Before we dive into the delightful realm of tiramisu brownies, let’s talk about what you could have alongside them. A strong cup of coffee or a rich espresso makes an excellent match. The bitterness of the coffee beautifully balances the sweetness of the brownies.
If you’re in the mood for something cool, whipped cream with a hint of vanilla can also complement these brownies quite nicely.
You might even consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess contrasts perfectly with the fudgy texture of the brownies.
If you’re feeling adventurous, how about a glass of dessert wine or sweet dessert liqueur like Amaretto? The almond flavors will echo the notes in the tiramisu, enhancing the experience altogether.
Now, let's dig in.
Tiramisu brownies are a delightful fusion of two classic desserts. Imagine the moist, fudgy base of a brownie, heightened with rich coffee flavors and layered with a creamy mascarpone mixture.
This dessert captures the essence of tiramisu while delivering the beloved brownie's chewy richness. It offers complex flavors that hit all the right notes—sweet, bitter, creamy, and indulgent.
These brownies are not just about taste; they tell a story. They encapsulate celebrations, gatherings, and warm evenings spent with friends. A plate of these brownies invites conversation and laughter.
The beauty of this tiramisu brownie recipe lies in its originality. While traditional tiramisu relies on ladyfingers to absorb espresso, this version integrates the coffee flavor directly into the brownie mix. This approach creates a wonderfully intense chocolate base with subtle notes of espresso in every bite.
Furthermore, unlike many recipes that use a heavy layer of whipped cream on top, this recipe incorporates a creamy mascarpone filling right into the brownie.
This creamy layer adds a deliciously soft contrast to the dense, chewy brownie, ensuring every bite has a variety of textures and flavors.
Taste is often subjective, but I can tell you this: these tiramisu brownies are nothing short of heavenly. The initial bite greets you with the richness of chocolate. That's quickly followed by a robust coffee flavor, punctuated by the creamy cheer of the mascarpone.
Finally, the light dusting of cocoa adds a slight bitterness that rounds off the sweetness. In simple terms, every bite is a celebration.
I remember sharing these brownies at a gathering. The first person to try one paused for a moment, closed their eyes, and sighed— that satisfied sigh that tells you everything about how good a dessert can be.
Here’s a concise list emphasizing the ingredients required for the perfect tiramisu brownies:
Espresso Brownies:
Espresso Cream:
Dusting:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly. I often find that a well-preheated oven can make a significant difference in the texture of baked goods.
In a large, heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and salted butter. Place this bowl over a pot of simmering water (also known as a double boiler), stirring frequently until both the chocolate and butter have melted together. Once smooth, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
This step is crucial. You don’t want the eggs to scramble when you mix them in next!
Once the chocolate and butter have cooled, whisk in the golden caster sugar and dark brown sugar. Then, open up five eggs. Add them to the mixture one at a time, whisking to combine after each addition.
The goal is to incorporate air, which will result in a soft texture. Add in your tablespoon of vanilla extract, and give one last good whisk!
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sea salt, instant espresso powder, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sift these dry ingredients together to avoid any lumps. Gradually add the dry mixture into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold until just combined.
Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. For the best results, perform the toothpick test—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
While the brownies are baking, you can prepare the espresso cream. In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, superfine sugar, pink salt, vanilla bean paste, and espresso powder.
Using a hand mixer, whip this mixture until it forms soft peaks. This step provides that lush creaminess in your brownies.
Once your brownies are done baking, take them out and let them cool completely in the pan. When they’ve cooled, gently spread the espresso cream over the brownies, making sure it’s even throughout.
Finally, dust your brownies with unsweetened cocoa powder and powdered sugar. This adds a delightful finishing touch. Cover them and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. This cooling process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you that “wow” factor when you serve them.
Allow the tiramisu brownies to cool completely. Once cool, cover them with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. They can last in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. However, good luck keeping them around that long!
For longer storage, consider freezing them. Slice the brownies into individual servings, wrap them in plastic, and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
They’ll keep for up to three months. When you need one, simply let it thaw at room temperature or pop it into the microwave for a couple of seconds.
Here are five suggestions for substitutions:
Tiramisu brownies are a decadent dessert that combines several layers of flavor and texture. They are an experience, not just a recipe. From the rich chocolate base to the creamy espresso layer and that dusting of cocoa — each component adds to the overall delight.
Remember, baking is not just about following a recipe; it's about sharing joy. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner pastry chef, and treat your loved ones to something uniquely delicious. They might just applaud your culinary creativity!
As fall rolls in and friends gather, why not whip up a batch? Tiramisu brownies are bound to impress—just like that original tiramisu did at that Italian restaurant. Your gathering might just become legendary, one brownie at a time. Enjoy!
I remember the first time I tasted tiramisu. It was during a family celebration, a plush Italian restaurant where every bite felt like a mini-vacation to Italy.
As I savored that luscious layered dessert, the wheels in my mind started turning — what if I combined the indulgent flavors of tiramisu with the richness of brownies?
Thus began my journey into creating tiramisu brownies, a dessert that marries the aspects of both.
The idea of tiramisu brownies is intoxicating. Picture this: fudgy chocolate brownies interspersed with a creamy espresso mascarpone layer, all dusted with cocoa. It’s like a love affair between two beloved desserts.
Join me as I share how to make these decadent treats, along with some tips, nutrition facts, and even answers to some common questions surrounding this dessert.
In a large, heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and salted butter. Place this bowl over a pot of simmering water (also known as a double boiler), stirring frequently until both the chocolate and butter have melted together. Once smooth, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
This step is crucial. You don’t want the eggs to scramble when you mix them in next!
Once the chocolate and butter have cooled, whisk in the golden caster sugar and dark brown sugar. Then, open up five eggs. Add them to the mixture one at a time, whisking to combine after each addition.
The goal is to incorporate air, which will result in a soft texture. Add in your tablespoon of vanilla extract, and give one last good whisk!
While the brownies are baking, you can prepare the espresso cream. In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, superfine sugar, pink salt, vanilla bean paste, and espresso powder.
Using a hand mixer, whip this mixture until it forms soft peaks. This step provides that lush creaminess in your brownies.
Servings 10
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I'm Rachel Ortiz, a registered dietitian and the creator of Treat Indulgently. I combine my love for nutrition and indulgent, satisfying recipes to show you how to enjoy rich, flavorful meals while still making mindful choices. Join me as we celebrate the joy of cooking and treating yourself!