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These Tiramisu Brownies bring together two of my all-time favorite desserts into one irresistible treat. Each bite gives you the deep chocolate comfort of a brownie swirled with the creamy coffee notes and rich texture of classic tiramisu. This is the ultimate recipe when you want to impress at a potluck or simply spoil yourself after a long week.
When I first made these for a book club get-together, not a crumb was left by the end of the night. Now my friends specifically request them for every gathering and they never fail to spark conversation.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: adds moisture and richness
- Granulated sugar: ensures a fudgy, sweet crumb
- Eggs: give the base a dense texture and help set the brownie
- Vanilla extract: enhances overall flavor and aroma
- All-purpose flour: provides structure for the brownie
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: gives an intense chocolate base
- Baking powder: ensures lift and a soft bite
- Salt: balances the sweetness and deepens chocolate flavor
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: optional but boost decadence when freshly melted
- Mascarpone cheese: creates a creamy authentic tiramisu topping look for one with a lush texture
- Heavy cream: whips up light and helps set the frosting
- Powdered sugar: sweetens and smooths the tiramisu layer
- Espresso or strong coffee: infuses that signature tiramisu flavor use freshly brewed and cooled
- Unsweetened cocoa powder finish for dusting: brings a classic look and extra chocolate note
- Vanilla extract: ties the creamy layer together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease your eight-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper. Be thorough with the corners so nothing sticks and you get clean brownie edges.
- Make the Brownie Batter:
- Whisk melted butter and sugar together until glossy and combined. This step gives the brownie its fudgy base and sets the stage for flavor.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla into the sugar butter mixture. Mix until the texture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in color. This will help make the brownies chewy rather than cakey.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt well to evenly distribute leavening and flavor. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mix stirring only until combined. Overmixing here leads to tough brownies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips:
- Add chocolate chips if you like and fold gently to spread them through the batter. These melt into gooey pockets while baking.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Spread the batter evenly in the lined pan. Bake in a preheated oven at three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit for eighteen to twenty two minutes. Test with a toothpick at the center it should come out with a few moist crumbs not raw batter. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack before topping.
- Mix the Tiramisu Layer:
- Combine mascarpone heavy cream powdered sugar espresso and vanilla in a large bowl. Whip until smooth creamy and fluffy. Chill your beaters and bowl first for best volume in the cream.
- Spread and Chill:
- Once brownies are cool spread the tiramisu layer thickly and evenly over the top. Use a spatula for an even surface to help the final layer set well. Refrigerate for at least two hours so the cream layer firms up and flavors meld.
- Finish and Serve:
- Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder before cutting into squares. Use a clean sharp knife for neat portions. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
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The mascarpone layer is my favorite part because of its lush creamy feel and subtle tang. My kids always volunteer to be taste-testers whenever there is leftover tiramisu cream and a spoon nearby. There is something about the aroma of cocoa and coffee that feels like a cozy kitchen hug.
Storage Tips
These brownies keep best in the refrigerator tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for three to four days. The tiramisu layer tastes even better after the first night as the flavors marry. Do not leave out at room temperature for too long due to the dairy content. If making ahead you can freeze cut brownies and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving but do not dust with cocoa powder until after thawing.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap mascarpone for full-fat ricotta for a lighter version though it will be slightly less rich. If you are out of espresso very strong brewed coffee works well. For dairy free options you can use plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream but be ready for a slight change in taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled straight from the fridge on its own or with a dollop of softly whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a dinner party try plating each square with a sprinkle of grated chocolate or a few chocolate-covered espresso beans. These brownies also pair perfectly with a small cup of espresso or your favorite after-dinner liqueur.
Cultural and Historical Context
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert with a name that literally means pick me up due to its coffee content. By blending brownie and tiramisu you get the best of both dessert traditions. This recipe honors Italian coffee culture while giving a nostalgic American chocolate twist.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Absolutely! Dissolve instant coffee in a small amount of hot water to achieve a strong coffee flavor for the topping.
- → How do I store tiramisu brownies?
Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain the cream layer’s texture and freshness.
- → Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?
While cream cheese offers a tangier flavor, it works as a stand-in; however, mascarpone provides richer results.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream for the topping?
Whipped topping or stabilized whipped coconut cream may be used for a lighter dairy-free alternative.
- → Should I cool the brownies before adding the cream layer?
Yes, let the base cool completely to ensure the cream layer spreads evenly and sets properly in the fridge.
- → How can I boost the coffee flavor?
Drizzle extra espresso over the baked base before adding the cream, or add a touch of coffee liqueur for depth.