Easy Tiramisu Brownies Recipe: Coffee-Infused Dessert Magic
Love tiramisu but need a quicker fix? These easy tiramisu brownies combine the rich coffee flavor of classic tiramisu with the fudgy decadence of brownies. Perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike, this tiramisu brownies recipe transforms two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. No fancy techniques required – just delicious layers of flavor that will impress family and friends!
Ingredients for Tiramisu Brownies
For the Brownie Base:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 6 oz (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 1¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
For the Mascarpone Cream Topping:
- 8 oz (225g) cold mascarpone cheese
- ⅓ cup (45g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder (for coffee soak)
- ⅔ cup (160ml) hot water (for coffee soak)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for coffee soak)
- 12 Savoiardi lady fingers
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Substitution tip: No espresso powder? Use 2 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee instead. No lady fingers? Graham crackers can work in a pinch! For premium quality cocoa powder, Williams Sonoma offers excellent options.
How to Make Tiramisu Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium pot, melt butter over medium heat until it just starts to sizzle.
- Remove from heat and immediately add chopped chocolate and espresso powder. Stir until completely melted and smooth. For comprehensive espresso brewing techniques, check out this beginner’s espresso guide.
- In a large bowl, combine the hot chocolate mixture with sugar and whisk well. The mixture will look grainy – that’s normal!
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then mix in vanilla extract, oil, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gently fold in flour until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
- Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
- Bake for 27-32 minutes, until the surface no longer appears wet and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Set aside to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial before adding the tiramisu layers!
Step 3: Prepare the Coffee Soak
- In a wide, shallow bowl, combine hot water, espresso powder, and granulated sugar. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Set aside to cool completely to room temperature before using.
Step 4: Layer Like a Pro
- Once the coffee mixture has cooled, quickly dip each lady finger into the coffee (about 1 second per side) and arrange them on top of the cooled brownie layer.
- You may need to cut some lady fingers to fit the pan perfectly.
Step 5: Make the Mascarpone Cream
- In a large bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and lump-free.
- Very slowly add the cold heavy cream while mixing on low speed. If added too quickly, the mixture may clump.
- Once all cream is incorporated, increase speed to high and whip until the mixture holds stiff peaks (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 6: Assemble and Finish
- Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the lady finger layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the topping to set.
- Just before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire dessert out of the pan, then slice into squares with a sharp knife.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Brownies
- Chill for cleaner slices: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour before cutting for clean, sharp edges. Wipe your knife between cuts!
- Don’t oversoak the lady fingers: A quick 1-second dip is all they need – any longer and they’ll become too soggy.
- Room temperature ingredients matter: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to prevent the chocolate mixture from seizing.
- The perfect brownie texture: For fudgy brownies, a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean or wet with batter.
- Make-ahead option: These brownies actually taste better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
How to Store:
Because of the mascarpone cheese topping, these tiramisu brownies must be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days. The lady fingers will continue to soften over time, giving the brownies an even more authentic tiramisu texture.
Serving Tips:
For the best flavor and texture, remove the brownies from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off. This allows the brownie layer to soften slightly while the mascarpone topping remains perfectly set. Pair with a shot of espresso or a cappuccino for the ultimate coffee-lover’s dessert experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these tiramisu brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies actually taste better when made a day in advance, as it gives the flavors time to develop and the lady fingers to soften perfectly. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though they’re best within the first 2-3 days.
Can I add alcohol to these tiramisu brownies?
Yes! For a more authentic tiramisu flavor, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa), dark rum, or marsala wine to the coffee soak mixture. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor that adults will appreciate.
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone is unavailable or too pricey, you can substitute with 8 oz of full-fat cream cheese (the block kind, not spread). Keep in mind that cream cheese has a tangier flavor than mascarpone, so you might want to increase the powdered sugar to ½ cup to balance the flavor. Learn more about mascarpone cheese types and uses at BelGioioso.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
The perfect brownie should have a slightly crackled top that no longer looks wet. When you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached – not completely clean (which means it’s overbaked) and not with wet batter (which means it’s underbaked). Remember that brownies will continue to cook slightly as they cool in the hot pan.
Easy Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 16 squares
Calories: 325 per serving
Author: Dessert Recipes Lab
These decadent tiramisu brownies combine a fudgy espresso-infused brownie base with coffee-soaked lady fingers and a light mascarpone cream topping. The perfect fusion of two classic desserts!
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Ready to Impress with Tiramisu Brownies?
These easy tiramisu brownies are the perfect way to combine two beloved desserts into one showstopping treat. With their fudgy brownie base, coffee-soaked lady fingers, and creamy mascarpone topping, they’re sure to impress at your next gathering. The best part? They’re much easier to make than traditional tiramisu but deliver all those classic flavors you love! For more Italian dessert inspiration, explore Food Network’s classic Italian dessert collection.
If you try this tiramisu brownies recipe, we’d love to see your results! Tag us on social media with #DessertRecipesLab or leave a comment below. And don’t forget to download our printable recipe card for easy reference next time you’re craving this coffee-infused dessert magic!
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