Tiramisu brownies are the dessert mashup you didn’t know you needed until now. Rich, fudgy espresso brownies meet creamy mascarpone topping in this delicious fusion of two beloved treats. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself on a quiet weekend, these layered bars deliver deep chocolate flavor, bold coffee notes, and a silky finish that captures the essence of classic tiramisu.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make tiramisu brownies step by step, from the dense brownie base to the whipped espresso mascarpone cream. You’ll also get expert answers to common questions like “Do tiramisu brownies need to be refrigerated?” and “What is the cream in tiramisu called?”, plus helpful tips for substitutions and storage. This is your go-to guide for one of the most satisfying and elegant desserts you can make at home.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Story Behind Tiramisu Brownies & How They Bring Two Worlds Together
Where It All Started: My Twist on Tradition
Some recipes are born out of curiosity, others out of cravings. Tiramisu brownies came from both. Growing up in NYC, I watched my grandmother whip up trays of rich brownies with zero stress and endless heart. Years later, during a trip to Little Italy, I tasted my first authentic tiramisu creamy, bold with espresso, and dusted in cocoa. That flavor combo stuck with me.
One night, while prepping brownies for a friend’s dinner, I thought what if I brought those tiramisu notes into this fudgy base? A few trials later, tiramisu brownies were born. They’re bold. They’re balanced. And they truly offer the best of both worlds: rich cocoa with that signature creamy espresso bite on top.
What Makes These Tiramisu Brownies So Special?
The magic of tiramisu brownies lies in their layers. The base is a chewy espresso-infused brownie made with bittersweet chocolate and both dark brown and granulated sugar. This gives the base depth, sweetness, and just the right chew. Then comes the mascarpone layer, blended with heavy cream, espresso, and vanilla bean. It’s soft, silky, and so reminiscent of traditional tiramisu you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful.
They’re ideal for birthdays, dinner parties, or when you’re just craving something that feels special but doesn’t take hours.
Ready to dive into the details of these incredible tiramisu brownies? Next up: how to master each layer, from espresso brownie base to fluffy cream topping.
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Tiramisu Brownies: Simple, Creamy, and Fudgy in Every Bite
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 brownies 1x
Description
Tiramisu brownies combine fudgy espresso brownie base with whipped mascarpone cream and cocoa powder topping. A delicious twist on two classic desserts.
Ingredients
Espresso Brownies:
1 cup salted butter
14 oz 70% bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened dutch cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
5 large eggs
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp DeLallo instant espresso powder
Espresso Cream:
8 oz mascarpone
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
1 tbsp DeLallo instant espresso powder
Dusting:
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line and butter a 9×13” baking dish.
2. Melt butter, stir in chocolate until smooth. Let cool.
3. Sift cocoa powder, flour, and espresso powder together.
4. Whip eggs, sugars, vanilla, and salt until thick and pale.
5. Fold in cooled chocolate. Gently fold in dry mix until just combined.
6. Pour into pan and smooth top. Bake about 25 minutes until top is set but center is soft.
7. Cool completely before adding cream.
8. Whip mascarpone and cream until smooth.
9. Add sugar, vanilla, salt, and espresso powder. Beat to soft peaks.
10. Spread cream evenly over brownies.
11. Dust with cocoa powder, chill, slice, and serve.
Notes
Best stored in fridge for up to 4 days.
Wrap tightly to freeze for up to 2 months.
Use a warm knife for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
The Espresso Brownie Base: Building Rich Flavor and Fudgy Texture
Choosing the Right Chocolate & Espresso Blend
What makes tiramisu brownies stand out is the deep flavor built from the bottom up. The base layer isn’t just any brownie it’s a dense, moist, espresso-kissed version that gets its richness from quality ingredients. For the best results, use 70% bittersweet chocolate, unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa, and DeLallo instant espresso powder. This trio creates that bold chocolate depth with a smooth coffee finish.
The espresso doesn’t overpower it highlights the chocolate. And by using both dark brown sugar and granulated sugar, the brownie texture turns chewy in the middle with crisp edges. That balance is key. You’ll want to sift the cocoa, espresso, and flour together for even mixing and a smoother batter. This also helps avoid dry pockets and preserves the brownie’s signature bite.
Once the batter is mixed, it should be thick and glossy. Don’t overmix after adding flour. That’s how you keep the batter rich, not tough.
Baking for the Perfect Fudgy Center
To lock in that soft, fudgy center, bake at 350°F and don’t rely on the toothpick method. These brownies are done when the top looks just cracked and the center feels soft to the touch. It might seem underdone, but that’s exactly right. Overbaking will ruin the dense bite you want in tiramisu brownies.
Line your baking pan with parchment and butter well to lift the brownies out cleanly. Once baked, let them cool fully before adding the espresso cream layer. This step is critical if the brownies are warm, the cream will melt.
Creamy Mascarpone Layer: The Signature of Tiramisu Brownies
Making the Espresso Cream Light, Fluffy & Flavorful
Once your brownie base is cool, it’s time to layer on what gives tiramisu brownies their name the espresso mascarpone cream. This layer mimics classic tiramisu but skips the ladyfingers for a more structured, sliceable dessert. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and infused with just the right kick of coffee.
Start by beating mascarpone cheese and cold heavy cream until smooth. Mascarpone is essential here—it offers a mild richness that cream cheese just can’t match. Then add a touch of sugar, a pinch of salt, espresso powder, and vanilla bean paste. Don’t skip the vanilla it adds warmth and rounds out the flavor. Whip just until soft peaks form. Overmixing can break the cream, so watch closely.
The cream should hold shape but still spread easily. When you spoon it over the brownie base, use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer.
Cocoa Dusting & Flavor Balance
Now comes the final touch: dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. This ties the whole dessert back to traditional tiramisu. A fine mesh sieve works best gently tap it over the surface until it’s evenly coated.
At this point, your tiramisu brownies are ready to chill. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes so the cream sets. This also makes them easier to slice cleanly. You’ll notice how the bitter cocoa, creamy layer, and espresso brownie hit all the right notes bittersweet, smooth, and slightly bold.
Storing, Serving & Customizing Your Tiramisu Brownies
How to Store Tiramisu Brownies for Freshness
One of the best parts about tiramisu brownies is how well they keep. Since the mascarpone layer includes cream and cheese, these bars need to be refrigerated. Once assembled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days.
For longer storage, wrap the whole slab (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container. These brownies freeze beautifully for up to two months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture and flavor stay rich and creamy nothing lost.
Customizing for Guests or Holidays
Want to make tiramisu brownies even more festive? Add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the mascarpone cream for a grown-up version. Just a tablespoon is enough to echo the taste of traditional tiramisu.
You can also top them with dark chocolate curls or chocolate-covered espresso beans for extra flair. Around the holidays, dust them with cinnamon and cocoa for a warm twist. These bars work well on dessert platters or as the star of a small dinner gathering.
Every slice delivers flavor, comfort, and a touch of elegance just the way homemade dessert should.
Conclusion
Tiramisu brownies bring together the best of two iconic desserts rich, fudgy chocolate and smooth, creamy espresso. They’re bold, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, prepping ahead for guests, or just need something comforting and sweet, this recipe fits right in.
You don’t need fancy tools or endless time just a few good ingredients and a love for bold flavor. From the chewy espresso base to the whipped mascarpone topping, these brownies deliver everything tiramisu fans adore. And if you’ve got a spoon and a clock, you’ve got what it takes
FAQ About Tiramisu Brownies
Do tiramisu brownies need to be refrigerated ?
Yes, tiramisu brownies must be refrigerated because of the mascarpone cream topping. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’re best served chilled for that creamy texture contrast.
What flavors pair well with tiramisu ?
Tiramisu flavors pair beautifully with dark chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and even a splash of coffee liqueur. In tiramisu brownies, the bittersweet chocolate and espresso are already working together, so flavors like hazelnut or dark cherry can also be great additions.
What is the brownie topping in tiramisu ?
In tiramisu brownies, the topping is a light mascarpone espresso cream. It mimics the traditional tiramisu filling and is finished with a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder for that signature touch.
What is the cream in tiramisu called ?
The cream in tiramisu is typically a mascarpone-based mixture. In this recipe, it’s made with mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, vanilla, and espresso powder to create a fluffy, coffee-infused topping that completes the tiramisu brownies.
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