If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the creamy, coffee-kissed delight of tiramisu, your wish has come true with this Tiramisu Brownies Recipe. This dessert brings together two beloved classics in perfect harmony — a dense chocolatey base topped with a luscious mascarpone cream layer infused with espresso, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder for the ideal bittersweet touch. It’s decadent but approachable, making it a show-stopping treat for any occasion that’s bound to impress and satisfy those sweet cravings with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Tiramisu Brownies Recipe. Each component has its role: from the melted butter adding moisture and richness, to the espresso bringing the signature coffee flavor that makes tiramisu truly special. Together, they create a dessert that is complex in taste but simple to pull together.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup melted: Provides a rich, creamy texture that’s essential for the fudgy brownie base.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens the brownies perfectly without overpowering the chocolate.
- Large eggs, 2: Help bind ingredients and add structure to the brownies.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour, 1/2 cup: The foundation of the brownie’s structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
- Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Gives just a touch of lift for the perfect texture.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate notes.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/4 cup (optional): Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Mascarpone cheese, 1 cup: The creamy star of the tiramisu layer that adds richness and smoothness.
- Heavy cream, 1 cup: Whipped into the mascarpone, it creates a light, fluffy texture.
- Powdered sugar, 1/4 cup: Sweetens the tiramisu topping gently without grit.
- Espresso or strong coffee, 2 tablespoons: Infuses the tiramisu layer with authentic coffee flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting): Provides a classic visual finish and a slight bitterness to balance the creaminess.
How to Make Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the brownies slide out easily after baking. Setting up your pan correctly is the first step toward a perfect, even bake.
Step 2: Create the Brownie Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until your mixture is smooth and glossy. This combination forms the rich, buttery foundation for your brownies. Next, blend in the eggs and vanilla extract, making sure everything is fully incorporated for that beautifully tender crumb.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined — overmixing here can lead to a tougher texture, so take your time!
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips and Bake
If you’re using semi-sweet chocolate chips, fold them into your brownie batter now. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool these brownies completely on a wire rack before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Prepare the Tiramisu Layer
In a large bowl, whip together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, espresso, and vanilla extract. Using a hand or stand mixer makes this process quicker and ensures the mixture becomes perfectly smooth and velvety. The espresso adds that classic tiramisu kick, creating a dreamy contrast against the chocolate base.
Step 6: Assemble and Chill
Once the brownies have fully cooled, spread the tiramisu cream evenly on top, smoothing it out with a spatula to create an inviting, luscious layer. Refrigerate your creation for at least two hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the tiramisu layer to set firmly.
Step 7: Final Touch and Serve
Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder to add an iconic touch, balancing sweetness with just a hint of bitterness. Slice into squares and enjoy every bite of these irresistible Tiramisu Brownies!
How to Serve Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of finely grated dark chocolate or a few coffee beans on top can elevate the presentation and introduce subtle textural contrasts. A fresh mint leaf or a light drizzle of chocolate sauce personalizes your serving and makes it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries. Both options enhance the flavors of the tiramisu brownies by introducing either creamy coolness or bright, tart notes that cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in clear glass cups to showcase the stunning layers, perfect for dinner parties or an elegant treat. Alternatively, stack smaller squares with a dollop of whipped cream between layers for a playful take on tiramisu that invites sharing and double the delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Tiramisu Brownies refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making leftovers just as delicious as when fresh. Just be sure to protect the creamy tiramisu layer from drying out by sealing well.
Freezing
You can freeze the brownies (without cocoa powder dusting) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain the creamy texture of the tiramisu layer.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended as it compromises the texture of the tiramisu layer. Instead, let any frozen brownies thaw naturally in the fridge and serve cold for the full flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso in the Tiramisu Brownies Recipe?
Yes, strong brewed coffee works well if you don’t have espresso. Just make sure it’s cooled before adding so it doesn’t affect the consistency of the mascarpone cream.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a similar texture while keeping in mind slight differences in baking time and consistency.
Can I make the tiramisu layer without mascarpone?
Mascarpone is key to the authentic creamy texture and flavor, but if you can’t find it, mixing cream cheese with a little heavy cream can be a workable substitute, though the taste will be less traditional.
Is it necessary to chill the brownies before serving?
Absolutely! Chilling helps the tiramisu layer set up properly and allows the flavors to meld, creating that iconic tiramisu taste combined with fudgy brownies.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the ingredients is straightforward. Just use a larger baking pan or two pans to ensure even baking, and keep an eye on the baking time to avoid over or undercooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Tiramisu Brownies Recipe — it combines the best of two worlds into one decadent, sophisticated dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet treat any day of the week, these brownies will quickly become a beloved favorite. I promise, once you try them you’ll be reaching for the recipe time and time again!
Print
Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 37 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Indulge in these decadent Tiramisu Brownies that perfectly combine rich chocolatey brownie base with a creamy, coffee-infused tiramisu layer. This easy-to-make dessert blends the classic flavors of Italian tiramisu with fudgy brownies, topped off with a dusting of cocoa powder for an irresistible finish. Ideal for gatherings or a special treat, these brownies are sure to delight any chocolate and coffee lover.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Tiramisu Layer:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Prepare Brownie Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and thoroughly combined. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Chocolate Chips: If using, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to add bursts of chocolate within the brownie batter.
- Bake Brownie Base: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Tiramisu Layer: In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, espresso (or cooled strong coffee), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer will speed this process.
- Assemble the Brownies: Once the brownie base is completely cooled, spread the tiramisu mixture evenly over the top using a spatula and smooth out the surface.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled brownies for at least 2 hours, allowing the tiramisu layer to set firmly and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Cut into squares and enjoy this luscious combination of chocolate and tiramisu flavors.
Notes
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before adding the tiramisu layer to prevent it from melting or becoming runny.
- Use cooled espresso or strong coffee to maintain the texture and flavor balance of the tiramisu layer.
- Optional chocolate chips in the brownie base add extra chocolate bursts but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a more intense coffee flavor, you can brush the cooled brownies with a little extra espresso before layering the tiramisu mixture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
