Tiramisu Brownies

Tiramisu Brownies marry the rich, indulgent flavors of a classic Italian dessert with the comforting allure of brownies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fudgy chocolate brownie layered with a smooth, decadent mascarpone cream that teases your taste buds with notes of coffee and cocoa. Each bite is a heavenly blend of textures and flavors, promising to evoke nostalgia while also feeling delightfully modern. This recipe is not only straightforward and quick to make, but it’s also perfect for any gathering, offering a sweet, sophisticated dessert that everyone will love. With its ease and scrumptious appeal, these Tiramisu Brownies are about to become your new go-to treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore Tiramisu Brownies for many reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal fuss while delivering maximum flavor. The dual chocolate and coffee elements bring a delightful complexity, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that feels special without being overly complicated. These brownies are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or family gatherings, where they will undoubtedly be a hit with everyone. Plus, with just one batch you can create a scrumptious dessert that looks impressive yet feels cozy and welcoming. Grab your apron, as you won’t want to miss out on baking this delightful treat!

Ingredients

For the Espresso Brownies:

1 ½ sticks (170g) Unsalted Butter: Rich and creamy, it brings moisture to the brownies.
9 oz (255g) Dark Chocolate, chopped: Deeply aromatic, it forms the luscious base of these brownies.
3 Large Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
1 ¼ cups (250g) White Sugar: Sweetens the brownies, balancing the bitterness of cocoa.
1 ¼ cups (150g) All-Purpose Flour: Gives texture and body to the brownies.
½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant, warm note.
2 tablespoons Espresso Powder: Infuses a rich coffee flavor into the brownies.

For the Mascarpone Cream:

8 oz (225g) Mascarpone, cold: Silky and smooth, it makes for a luxurious topping.
1 cup (240ml) Heavy Whipping Cream, cold: Whips up to create a light, airy texture.
6 tablespoons (45g) Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone cream without grittiness.
¼ cup (60ml) Amaretto (optional): Offers a subtle almond flavor; you can omit for a non-alcoholic version.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cream’s sweetness with an aromatic touch.
Cocoa Powder for dusting: A bittersweet element that adds a final touch of elegance.

Step-by-Step Directions

Make the Brownies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 160°C if using a fan-assisted oven. Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Melt the butter and dark chocolate together in a heatproof bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is thick and pale, which should take about 30 seconds with a hand whisk.
Combine the melted chocolate mixture with the egg and sugar mixture. Add the vanilla extract and mix gently until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Dissolve the espresso powder in a splash of hot water and stir it into the batter, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
Sift in the flour and salt, then gently fold using a spatula until no dry flour remains, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The top should look shiny and dry, and a skewer inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool the brownies completely in the pan before refrigerating until ready to assemble, allowing them to firm up.

Make the Mascarpone Cream

In a mixing bowl, whip together the mascarpone, powdered sugar, Amaretto (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, being cautious not to over-whip and create butter.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined, creating a light and airy cream.

Assemble the Tiramisu Brownies

Remove the chilled brownies from the pan and peel off the parchment paper carefully.
Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the brownie base, or if feeling creative, pipe dollops using a piping bag fitted with a round tip for a decorative touch.
Dust generously with cocoa powder to finish off your delightful creation.
Slice into 16 equal squares and serve to share this lovely treat.

Tips & Tricks

Ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of coffee extract to the brownie batter for a stronger coffee punch.
To make sure your brownies are perfectly fudgy, check for doneness a minute or two early; they’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
If you like a more intense chocolate flavor, opt for high-quality dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content or more.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Tiramisu Brownies shine as a standalone dessert, but they can also be presented artfully on a platter alongside fresh berries or whipped cream for an elegant touch. Consider pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a glass of milk to complement the robustness of the flavors. They’re perfect for cozy family gatherings, birthdays, or as a sweet end to a dinner party.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Tiramisu Brownies offers approximately 250 calories, with nutritional values like 33g carbohydrates, 15g fat, and 3g protein. Balance is key; enjoy these brownies as an occasional treat while focusing on an overall healthy diet.

Storing Tips & Variations

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and store for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy. Want to switch things up? Try adding a layer of caramel sauce between the brownie and mascarpone cream, or fold in crushed nuts for added texture.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Brownies are effortlessly indulgent and deeply satisfying, offering a perfect blend of chocolate and coffee flavors that everyone will adore. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share your baking triumph. You won’t just be satisfying your sweet tooth; you’ll be creating memories in the kitchen that you and your loved ones will cherish forever. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chocolate chips instead of chocolate bars?

Yes, chocolate chips can be substituted, but be mindful that they may result in a slight variation in texture. It’s best to use high-quality chocolate chips for optimum flavor.

2. How do I know when the brownies are baked perfectly?

Look for a shiny, dry top, and a skewer inserted into the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.

3. Is there a non-dairy option for the mascarpone cream?

You could substitute the mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream for a dairy-free option.

4. What’s the best way to serve these brownies?

You can serve them chilled or at room temperature. They are delightful on their own, but adding whipped cream or fresh berries can elevate the presentation.

5. Can I prepare the brownie base ahead of time?

Absolutely! The brownie base can be made a day prior, just refrigerate and bring it back to room temperature when ready to assemble with the mascarpone cream.

Tiramisu Brownies