Name: Tiramisu Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 cup (227 g) salted butter; 14 ounces 70% bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped; 1/2 cup (60 g) unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder; 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour; 5 large eggs; 1 cup (140 g) packed dark brown sugar; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt (½ teaspoon if iodized); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon (30 ml) DeLallo instant espresso powder; 8 oz mascarpone cheese; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste; 1 tablespoon (30 ml) DeLallo instant espresso powder; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 86 reviews

If you adore both brownies and tiramisu, you are in for such a treat with this Tiramisu Brownies Recipe! This delightful dessert artfully combines rich, fudgy espresso-flavored brownies with a creamy mascarpone espresso topping, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder that mimics the classic tiramisu look and taste. The layers balance intense chocolate and coffee flavors with a luscious, velvety cream, creating a dessert perfect for any occasion. I promise, once you try this, it will become one of your all-time favorite go-to recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for baking laid out on a white marbled surface. There is a blue and green bowl filled with dark brown oval chocolate pieces at the top right. Below it, a dark bowl holds five brown eggs. Next to the eggs is a white bowl with a powdery white ingredient, likely flour. A small green bowl contains white salt, placed near a stick of yellow butter. A small green bowl holds dark brown liquid, probably vanilla extract. A glass measuring cup contains a small amount of thick cream. Another white bowl is filled with dark brown cocoa powder, and a larger bowl has brown and white granulated sugars. A round white bowl contains thick white cream or sour cream. At the top left, a small jar of instant espresso powder is present. All items are arranged neatly with no clutter, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Tiramisu Brownies Recipe uses straightforward, high-quality ingredients that each add their own magic. From bittersweet chocolate to espresso powder, every component enhances the flavor, texture, or appearance and comes together seamlessly.

Salted butter: Provides rich moisture and balances bittersweet chocolate perfectly.
70% bittersweet chocolate: Adds depth and intense chocolate flavor essential for fudgy brownies.
Unsweetened dutch cocoa powder: Contributes a dark, complex cocoa taste and helps with texture.
All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to our brownies without weighing them down.
Large eggs: Incorporate air and help bind ingredients to achieve that perfect brownie crumb.
Dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and a touch of caramel flavor to complement the espresso notes.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the brownie’s tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the coffee and chocolate flavors.
DeLallo instant espresso powder: Imparts a vibrant coffee punch that defines this tiramisu-inspired dessert.
Mascarpone cheese: The creamy heart of the espresso cream layer, authentic to tiramisu’s character.
Heavy cream: Whipped into the mascarpone for a light and airy texture in the topping.
Cocoa powder (for dusting): Adds a visually stunning finishing touch and an extra layer of cocoa flavor.

How to Make Tiramisu Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Espresso Brownie Batter

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and preparing your baking dish with butter and parchment paper. Melt the salted butter gently on the stovetop and stir in the chopped bittersweet chocolate until smooth and glossy. Set this luscious chocolate mixture aside to cool. While it cools, sift together the flour, dutch cocoa powder, and espresso powder to keep everything light and well combined.

Step 2: Whip the Eggs and Sugars

With a mixer, beat the eggs along with the dark brown and granulated sugars, salt, and vanilla on high speed until the mixture becomes thick and pale, falling from the beaters in ribbons. This aeration is key to giving your brownies a wonderfully tender crumb with just the right lift.

Step 3: Combine Chocolate Mixture and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture using a rubber spatula, preserving as much air as possible. Then, swiftly but delicately fold in the sifted dry ingredients to keep the batter light. Pour this rich, espresso-infused batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly.

Step 4: Bake and Cool the Brownies

Bake the brownies until their surface shows a slight crack and feels soft to the touch, about 25 minutes. Don’t rush this step — the baking time is crucial to achieve that fudgy center while still letting the espresso flavors shine.

Step 5: Prepare the Espresso Cream

While the brownies cool completely on a wire rack, whip together the mascarpone and heavy cream in a large bowl until just combined. Then add sugar, salt, vanilla bean paste, and espresso powder, whipping further until soft peaks form. This luscious mixture will bring the tiramisu flair to your brownies.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tiramisu Brownies Recipe

Spread the espresso cream evenly over the cooled brownies. Using a fine mesh sieve, dust the top generously with cocoa powder to replicate that classic tiramisu finish. Refrigerate briefly if you’d like the cream slightly firmer before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Tiramisu Brownies Recipe

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a square piece of dessert with three distinct layers: a dark brown, thick, moist-looking bottom layer, a smooth, light beige middle layer, and a dark brown top layer dusted evenly with cocoa powder. The dessert piece is lifted above a white marbled surface where the rest of the dessert is cut into equal square pieces, showing the same three layers with a slightly irregular cocoa powder dusting around the edges. A jar with a dark lid is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint add a lovely pop of color and brightness, balancing the richness. You can also get creative with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of finely chopped dark chocolate for a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream pairs beautifully with these brownies, softening the espresso punch and enhancing the creamy contrast. A cup of freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino makes the perfect beverage companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your tiramisu brownies in elegant individual glass cups layered with additional espresso cream for a dessert parfait style. Alternatively, cut into small bite-sized squares and arrange on a platter dusted with cocoa powder for a sophisticated party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover tiramisu brownies stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

This Tiramisu Brownies Recipe freezes well! Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

Because of the delicate espresso cream, it’s best to enjoy these brownies chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warm, briefly microwave for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to soften the cream too much.

FAQs

Can I use regular instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

While instant coffee can work, espresso powder is concentrated and gives a richer, more intense flavor that’s essential for capturing the true essence of tiramisu brownies.

Is it necessary to use mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone provides the signature creamy texture and mild tang of tiramisu cream. Cream cheese is a possible substitute, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures 1:1. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best texture.

How long should I let the espresso brownies cool before adding the cream?

Brownies should be completely cooled, usually around 30 minutes, before topping with espresso cream. This helps prevent melting and maintains a beautiful layered appearance.

Can I prepare the espresso cream the day before?

Absolutely! Prepare the espresso cream ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Whip it again briefly before spreading if it has slightly softened or separated.

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu Brownies Recipe is truly a celebration of two classic desserts coming together to create something irresistibly delicious. With every bite, the rich chocolate and coffee flavors wrapped in a velvety mascarpone cream are bound to win you over. I can’t wait for you to try it and add this indulgent treat to your favorite dessert lineup!