare the coffee syrup. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine hot water, instant espresso powder, and granulated sugar. Stir until dissolved.
2. If using, stir in the coffee liqueur or dark rum. Set aside to cool slightly.

Soak the Brownies

1. Once the brownies have cooled for 15-20 minutes, use a fork or a skewer to poke holes evenly over the entire surface.
2. Brush the coffee syrup over the poked brownie surface, ensuring it soaks in evenly. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, about 1-2 hours, before adding the topping.

Prepare the Mascarpone Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the very cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or it will turn grainy. Set aside.
2. In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with the electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Do not overbeat, as mascarpone can curdle.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula until just combined and light. Avoid overmixing.

Assemble and Chill

1. Spread the mascarpone topping evenly over the completely cooled, coffee-soaked brownies.
2. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (preferably 4 hours or overnight) to allow the topping to set and the flavors to meld.

Serve

1. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan onto a cutting board.
2. Using a sifter, generously dust the top of the mascarpone layer with unsweetened cocoa powder just before serving.
3. Cut into 16 squares and serve immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

For an even richer coffee flavor, you can use strong brewed espresso (cooled) instead of instant espresso powder in the syrup. Ensure your mascarpone cheese is at room temperature but not too warm, and your heavy cream is very cold, for best results with the topping. If you prefer a less sweet brownie, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly in the brownie layer.

What to Serve With Tiramisu Brownies

These delightful Tiramisu Brownies are a complete treat on their own, but sometimes a little accompaniment can elevate the experience even further. I love thinking about how to make a dessert feel like a grand finale to any meal or a comforting moment in the afternoon.

My absolute favorite way to serve them is with a generous scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream melting into the fudgy brownie is just divine! For a simple yet elegant touch, a dusting of extra cocoa powder right before serving always looks lovely.

If you’re enjoying these as an after-dinner treat, a steaming mug of strong coffee or a delicate cup of herbal tea creates a beautiful pairing, bringing out all the complex flavors of the brownie and mascarpone. And if you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh raspberries on the side add a pop of color and a tart counterpoint to the richness. My mom always said a little something fresh makes any dessert feel lighter!

How to Store Tiramisu Brownies

Keeping your precious Tiramisu Brownies fresh and flavorful is key, so let’s talk about the best ways to store them. You’ve put so much love into making them, and we want every bite to be as delicious as the first!

In the Fridge

Because of the creamy mascarpone topping, these brownies absolutely need to be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors and to keep the topping from drying out. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing for Later

If you’ve made a big batch or want to save some for a rainy day, Tiramisu Brownies freeze beautifully! Once completely chilled and firm, you can cut them into individual servings, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. My personal tip for thawing? Let them sit in the fridge overnight, then bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. A light dusting of fresh cocoa powder after thawing always brings them back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

While our delightful Tiramisu Brownies are certainly an indulgence, they also offer a little more than just pure bliss! Made with eggs and mascarpone, they provide some protein and calcium, making them a treat that’s both satisfying and offers a touch of nourishment alongside that sweet comfort. It’s all about enjoying those homemade moments.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make Tiramisu Brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, these Tiramisu Brownies often taste even better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to meld. Prepare them, chill thoroughly, and enjoy when you’re ready!

Faq 2

What if I don’t have instant espresso powder?
No problem! You can use strong brewed coffee or instant coffee dissolved in a very small amount of hot water. Just make sure it’s concentrated enough to impart that delicious coffee flavor to your Tiramisu Brownies.

Faq 3

My mascarpone topping is too runny. What went wrong?
This usually happens if your mascarpone or heavy cream weren’t cold enough, or if they were overmixed. Ensure all dairy ingredients are well-chilled, and whip just until soft peaks form for a luscious, stable topping for your Tiramisu Brownies.

Faq 4

Can I use decaf coffee?
Yes, you can certainly use decaf instant espresso powder or decaf brewed coffee for your Tiramisu Brownies. The flavor will still be wonderful, allowing everyone to enjoy this delightful dessert without the caffeine kick.

Conclusion

There you have it, my sweet friends – a recipe for Tiramisu Brownies that I hope fills your kitchen with warmth and your hearts with joy. This dessert is more than just a treat; it’s an invitation to create beautiful memories, just like the ones I cherish from my grandmother’s kitchen. Baking these brownies is a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love and patience, can transform into something truly magical. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some sweet memories together. Happy baking!