Tiramisu Brownies

Introduction

Tiramisu Brownies are the perfect marriage of two dessert classics—rich, fudgy brownies and the creamy, coffee-infused delight of tiramisu. Imagine biting into a chewy, decadent brownie base that’s topped with a smooth mascarpone filling, followed by a dusting of cocoa powder. These brownies are the ultimate indulgence, bringing together the best of both worlds in one heavenly dessert. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply craving something sweet, Tiramisu Brownies will quickly become a go-to favorite.

The first time I made Tiramisu Brownies, I couldn’t believe how perfectly the two desserts worked together. I’ve always been a fan of both tiramisu and brownies, so combining them seemed like a no-brainer. The result was better than I could have imagined—each bite has the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and creamy coffee flavor. The mascarpone filling adds a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth quality that perfectly complements the dense, fudgy brownie base. And, of course, the cocoa powder on top ties everything together for that authentic tiramisu touch.

What I love most about Tiramisu Brownies is how easy they are to make but how elegant they feel. They’re great for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal celebrations. Whether you serve them warm or at room temperature, they’re always a hit. They also store well, so you can prepare them ahead of time and enjoy them for days. If you’re a fan of both coffee and chocolate, these brownies are an absolute must-try!

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Potlucks
• Dinner parties
• Chocolate and coffee lovers
• Sweet-tooth indulgence

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Tiramisu Brownies will become your new favorite dessert:

• Fudgy and Decadent: The rich, fudgy brownie base pairs perfectly with the creamy mascarpone layer, creating a delightful texture contrast.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of deep chocolate and bold coffee, enhanced with a hint of mascarpone, strikes the ideal balance of sweet and bitter.
• Coffee Lovers Dream: With espresso and coffee-soaked layers, these brownies offer a coffee-forward flavor that’s perfect for those who love the taste of tiramisu.
• Easier Than Traditional Tiramisu: Unlike traditional tiramisu, there’s no need to layer and refrigerate for hours. These brownies come together quickly and are ready to serve in a fraction of the time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tiramisu Brownies are easy to make in advance, making them a great dessert to prepare the night before a party or gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including cooling time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 brownies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Tiramisu Brownies:

Brownie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Mascarpone Layer:

• 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon strong brewed espresso or coffee
• 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur (optional)

Topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
• 1 tablespoon chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Mascarpone Cheese: The creamy texture of mascarpone is essential for creating the smooth filling that brings the tiramisu flavor to life.
• Instant Coffee Granules: These enhance the coffee flavor in the brownie base, giving a deep, aromatic taste to the entire dessert.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Rich cocoa powder gives the brownie base a dense, chocolatey flavor, perfectly complementing the mascarpone filling.
• Coffee Liqueur (Optional): A splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) deepens the flavor, though you can skip this if you prefer an alcohol-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Tiramisu Brownies:

Make the Brownie Base:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
4. Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay). Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Mascarpone Layer:

5. Mix the Mascarpone Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and brewed espresso (and coffee liqueur, if using) until smooth and creamy.
6. Spread Over Brownies: Once the brownies have completely cooled, spread the mascarpone mixture evenly over the top of the brownies, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Finishing Touches:

7. Dust with Cocoa Powder: Use a sifter or fine-mesh strainer to dust the top of the brownies with unsweetened cocoa powder. This will give them the signature tiramisu look and flavor.
8. Optional Garnish: For extra flavor and decoration, sprinkle the brownies with chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs.

Chill and Serve:

9. Chill the Brownies: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the mascarpone layer to set and firm up.
10. Serve: Slice the brownies into 12 squares and enjoy the decadent combination of chocolate and coffee flavors.

How to Serve

Tiramisu Brownies are a versatile and indulgent dessert that can be served in various ways:

• As a Standalone Dessert: These brownies are rich enough to be served on their own without any additional sides.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla, coffee, or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• With Fresh Berries: Add a few fresh raspberries or strawberries on top for a tangy contrast to the rich flavor.
• For Special Occasions: Serve these at holiday dinners, birthday parties, or gatherings for an elegant twist on traditional brownies.
• With Coffee or Espresso: Pair with a strong cup of coffee or espresso to enhance the tiramisu flavor and create a well-rounded dessert experience.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Tiramisu Brownies are perfect every time:

• Don’t Overbake the Brownies: Brownies are best when they are fudgy, so be sure not to overbake them. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool Completely Before Adding the Mascarpone Layer: This ensures the mascarpone layer won’t melt into the brownies and lose its creamy texture.
• Use Fresh Coffee: For the best flavor, brew fresh coffee or espresso to add depth to the brownie and mascarpone layers.
• Make-Ahead Option: Tiramisu Brownies can be made a day ahead. Just be sure to refrigerate them until ready to serve so the layers stay firm.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour to make these brownies gluten-free.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Tiramisu Brownies:

• Mocha Tiramisu Brownies: Add a teaspoon of mocha extract or a splash of coffee liqueur to both the brownie base and mascarpone filling.
• Caramel Tiramisu Brownies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the mascarpone layer for a sweet and buttery twist.
• Peanut Butter Tiramisu Brownies: Swirl peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for a nutty addition.
• Hazelnut Tiramisu Brownies: Add crushed hazelnuts to the brownie base for a crunchy, nutty element that complements the coffee flavor.
• White Chocolate Tiramisu Brownies: Add white chocolate chips to the brownie batter for a creamy, sweet contrast to the coffee flavors.
• Nutella Tiramisu Brownies: Mix Nutella into the mascarpone filling for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
• Spiced Tiramisu Brownies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brownie batter for a spiced variation.
• Chocolate Chips Tiramisu Brownies: Stir in semisweet or dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter for more chocolatey goodness.
• Raspberry Tiramisu Brownies: Add a few fresh raspberries between the layers of mascarpone filling for a fruity contrast.
• Vegan Tiramisu Brownies: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, and use a non-dairy mascarpone alternative for a dairy-free version.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Tiramisu Brownies freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge.
• Storage: Store leftover Tiramisu Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mascarpone layer will stay fresh and firm as long as the brownies are refrigerated.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Tiramisu Brownies easier:

1. 9×9-inch baking pan
2. Parchment paper for easy removal
3. Whisk
4. Fine-mesh strainer or sifter for cocoa powder
5. Hand mixer or stand mixer for the mascarpone layer
6. 2 large bowls for wet and dry ingredients
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Toothpick or cake tester to check doneness
9. Cooling rack for brownies
10. Airtight container for storage

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Tiramisu Brownies:

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the brownies?
   Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of unsweetened cocoa powder for a different level of sweetness.
2. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
3. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make these brownies up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to serve.
4. Can I skip the coffee flavor?
   While coffee enhances the tiramisu flavor, you can skip it if you prefer. Try adding a bit of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
5. Can I freeze these brownies?
   Yes, these brownies freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

Tiramisu Brownies are an unforgettable dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate, coffee, and mascarpone in one decadent treat. This twist on the classic brownie transforms a simple dessert into something extraordinary, offering layers of flavor that will captivate anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just indulging in something sweet, these brownies are sure to impress with their luxurious texture and deep, coffee-infused taste.

With an easy preparation process, Tiramisu Brownies allow room for customization, whether you want to add a hint of cocoa powder, swirl in extra mascarpone, or even sprinkle some cocoa or chocolate chips on top. Their versatility ensures that they can be tailored to suit any occasion, making them a go-to dessert when you want to create something memorable.

I can’t wait to see how your Tiramisu Brownies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Enjoy making and sharing this decadent treat with your friends and family!