Tiramisu Brownies Recipe

Rich, creamy, and absolutely dreamy, Tiramisu Brownies bring together the iconic flavors of classic tiramisu and fudgy brownies in the most delightful way possible. Imagine a base of deeply chocolaty, melt-in-your-mouth brownies crowned with a cloud of espresso-kissed mascarpone cream, all finished with a generous dusting of cocoa. These bars are a showstopper at any gathering and the ultimate pick-me-up treat—coffee and chocolate lovers, this one’s made just for you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Tiramisu Brownies plays a starring role—from creating a brownie base that’s both dense and rich, to crafting a luscious mascarpone topping reminiscent of your favorite Italian dessert. Let’s take a moment to appreciate how these simple pantry and fridge staples can transform into pure indulgence.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the brownies just enough structure while keeping them tender and soft.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor and enhances the gorgeous chocolate color.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and espresso notes.
• Semisweet baking chocolate (coarsely chopped): Melted for that decadent, fudgy texture with bittersweet complexity.
• Butter: Adds richness and ensures the brownies stay moist and luxurious.
• Granulated sugar: Provides classic sweetness and contributes to that perfect brownie crackle top.
• Light brown sugar (packed): Lends a hint of caramel and keeps the brownie base exceptionally chewy.
• Eggs (at room temperature): Help bind everything together and give lift to the brownies.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavors and infuses warmth into both layers.
• Heavy cream: Fluffs up beautifully for a dreamy mascarpone topping.
• Instant espresso powder: Delivers that essential coffee kick, infusing the cream with classic tiramisu character.
• Mascarpone cheese: The smooth, creamy star of tiramisu, lending authentic Italian flavor and irresistible texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream while keeping it silky-smooth and light.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping): That signature final dusting, adding both drama and a touch of bittersweet contrast.

How to Make Tiramisu Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to bake your brownies to perfection. Take a 9×9-inch metal baking pan and generously grease and flour it, or—my personal favorite for easy removal—line it with parchment paper. This little bit of prep ensures those luscious Tiramisu Brownies pop out smoothly later on.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This quick step distributes the cocoa evenly and sets the stage for perfectly consistent brownies with every bite.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Set up a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water) and melt your semisweet chocolate and butter together. Stir continuously until the mixture is glossy and smooth—this forms the fudgy heart of your Tiramisu Brownies, so take your time here!

Step 4: Add Sugars to Chocolate Mixture

With the chocolate mixture still warm but not hot, whisk in both the granulated and light brown sugars. This not only sweetens your brownies but also helps achieve that signature dense, chewy texture.

Step 5: Cool the Chocolate Mixture

Remove the bowl from heat and let it cool to room temperature. This is crucial—if you add your eggs while the mixture is too hot, you risk scrambling them instead of blending them into the batter.

Step 6: Add Eggs, One at a Time

Once the chocolate mix is cool, whisk in the eggs one at a time. Each egg should be fully incorporated before adding the next. You’ll notice the batter turning silky and thick—exactly what you want for dense, moist brownies!

Step 7: Stir in Vanilla Extract

Add the vanilla extract and stir just until combined. You’ll catch a quick whiff of sweet warmth—this step truly brings all the flavors together.

Step 8: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Gently whisk your dry ingredients into the wet brownie batter. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make your brownies tough, so a light hand is key.

Step 9: Bake!

Pour the glorious brownie batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Bake for 20-30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out with just a few moist, fudgy crumbs clinging to it.

Step 10: Cool the Brownies Completely

Allow your brownies to cool in the pan to room temperature before adding the mascarpone topping. This little bit of patience rewards you with beautifully defined layers.

Step 11: Make the Mascarpone Cream Topping

In your mixer’s bowl, dissolve the instant espresso powder into the heavy cream. Then, add the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s light, fluffy, and irresistible—just like classic tiramisu cream.

Step 12: Top and Finish the Brownies

Spread the silky mascarpone cream over your cooled brownies, using an offset spatula for a picture-perfect finish. For the final flourish, sift a layer of unsweetened cocoa powder generously over the top.

Step 13: Chill to Set

Pop the brownies in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This helps the mascarpone layer firm up, making the bars easy to slice and giving all those decadent flavors a chance to mingle.

How to Serve Tiramisu Brownies

Garnishes

To make your Tiramisu Brownies an eye-catching centerpiece, add a touch of flair: a dusting of cocoa powder is classic, but a few chocolate shavings or chocolate-covered espresso beans take it to the next level. If you’re feeling extra, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of finely grated dark chocolate adds a touch of elegance and drama.

Side Dishes

Pair your brownies with Italian-roast coffee or espresso to echo the tiramisu flavors. For a refreshing contrast, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla bean gelato or a small side of tart berries. The cool, creamy, or fruity elements all balance the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the brownies into neat squares for a classic look, or use a round cutter to create circles and mimic tiramisu’s traditional shape. Layer individual portions in parfait glasses for a fun dessert cup, or place smaller squares in cupcake liners for easy party treats. You can even garnish with a light drizzle of coffee liqueur for adults-only gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tiramisu Brownies keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer leftover squares to an airtight container—they’ll stay delectably fresh and creamy for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze these brownies. Slice and layer them between parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best texture; the mascarpone layer stays creamy and luscious even after freezing.

Reheating

While these brownies are meant to be enjoyed chilled (just like classic tiramisu), if you’d like to bring them closer to room temperature before serving, simply let them sit out for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as the mascarpone topping can melt and lose its lovely fluff.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

You can substitute mascarpone with full-fat cream cheese in a pinch, but you’ll notice the flavor is tangier and the texture a bit denser. For that authentic tiramisu delight, mascarpone is still the gold standard.

What type of espresso powder should I use?

Look for instant espresso powder specifically meant for baking. Regular instant coffee will do in a bind, but espresso powder offers that rich, robust flavor that defines tiramisu. Specialty grocers or the coffee aisle at most supermarkets should have you covered.

Do Tiramisu Brownies contain any alcohol?

As written, this recipe is alcohol-free, making it family-friendly and perfect for all ages. If you want to add a grown-up twist, drizzle a tablespoon of coffee liqueur over the brownie layer before adding the mascarpone topping.

How can I cut clean slices through the mascarpone layer?

For sharp, bakery-worthy bars, chill the brownies thoroughly and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each slice. This little trick prevents sticking and mess.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time for the brownie base. Just keep an eye out for those fudgy crumbs on your toothpick test.

Final Thoughts

If you love both brownies and tiramisu, these Tiramisu Brownies deserve a special place in your baking line-up. They’re the kind of dessert that turns any occasion into a celebration. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your friends!) to a batch—you won’t be able to stop at just one bite!

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