There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and velvety mascarpone. Brownie Tiramisu is the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts—fudgy brownies and the classic Italian tiramisu. Imagine sinking your fork into layers of dense, chocolatey brownies soaked in a coffee-infused mixture, topped with a light and airy mascarpone cream, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s indulgent, comforting, and irresistibly delicious
This dessert is perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Unlike traditional tiramisu, which uses ladyfingers, this version swaps them for chewy, chocolate-packed brownies, adding a decadent twist to the original. Whether you’re a tiramisu lover or a brownie enthusiast, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The best of both worlds – Fudgy brownies meet creamy, coffee-infused tiramisu for a dreamy dessert.
- Make-ahead friendly – This dessert tastes even better after chilling, making it perfect for preparing in advance.
- No raw eggs – Many tiramisu recipes use raw eggs, but this version skips them while still achieving that silky texture.
- Rich and indulgent – Each bite is packed with deep chocolate flavor, creamy mascarpone, and a hint of coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Layer:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 cup (240g) mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Soak:
- ½ cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For Topping:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
How to Make Brownie Tiramisu
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, then whisk in the sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is light and glossy.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the brownies soft and fudgy.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before assembling the tiramisu.
Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Soak
While the brownies are cooling, brew a strong cup of coffee. Stir in a tablespoon of sugar while it’s still warm, then let it cool completely. This will be used to infuse the brownies with a classic tiramisu flavor.
Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Cream
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate it. This will give the cream a light, airy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu
Once the brownies are completely cool, cut them in half horizontally, creating two thin layers. If your brownies are too delicate to slice, you can also cut them into squares and layer them like a puzzle.
Place the first brownie layer in a serving dish or trifle dish. Brush a generous amount of the cooled coffee soak over the brownies, allowing them to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy.
Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the soaked brownies. Repeat with the second brownie layer, adding more coffee soak and topping with the remaining mascarpone cream.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Before serving, dust the top with a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder and, if desired, sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder – This enhances the chocolate flavor in the brownies, making them extra rich.
- Chill for the best results – Letting the tiramisu sit in the fridge allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to set properly.
- Don’t over-soak the brownies – A light brush of coffee is enough to infuse the tiramisu flavor without making the brownies soggy.
- Make individual servings – Instead of a large dish, assemble the tiramisu in small glasses or jars for a beautiful presentation.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- If mascarpone cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before mixing.
- You can adjust the coffee strength to your preference—espresso works great for a bolder flavor.
- For an extra chocolatey experience, drizzle melted chocolate between the layers.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. You can make it up to 2 days in advance.
Can I use store-bought brownies?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made brownies, but homemade brownies will give the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of mascarpone?
If you don’t have mascarpone, you can mix equal parts cream cheese and heavy cream as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly tangier.
How do I keep my mascarpone cream from curdling?
Make sure your mascarpone and heavy cream are cold before whipping. Over-mixing can also cause the cream to break, so stop as soon as soft peaks form.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly. If you do, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
Brownie Tiramisu is a heavenly dessert that combines the best of two worlds—dense, fudgy brownies and creamy, coffee-infused tiramisu. It’s simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a tiramisu purist or a brownie lover, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
Print
Brownie Tiramisu
Description
There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and velvety mascarpone. Brownie Tiramisu is the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts—fudgy brownies and the classic Italian tiramisu. Imagine sinking your fork into layers of dense, chocolatey brownies soaked in a coffee-infused mixture, topped with a light and airy mascarpone cream, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s indulgent, comforting, and irresistibly delicious.
This dessert is perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Unlike traditional tiramisu, which uses ladyfingers, this version swaps them for chewy, chocolate-packed brownies, adding a decadent twist to the original. Whether you’re a tiramisu lover or a brownie enthusiast, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 cup (240g) mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Soak:
- ½ cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For Topping:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, then whisk in the sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is light and glossy.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the brownies soft and fudgy.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before assembling the tiramisu.
Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Soak
While the brownies are cooling, brew a strong cup of coffee. Stir in a tablespoon of sugar while it’s still warm, then let it cool completely. This will be used to infuse the brownies with a classic tiramisu flavor.
Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Cream
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate it. This will give the cream a light, airy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu
Once the brownies are completely cool, cut them in half horizontally, creating two thin layers. If your brownies are too delicate to slice, you can also cut them into squares and layer them like a puzzle.
Place the first brownie layer in a serving dish or trifle dish. Brush a generous amount of the cooled coffee soak over the brownies, allowing them to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy.
Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the soaked brownies. Repeat with the second brownie layer, adding more coffee soak and topping with the remaining mascarpone cream.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Before serving, dust the top with a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder and, if desired, sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Notes
- If mascarpone cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before mixing.
- You can adjust the coffee strength to your preference—espresso works great for a bolder flavor.
- For an extra chocolatey experience, drizzle melted chocolate between the layers.
