Tiramisu Brownies Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert

Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie layered with creamy mascarpone cheese and topped with a hint of coffee flavor. These Ultimate Tiramisu Brownies bring together the best of two worlds—Italian dessert elegance and indulgent chocolate decadence. If you’re a fan of tiramisu and brownies, this recipe is your dream come true. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why are these brownies worth making? Well, they combine bold coffee notes with velvety mascarpone cream and bittersweet chocolate in every bite. Perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or just a personal treat, this recipe adds a touch of sophistication to the classic brownie. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, so you don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up these beauties!

Recipe Story: The Origins of Tiramisu Brownies

Tiramisu, the iconic Italian dessert, has been a favorite of mine ever since I traveled to Italy and tasted it for the first time. Its creamy layers and coffee-soaked savoiardi biscuits were unforgettable. But let’s be honest—sometimes you want tiramisu with a little extra chocolate kick. That’s where the idea for these Tiramisu Brownies came in!

Combining tiramisu and brownies isn’t just genius—it’s downright delicious. The rich, chocolatey base of the brownie complements the light, airy mascarpone layer perfectly. And let’s not forget the sprinkle of cocoa powder on top that ties everything together. This recipe has evolved from a simple experiment in my kitchen to a family favorite we make every holiday season.

While traditional tiramisu is often reserved for fancy dinners or celebrations, these brownies are more versatile. They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even as a midnight snack. And since they’re baked in a brownie pan, you don’t need to fuss with layering biscuits or chilling overnight. It’s tiramisu, but easier—and frankly, even more indulgent!

Ingredient Discussion: What You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients, because the right ones make all the difference in these Ultimate Tiramisu Brownies. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best:

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for a deep, chocolatey flavor. Brands like Ghirardelli or Valrhona are fantastic choices.
• Dark Chocolate: Use a chocolate bar with at least 70% cocoa content. If you can’t find dark chocolate, semi-sweet chips work in a pinch.
• Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian cheese is the star of the creamy layer. Make sure it’s fresh and smooth—don’t substitute with cream cheese; it’s just not the same.
• Instant Espresso Powder: This adds that signature coffee flavor to the mascarpone layer. If you want a milder taste, use decaf espresso powder.
• Ladyfingers: Crushed ladyfingers mimic the traditional tiramisu texture. Look for soft ones rather than the hard, crunchy kind.
• Eggs: Fresh, room-temperature eggs are crucial for the brownie’s texture. They add richness and help create that fudgy consistency.
• Sugar: I like using a mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar for depth of flavor. Brown sugar makes the brownies extra moist.
• Heavy Cream: This gives the mascarpone mixture its silky texture. Avoid substitutes like milk—it won’t be rich enough.
• Cocoa Powder for Dusting: For a classic tiramisu touch, sift unsweetened cocoa powder over the top layer before serving.

Most of these ingredients are easy to find in grocery stores, but mascarpone and ladyfingers might require a trip to a specialty store. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Equipment Needed

To make these Ultimate Tiramisu Brownies, you’ll need a few basic tools:

• Brownie Pan: A standard 9×9-inch pan works perfectly. If you don’t have one, a round cake pan is a decent alternative.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for the brownie batter and one for the mascarpone layer.
• Whisk: A sturdy whisk is ideal for blending the mascarpone and cream without lumps.
• Spatula: A silicone spatula helps scrape every bit of batter and cream from the bowls.
• Microwave or Double Boiler: For melting the chocolate. If you use a microwave, stir every 20 seconds to avoid burning.
• Kitchen Scale: Accurate measurements ensure perfect results every time.

If you don’t have a whisk, a fork will do the trick, though it might take a little extra effort. And while silicone spatulas are great, even a basic wooden spoon will work in a pinch.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your brownie pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate with 1/2 cup (120g) of butter. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Brownie Batter: Whisk together 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, and 3 large eggs until creamy. Mix in the melted chocolate and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Gradually fold in 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder and 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour.
4. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test with a toothpick—it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
5. Prepare the Mascarpone Layer: Whisk together 8 oz (225g) mascarpone, 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream, 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar, and 1 tsp instant espresso powder until smooth.
6. Cool and Layer: Let the brownies cool completely. Spread the mascarpone mixture evenly over the top.
7. Dust with Cocoa: Sift unsweetened cocoa powder over the mascarpone layer for that classic tiramisu finish.
8. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the layers set and flavors meld together.

And there you have it—perfectly layered Tiramisu Brownies! Don’t skip the chilling step; it makes all the difference.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some insider tips to ensure your Ultimate Tiramisu Brownies turn out amazing:

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the batter, stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
• Watch the Oven: Every oven is different, so start checking your brownies at the 25-minute mark. Slightly underbaking gives you that fudgy texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature mascarpone and eggs for smoother mixing.
• Chill Overnight: If you have the time, chilling overnight enhances the flavors, making the coffee and chocolate layers even more pronounced.
• Clean Slices: Use a hot knife to cut the brownies for clean, professional-looking layers.

Variations & Adaptations

Want to tweak the recipe? Here are some fun variations:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Alcohol-Infused: Add 1 tbsp of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the mascarpone layer for an adult twist.
• Seasonal Twist: Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a holiday-inspired version.
• Nutty Brownies: Fold in 1/2 cup (60g) of chopped hazelnuts or walnuts for added crunch.
• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal and use vegan dark chocolate and mascarpone alternatives.

Personally, I love the coffee liqueur variation—it’s perfect for dinner parties!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These brownies are best served chilled or at room temperature. Pair them with:

• A hot cup of espresso or cappuccino
• Fresh berries for a fruity contrast
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence

To store, cover the brownies and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 5g

While these brownies are undoubtedly indulgent, they do offer some benefits. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, while mascarpone provides calcium. Just enjoy them in moderation!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines elegance and indulgence, these Ultimate Tiramisu Brownies are the answer. They’re a crowd-pleaser, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Honestly, I love how they bring together my favorite flavors—coffee, chocolate, and creamy mascarpone—in one bite!

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your variations or adaptations—you might inspire someone else to create their own masterpiece. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

While you can, mascarpone is creamier and has a milder flavor. Cream cheese will make the layer tangier.

Do I need to chill the brownies before serving?

Yes, chilling helps the layers set and enhances the flavors. At least 2 hours is recommended.

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder?

Espresso powder gives a stronger flavor, but you can use finely ground coffee as a substitute.

How do I make clean cuts on the brownies?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for perfect slices.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! Freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

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