If you’ve ever dreamed of indulging in the classic flavors of Italian tiramisu but crave the fudgy, chocolatey satisfaction of a brownie, then this Tiramisu Brownies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining a rich, gooey chocolate base with a luscious coffee-infused mascarpone topping, these brownies marry the best of two desserts into one unforgettable experience. Whether served at a dinner party or as a decadent treat to brighten your day, this recipe delivers layers of velvety texture and bold flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in crafting the perfect balance of fudgy decadence and creamy richness. Each element adds texture, flavor, and that authentic tiramisu touch you’ll fall in love with.
- Unsalted butter (113 g): Provides a smooth, rich base and helps create that fudgy brownie texture.
- Dark chocolate (200 g): The star of the brownie, delivering that deep, intense chocolate flavor.
- Brown sugar (100 g): Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes for depth.
- Granulated sugar (50 g): Balances sweetness and aids in the structure of the brownies.
- Eggs (3): Bind everything together and contribute to the fudgy consistency.
- All-purpose flour (90 g, sifted): Provides the necessary structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Brings warmth and rounds out the chocolate and coffee components.
- Espresso or instant coffee (2 shots): Infuses that unmistakable coffee punch essential to the tiramisu theme.
- Mascarpone cheese (250 g, room temperature): Creates the creamy, smooth topping that defines the tiramisu flavor.
- Heavy cream (240 ml): Whipped into the mascarpone for lightness and volume.
- Sugar (50 g): Sweetens the mascarpone layer just right.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the cream’s sweetness.
- Espresso powder (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the coffee flavor in the mascarpone cream.
- Cocoa powder (for dusting): Adds that classic bittersweet finish.
How to Make Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8 or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until silky and smooth. This luscious chocolate mixture is the heart of your brownies and sets the stage for incredible richness.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Eggs
Blend both the brown and granulated sugars into the melted chocolate while it’s still warm. Then, add the vanilla extract for a gentle aromatic boost. Next, whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step creates the structure and chewiness loved in a great brownie.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour and salt, then gently fold it into your chocolate mixture. Be careful not to overmix — you want just enough to bring everything together while keeping that dense, fudgy texture.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the surface. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs. This ensures an indulgently gooey center.
Step 5: Infuse with Espresso
Once your brownies come out of the oven, use a skewer or fork to poke holes across the top. Pour the two shots of espresso evenly over the warm brownies to soak through, infusing them with that essential coffee flavor that screams ‘tiramisu.’ Set aside to cool completely at room temperature.
Step 6: Make the Mascarpone Cream Topping
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and heavy cream for about 30 seconds until blended. Add the espresso powder and sugar, then continue whisking for 2 to 3 minutes until you reach stiff peaks—this fluffy cream beautifully mimics the classic tiramisu topping and adds a velvety finish.
Step 7: Assemble and Dust
Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the cooled brownies, smoothing the surface gently. Finish by dusting the top with cocoa powder through a sieve, giving the classic tiramisu look and that slight bitterness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
How to Serve Tiramisu Brownies Recipe

Garnishes
Sprinkle a few coffee beans or chocolate shavings on top for a decorative touch. A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can also amp up the decadence and give your brownies an elegant presentation that’s perfect for impressing guests.
Side Dishes
Serve your tiramisu brownies with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to add a refreshing contrast. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side makes this dessert feel even more indulgent and balances the rich, creamy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into small squares and stack them in a glass jar layered with additional espresso-dipped ladyfingers or crushed amaretti cookies to mimic tiramisu’s layered effect. You can also turn them into mini parfaits by layering brownie chunks, mascarpone cream, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder in small glasses for a show-stopping dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your tiramisu brownies tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more, which makes every bite rich with coffee and chocolate bliss.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these delights later, you can freeze the brownies after they’ve been assembled but before dusting with cocoa powder. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and dust with cocoa before serving.
Reheating
Since these brownies are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature due to the creamy mascarpone topping, avoid microwaving. If you prefer them slightly warmer, bring them to room temperature out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors truly shine.
FAQs
Can I use a brownie mix for this Tiramisu Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, use your favorite boxed brownie mix and follow the remaining steps to add the coffee soak and mascarpone topping. It’s an easy shortcut without sacrificing flavor!
Do I need espresso shots or can I use instant coffee?
Either works perfectly. Brewed espresso shots add a richer flavor, but instant coffee dissolved in a little water is a great and accessible alternative that still delivers that characteristic coffee kick.
Why is mascarpone necessary in this recipe?
Mascarpone is key to mimicking the authentic tiramisu flavor and texture. Its creamy, slightly tangy richness balances the chocolate and coffee flavors and gives the topping that smooth, luscious feel.
Can I add alcohol to enhance the tiramisu flavor?
Yes! For an adult twist, drizzle the brownies with a little Marsala wine, Amaretto, dark rum, or brandy after baking. It adds a depth of flavor that echoes the traditional tiramisu experience beautifully.
How do I get clean, neat brownie slices?
Keep a cup of warm water and a clean cloth handy. Dip your knife in the warm water and wipe it clean after each cut. This helps prevent the creamy topping and fudgy brownies from sticking to the knife for perfect presentation.
Final Thoughts
These tiramisu brownies offer a spectacular combination of two beloved desserts, creating a rich, creamy, and chocolatey treat that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, the Tiramisu Brownies Recipe will quickly become a treasured favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and get ready to delight your taste buds with every heavenly bite!
Print
Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies (3×3 grid in 8 or 9-inch pan) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
These Tiramisu Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a creamy, coffee-flavored mascarpone topping inspired by traditional Italian tiramisu. Finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, they make a decadent dessert that elegantly blends American and Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 113 g unsalted butter
- 200 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 100 g brown sugar
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 90 g all-purpose flour, sifted
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 shots espresso or instant coffee
Mascarpone Cream
- 250 g mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 240 ml heavy cream
- 50 g sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons espresso powder
For Garnish
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 or 9-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of brownies.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Place chopped dark chocolate and butter in a bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Mix Sugars: Stir the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the melted chocolate mixture until combined and smooth.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to fully incorporate.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour and a pinch of salt, then gently fold or whisk into the wet mixture until fully combined without overmixing.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Add Espresso: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven. Poke holes all over the surface with a skewer or fork, then pour the prepared espresso shots evenly over the brownies. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare Mascarpone Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and heavy cream for about 30 seconds to blend.
- Whisk in Flavor and Sugar: Add espresso powder, sugar, and salt to the mascarpone mixture. Whisk vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes until stiff peaks form and the cream is light and airy.
- Assemble: Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the cooled brownies, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Garnish: Using a fine sieve, dust the top generously with cocoa powder to complete the classic tiramisu look.
- Serve: Carefully lift the brownies from the pan by the parchment paper. Peel it away, cut the brownies into equal-sized squares, and serve.
Notes
- Alcohol: To enhance traditional tiramisu flavors, soak the brownies with Marsala wine, Sambuca, Amaretto, dark rum, or brandy before adding the mascarpone cream.
- Brownie Shortcut: Use a high-quality brownie mix for the base to save preparation time, then follow the espresso soaking and mascarpone topping steps.
- Slicing: For clean brownie slices, keep a cup of warm water and a paper towel nearby. Dip a sharp knife in warm water and wipe it clean between cuts.
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