Rich, fudgy brownies infused with coffee and topped with a creamy mascarpone layer — the best of tiramisu and brownies in one bite.
📋 Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Author: Judy Wilson
- Diet: Vegetarian
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temp)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp instant coffee granules
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp cocoa powder (for dusting)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Make Batter: Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add Dry Mix: Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold into wet mixture.
- Add Coffee: Dissolve instant coffee in brewed coffee. Mix into batter.
- Bake: Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely.
- Mascarpone Layer: Beat mascarpone and powdered sugar until creamy. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Finish: Dust with cocoa powder. Slice and serve chilled.
🌟 Notes & Tips
- Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
- Let brownies cool fully before adding mascarpone to prevent melting.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🍮 Introduction
If tiramisu and brownies had a love child, this would be it. These Tiramisu Brownies combine rich, coffee-infused fudgy brownies with a creamy, slightly tangy mascarpone topping. Finished with a dusting of cocoa, they’re indulgent, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or when you just want to treat yourself.
☕ Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
- Coffee: Strong brewed coffee + instant coffee = bold, authentic flavor. Espresso works too.
- Mascarpone: Can be swapped with cream cheese for a tangier twist.
- Flour: Use cake flour for a slightly lighter texture.
- Cocoa Powder: Dutch-process cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor.
🍽 Variations & Serving Ideas
- Tiramisu-Style Layers: Brush the baked brownie with extra coffee before adding mascarpone.
- Boozy Version: Add 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) to the mascarpone mix.
- Mini Desserts: Bake in a muffin tin for individual brownie cups.
- Extra Indulgence: Top with shaved dark chocolate or chocolate-covered espresso beans.
🥡 Storage & Make Ahead
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze brownies (without mascarpone) for up to 2 months. Add topping after thawing.
- Make Ahead: Bake brownies a day before and add mascarpone layer before serving.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use decaf coffee?
Yes — it gives the same flavor without the caffeine.
Q: Can I skip the mascarpone layer?
Sure, but you’ll miss the tiramisu vibe. The brownies alone are still fudgy and delicious.
Q: How do I cut clean slices?
Chill brownies for at least 1 hour and wipe your knife between cuts.
