If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent desserts that pack a punch of flavor, then tiramisu brownies are a must-try treat. Imagine the rich, creamy goodness of traditional tiramisu combined with the chewy, fudgy texture of a brownie. These tiramisu brownies blend the best of both worlds—coffee, chocolate, and mascarpone cream—into a heavenly dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
This dessert combines the classic elements of tiramisu—coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder—into a decadent brownie base. The result? A dessert that has the perfect balance of coffee and chocolate flavors, all while being simple enough to whip up in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, tiramisu brownies are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavors: Tiramisu brownies offer the best of both worlds—an espresso-infused brownie base with a creamy mascarpone layer, topped with cocoa powder.
- Easy to Make: Unlike traditional tiramisu that requires a bit more finesse and time, these brownies come together quickly with simple ingredients.
- No-Bake Mascarpone Layer: You don’t need to bake the mascarpone filling! It’s a no-bake layer that requires only a few minutes of prep.
- Perfect for Coffee Lovers: If you love the combination of coffee and chocolate, this is the dessert you’ve been waiting for.
- Customizable: You can adjust the amount of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa powder to match your personal preferences. Plus, if you need a gluten-free or dairy-free version, we’ve got tips for that too.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12-16 brownies
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dietary Information: Gluten-free and dairy-free options available
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (use a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free brownies)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee (or espresso)
For the Mascarpone Cream Layer:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (or dairy-free mascarpone)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, for dusting
- 1 tablespoon brewed coffee (optional, for extra coffee flavor)
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spoon or spatula
- Cooling rack
- Sifter or fine-mesh strainer (for cocoa powder)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Brownie Base
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in both sugars until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour in the brewed coffee and stir until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3. Bake the Brownies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before adding the mascarpone cream layer.
4. Make the Mascarpone Cream
- While the brownies are cooling, make the mascarpone cream. In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- If you’re using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form.
5. Assemble the Tiramisu Brownies
- Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the mascarpone cream over the top in an even layer.
- If desired, drizzle a little brewed coffee over the cream layer for extra flavor.
6. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the assembled brownies for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld together and the mascarpone cream firm up.
- Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder using a sifter for a finishing touch.
Pro Tips
- Use Strong Coffee: To enhance the tiramisu flavor, use a strong brewed coffee or espresso. The coffee will not only flavor the brownies but will also seep into the creamy mascarpone layer, creating that signature tiramisu taste.
- Chill the Brownies: Letting the brownies chill before serving is key. This allows the mascarpone layer to set properly and ensures the flavors have time to combine.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you need a dairy-free version, substitute dairy-free butter for the regular butter and use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream for the mascarpone layer. There are also dairy-free mascarpone cheeses available at specialty stores.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make these brownies gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend is one that works well in baking for best results.
- Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter: When combining the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies.
- Serve with a Dusting of Cocoa Powder: A light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the brownies not only adds a professional touch but also enhances the chocolate flavor.
Variations You Can Try
1. Add Chocolate Chips
For extra gooeyness, fold chocolate chips into the brownie batter before baking.
2. Boozy Tiramisu
For an adult twist, you can add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur (like Kahlua) into the mascarpone cream layer for an extra kick.
3. Nutty Brownies
If you love nuts, add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts to the brownie batter before baking. They pair perfectly with the creamy mascarpone topping.
4. Tiramisu Trifle
For a more elaborate presentation, make a tiramisu trifle by layering the brownies, mascarpone cream, and coffee-soaked sponge cake in a large glass dish.
Conclusion
Tiramisu brownies are the perfect dessert for coffee lovers who crave a rich, chocolatey treat with an Italian twist. This recipe is simple, easy to follow, and customizable to suit dietary preferences. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because, these brownies will leave everyone asking for more. Try them out today, and enjoy the blissful combination of coffee, chocolate, and mascarpone in every bite.
