Are you ready for the most decadent dessert mashup ever? Mama, these Tiramisu Brownies are a chocolate and coffee lover's dream come true! The base is a fudgy espresso brownie that's intensely chocolatey, topped with espresso infused mascarpone whipped cream and dusted with unsweetened cocoa powder dusting. These Tiramisu Brownies combine a cakey brownie base with all the classic flavors of Italian tiramisu.
These Tiramisu Brownies are made with a rich and chewy fudge brownie soaked in rum and espresso, creating a coffee soaked ladyfingers layer effect. These tiramisu brownies are decadent, fudgy espresso brownies that taste like they came from a fancy Italian bakery. The base is a fudgy espresso brownie with mascarpone cream topping and deep chocolate and coffee flavor that's absolutely irresistible!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Brownies
- Ingredients for Tiramisu Brownies
- How to Make Tiramisu Brownies
- Top Tip
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Tiramisu Brownies
- Variations on Tiramisu Brownies
- Equipment for Tiramisu Brownies
- Storage Tips for Tiramisu Brownies
- Olivia's Tip for Tiramisu Brownies
- FAQ about Tiramisu Brownies
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- 📖 Recipe
Why You'll Love These Tiramisu Brownies
Two Desserts in One: Get the best of both worlds with fudgy espresso brownie base meets classic Italian tiramisu. Perfect for italian brownies and fancy brownie desserts lovers!
Easier Than Traditional Tiramisu: No raw eggs, no ladyfingers to dip, and way less fussy. These rich layered dessert bars are simple to make for family style desserts convenience!
Coffee Flavored Perfection: The espresso powder enhanced brownies create an intense coffee chocolate combo that's addictive for tiramisu bars and brownie toppings ideas inspiration!
Ingredients for Tiramisu Brownies
This tiramisu brownies recipe uses classic brownie ingredients plus espresso and mascarpone to create something truly special. The key is using quality espresso powder and real mascarpone cheese for authentic flavor.
What You'll Need
For the Brownies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (or strong instant coffee)
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For the Coffee Soak:
- ¼ cup strong brewed espresso (or coffee), cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur or rum (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Mascarpone Topping:
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Why These Ingredients Matter
Espresso Powder: This is what makes these tiramisu inspired! The espresso powder in the brownies plus the coffee soak creates intense coffee flavor without making them taste bitter for tiramisu brownies tiktok worthy results.
Mascarpone Cheese: Real Italian mascarpone is essential for authentic tiramisu flavor. It's creamier and less tangy than cream cheese. Don't skip it for tiramisu brownies instagram perfection!
Coffee Soak: Brushing coffee onto the warm brownies mimics the coffee soaked ladyfingers in traditional tiramisu. This step is what takes these from brownies to tiramisu brownies for tiramisu recipe authenticity. If you love chocolate desserts, check out my Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes too!
How to Make Tiramisu Brownies
Step by Step Directions
- Preheat and prepare. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment.
- Mix brownie batter. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Add cocoa powder and espresso powder, whisking until no lumps remain. Add flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring gently until just combined. Don't overmix for brownies unique texture!
- Bake brownies. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the edge comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don't overbake or they won't be fudgy for big desserts perfection!
- Make coffee soak. While brownies bake, mix together the cooled espresso, coffee liqueur or rum (if using), and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves for different brownies ideas preparation.
- Soak the brownies. As soon as brownies come out of the oven, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface. Brush the coffee mixture evenly over the hot brownies. Let them soak up the coffee while cooling completely in the pan for dessert recipes for gatherings technique.
- Make mascarpone topping. In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until combined and fluffy for fast sweets recipes ease.
- Assemble. Once brownies are completely cool, spread the mascarpone mixture evenly over the top. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth surface for weekly dessert ideas presentation.
- Dust with cocoa. Using a fine mesh strainer, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Add chocolate shavings if desired for easy recipes to make with friends elegance.
- Chill before serving. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) before cutting into squares. The chilling time is essential for the topping to set properly for bday treats and quick birthday desserts planning!
Hint: Let the brownies cool COMPLETELY before adding the mascarpone topping or the cream will melt and become soupy! Be patient, it's worth the wait for warm brownie dessert idea turned chilled perfection and brownie recipes fancy results!
Top Tip
Don't skip the coffee soak! This is what makes these tiramisu brownies instead of just coffee flavored brownies. The soaked layer creates that signature tiramisu moisture and intense coffee flavor that everyone loves.
Gold Tip: Make these a day ahead! These actually taste better after sitting in the fridge overnight. The flavors meld together and the texture becomes even more incredible. Plus, it's one less thing to do on the day of your party for desserts to try and sympathy desserts preparation!
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made these, Olivia watched me soak the brownies with coffee and said, "Mom, you're ruining them. Why are you pouring coffee on brownies?" I explained it's how you make tiramisu. She was skeptical. When they were done and I cut her a piece, she took one bite and her eyes got huge. "This is AMAZING. It tastes like brownies and coffee cake had a baby."
Now she requests these for every special occasion. Her birthday? Tiramisu brownies. Class party? Tiramisu brownies. Random Tuesday? "Mom, can we make those coffee brownies?" They've become her signature dessert that she brags about to friends. Last week she posted a picture on Instagram with "My mom makes the best tiramisu brownies in the universe" and I screenshot that because sometimes they actually appreciate you. This dessert is her new personality trait.
Substitutions for Tiramisu Brownies
Box Mix Shortcut: For tiramisu brownies with box mix, use a boxed brownie mix and add 2 tablespoons espresso powder to the batter. Follow box directions, then top as directed for quick results!
No Mascarpone: For tiramisu brownies no mascarpone, use 8 ounces softened cream cheese plus 2 tablespoons sour cream. It won't taste exactly the same but still delicious for tiramisu cookies style adaptation!
Eggless Version: For tiramisu brownies eggless, replace each egg with ¼ cup applesauce or mashed banana. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty for tiramisu brownies recept variation!
Variations on Tiramisu Brownies
Irish Cream Version: Replace coffee liqueur with Baileys Irish Cream for an indulgent twist. This creates amazing tiramisu brownies recipe by rosie inspired variations!
White Chocolate: Swirl white chocolate into the brownie batter before baking. Top with white chocolate shavings instead of dark chocolate for brownie recipe creativity.
Extra Boozy: Use ¼ cup rum in the coffee soak and add 2 tablespoons to the mascarpone cream for an adult only dessert. This is perfect for tiramisu brownies near me bakery quality at home. Try my Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bites for another fancy treat!
Equipment for Tiramisu Brownies
8x8 Inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for thick, fudgy brownies with a generous topping layer.
Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal and clean slicing without sticking.
Electric Mixer: Makes whipping the cream and mascarpone smooth and fluffy effortlessly.
Fine Mesh Strainer: For dusting cocoa powder evenly and beautifully on top.
Storage Tips for Tiramisu Brownies
Refrigerator Required: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The mascarpone topping must stay cold or it will spoil!
Freezer: Freeze individual brownies wrapped in plastic wrap, then in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Make Ahead: Make completely up to 2 days ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Dust with fresh cocoa powder right before serving for the prettiest presentation!
Olivia's Tip for Tiramisu Brownies
"Make sure the brownies are totally cool before you put the mascarpone on top. I tried to rush it once and the cream melted everywhere and it was a disaster. Also, use a LOT of cocoa powder on top. Like, you should barely be able to see the white cream underneath. That's how you know you did it right. And definitely let them sit in the fridge overnight because they taste way better the next day!"
FAQ about Tiramisu Brownies
What is the best description of tiramisu?
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that literally means "pick me up" in Italian. It's traditionally made with layers of coffee soaked ladyfinger cookies, mascarpone cheese cream (sometimes mixed with whipped cream and egg yolks), and a dusting of cocoa powder on top. The coffee provides a gentle caffeine boost while the creamy, sweet mascarpone layer balances the bitter coffee and cocoa. These tiramisu brownies capture all those signature flavors but use a fudgy brownie base instead of ladyfingers!
Can kids eat tiramisu brownies?
It depends! Traditional tiramisu contains raw eggs, alcohol, and caffeine, making it less suitable for young children. These tiramisu brownies use cooked eggs in the brownie and no raw eggs in the topping, which is safer. However, they do contain espresso and optional alcohol in the coffee soak. If making for kids, skip the liqueur and use less espresso or decaf coffee. The small amount of caffeine in the espresso powder is generally fine for older kids, but use your judgment based on your child's sensitivity to caffeine!
What are common tiramisu mistakes?
Common mistakes include: (1) using grainy or separated mascarpone (bring to room temp first and beat smooth), (2) overbeating the mascarpone cream (becomes grainy), (3) not soaking the ladyfingers or brownies enough (too dry), (4) soaking too long (mushy), (5) using cold heavy cream (won't whip properly), (6) skipping the chill time (toppings don't set), (7) cutting before fully chilled (messy slices), and (8) using weak coffee (no flavor). Follow recipe instructions carefully for perfect results. Check out 21 Irresistible Ways to Use Leftover Brewed Coffee for more coffee recipes!
Do tiramisu brownies need to be refrigerated?
Yes! Tiramisu brownies MUST be refrigerated because of the mascarpone cheese and whipped cream topping. These dairy products spoil at room temperature. Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving if you prefer them less cold, but don't leave them out for more than 1 to 2 hours. Any leftovers must go back in the fridge immediately. They're actually delicious straight from the fridge, perfectly chilled and creamy!
Conclusion
These Tiramisu Brownies are the ultimate fancy dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours making it but is actually surprisingly simple. The combination of fudgy chocolate brownies, intense coffee flavor, and creamy mascarpone topping creates something truly special. Whether you're making them for a party, a special occasion, or just because you're craving something decadent, these brownies deliver every single time.
If you loved these tiramisu brownies recipe and fancy dessert ideas, you'll want to try my Cocoa Fudge Brownies for a classic version, or check out my Banana Donut Holes for another unique treat. These Tiramisu Brownies will become your go to for impressing guests, special celebrations, and anytime you want to treat yourself to something absolutely delicious!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Tiramisu Brownies:
📖 Recipe
Easy Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Olivia always volunteers to line the pan with parchment, it's her "official baking job," and it makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until glossy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Olivia likes to count the whisk turns like it's a game.
- Whisk in cocoa powder and espresso powder until lump-free. Gently fold in flour, salt, and baking powder just until combined, this keeps the brownies fudgy.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Olivia always peers through the oven window like it's a science experiment.
- Stir espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar until dissolved. I let Olivia stir, this step smells like a cozy café.
- Poke holes in the warm brownies and brush with the coffee soak. This is the secret that turns brownies into tiramisu magic.
- Beat mascarpone cheese until smooth. In another bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to stiff peaks, then gently fold together. Olivia calls this "cloud cream."
- Spread the mascarpone cream over cooled brownies. Dust with cocoa powder, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. Waiting is hard, but worth it.
Nutrition
Notes
- Let brownies cool completely before adding mascarpone or the topping will melt
- Skip the alcohol and use decaf espresso for kid-friendly brownies
- These taste even better the next day after chilling overnight
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months
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