There’s something truly magical about combining two iconic desserts into one irresistible creation. These tiramisu brownies are rich, fudgy, and layered with a dreamy mascarpone cream that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, searching for desserts to bake with friends, or planning sweet bakes for a sleepover, this recipe turns an ordinary night into something special. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the deep chocolate flavor of brownies infused with espresso, balanced by the creamy sweetness of tiramisu. Ready to discover why these brownies are one of the most indulgent desserts to try?
The Story Behind Tiramisu Brownies
A Sweet Discovery
It all started on a quiet Sunday afternoon when I wanted to make something that felt comforting yet sophisticated. My love for tiramisu and brownies sparked a delicious idea: why not merge them into one dessert? The result was beyond what I expected—soft, gooey brownies soaked in espresso, crowned with velvety mascarpone cream, and dusted with cocoa. Each bite felt like an elegant treat straight from an Italian café.
Why You’ll Love These Brownies
What makes these tiramisu brownies so special is their perfect balance of texture and flavor. The brownie base is dense and fudgy, while the mascarpone topping adds a light, creamy contrast. They’re versatile too—ideal for dessert recipes for one person when halved or doubled for hosting dessert nights. From intimate gatherings to bake-offs with friends, these brownies impress every time. The espresso enhances the chocolate flavor, making each bite rich and aromatic. Whether you’re exploring different brownie recipes or looking for something nice to share, these are your new favorite sweet bakes.
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Tiramisu Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Tiramisu Brownies are indulgent, creamy and delicious. Gooey texture, velvety coffee-flavored mascarpone topping, dusted with cocoa powder.
Ingredients
113 g unsalted butter
200 g dark chocolate
100 g brown sugar
50 g granulated sugar
3 eggs
90 g all-purpose flour, sifted
Pinch of salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 shots of espresso
250 g mascarpone cheese, room temperature
240 ml heavy cream
50 g sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp espresso powder
Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter and dark chocolate together until smooth.
3. Add sugars, vanilla, and eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. Fold in flour and salt until just combined.
5. Pour batter into pan and bake 25–30 minutes.
6. Drizzle espresso over brownies and cool completely.
7. Whisk mascarpone, vanilla, and cream, then add espresso powder and sugar until stiff peaks form.
8. Spread mascarpone cream over brownies.
9. Dust with cocoa powder, slice, and serve.
Notes
Add Amaretto, rum, or Marsala for a classic tiramisu touch.
Use a brownie mix for convenience.
For clean slices, dip the knife in warm water before each cut.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 240g
- Calories: 741
- Sugar: 43.74g
- Sodium: 282mg
- Fat: 49.11g
- Saturated Fat: 28.14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17.19g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 64.25g
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Protein: 11.79g
- Cholesterol: 400mg
Ingredients and Preparation
Gathering the Essentials
Before you begin, make sure you’ve got everything ready. You’ll need butter, dark chocolate, sugars, eggs, flour, vanilla extract, espresso, and a pinch of salt. The mascarpone layer requires mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, espresso powder, and vanilla extract. These ingredients create a dessert that’s indulgent yet easy to make—a perfect choice for desserts to bake with friends.
Step-by-Step Simplicity
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square baking tin with parchment paper. Melt butter and dark chocolate together until smooth, then whisk in both sugars. Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sift in flour and salt, folding until combined. Pour the batter into your prepared tin, smooth it out, and bake for about 25 minutes. The key is to avoid overbaking; you want that fudgy center that defines a perfect brownie.
Once baked, poke small holes across the surface and drizzle with espresso shots to soak in that tiramisu flavor. Let it cool before adding the cream topping.
The Dreamy Mascarpone Cream
Creating the Signature Layer
The mascarpone cream transforms this dessert from simple to spectacular. Whisk mascarpone, vanilla, and heavy cream together for about 30 seconds. Add espresso powder and sugar, and whip until stiff peaks form. Spread this luscious mixture over the cooled brownies. The cream layer echoes the rich essence of tiramisu while complementing the chocolatey base perfectly.
A Finishing Touch That Elevates Everything
Once the mascarpone layer is smooth, dust it generously with cocoa powder. This finishing step ties the flavors together and gives the dessert its signature tiramisu look. You can even customize your topping—add chocolate curls or coffee beans for visual flair. This dessert doesn’t just taste incredible; it looks stunning enough for any occasion. Whether you’re planning sleepover desserts or hosting a dinner party, tiramisu brownies always make a statement. For serving ideas, try pairing them with espresso shots, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Brownies
Little Secrets That Make a Big Difference
Perfect brownies come from attention to detail. Always use good-quality chocolate—it defines the flavor. Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling. When folding in the flour, don’t overmix; it keeps the texture moist and chewy. For that authentic tiramisu taste, brush the baked brownies with espresso while they’re still warm.
Serving and Storage Tips
Chill the brownies for at least 30 minutes before slicing. For clean cuts, dip your knife in warm water and wipe it after each slice. You can store these brownies in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. If you’d like to plan desserts to bake with friends, prepare the brownie base in advance and finish the topping together—it’s a fun and interactive baking activity. Hosting dessert nights becomes effortless with recipes like this—delicious, visually appealing, and easy to share.
Variations and Pairing Ideas
Creative Twists to Try
These tiramisu brownies are versatile enough to experiment with. For a boozy version, drizzle the brownies with a splash of Amaretto or Marsala wine before adding the cream. You can also try different brownie recipes—add chocolate chips, hazelnuts, or even a swirl of caramel. For single-serving indulgence, bake the batter in ramekins—ideal for dessert recipes for one person.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These brownies are heavenly on their own but even better with complementary treats. Pair them with a warm cappuccino, espresso martini, or a scoop of vanilla gelato. They’re perfect as hosting dessert options or sweet bakes for any celebration. For a fancier presentation, serve them on small plates with a dusting of cocoa and a drizzle of chocolate ganache. These indulgent squares are not just desserts—they’re experiences to share, making them a standout among desserts to try this year.
FAQ Section
Can I make tiramisu brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day before serving. Refrigerate and dust with cocoa powder right before serving for freshness.
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Absolutely! Just mix 2 tablespoons of instant coffee with hot water for a strong flavor.
How do I make this recipe alcohol-free?
Skip the liquor and use extra espresso for a deep, coffee-rich taste.
Can I freeze tiramisu brownies?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
How can I make it more festive?
Add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or gold dust for an elegant finish—perfect for holiday hosting.
Conclusion
These tiramisu brownies combine the soul of classic tiramisu with the comfort of brownies, making them one of the most delicious desserts to bake with friends or serve at gatherings. The layers of chocolate, espresso, and mascarpone cream create harmony in every bite. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, hosting dessert night, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises satisfaction in every slice.
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