Tiramisu Brownies

Tiramisu can be served for any reason, whether you need something sweet after a fancy dinner or a make-ahead treat that can sit in the fridge while you’re spending time with company. These tiramisu brownies draw inspiration from the classic dessert, combining the qualities of chewy, fudgy brownies and the rich flavors of tiramisu to make an ideal mash-up food.

Espresso powder enhances the richness of the brownies, mascarpone frosting makes them decadent, and a dusting of baking cocoa dresses them up even further.

Ingredients for Tiramisu Brownies

• Granulated sugar: Sugar creates the base of sweetness in the brownie batter.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a depth of flavor while playing a small role in the chewiness of the brownies. You can use either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, depending on what you have on hand.
• Butter: Use melted unsalted butter for rich texture and flavor in this tiramisu brownie recipe.
• Canola oil: Canola oil adds extra moisture to the brownies, although you can swap it for vegetable oil if needed.
• Eggs: Incorporate three eggs to help the brownies rise while baking.
• Vanilla extract: Enhance the flavor of both the brownies and the frosting with a splash of vanilla extract in each.
• All-purpose flour: Flour makes up a large portion of the dry ingredients in the batter to provide structure for the tiramisu brownies.
• Baking cocoa: The chocolate flavor for the brownies comes from baking cocoa. A small amount is incorporated into the frosting as well.
• Espresso powder: Espresso powder is the secret ingredient that transforms regular brownies into coffee-flavored brownies. The very fine powder can be found at some grocery stores or ordered online.
• Salt: A pinch of salt goes a long way in balancing out the flavors of these espresso brownies.
• Mascarpone cheese: Tiramisu filling is often made with mascarpone cheese, so we incorporated it into the frosting that tops these brownies.
• Heavy cream: Heavy cream is added to the mascarpone and whipped into a thick, rich frosting.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar not only adds sweetness to the frosting, but it also thickens the frosting and gives it a spreadable texture.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches hanging over the edge. Grease the pan and parchment paper with cooking spray.

Step 2: Combine sugars, butter and oil

In a large bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter and oil. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until they’re just combined.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking cocoa, espresso powder and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until they’re just combined.

Step 4: Bake the brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake the brownies for 26 to 28 minutes, until the edges are firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with only a few crumbs. Let the brownies fully cool in the pan, about two hours.

Step 5: Make the frosting

In a bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy, about one to two minutes. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar, espresso powder and one teaspoon of baking cocoa until the mixture is smooth. Pipe or spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Garnish with a dusting of one teaspoon of baking cocoa, if desired. Cut into squares to serve.

Tiramisu Brownies Variations

• Try another garnish: These tiramisu brownies are garnished with a simple dusting of baking cocoa. Instead, you could top the frosting with mini chocolate chips or even add a layer of ladyfinger pieces on top before dusting the brownies with baking cocoa.
• Go for dark chocolate: If you love rich, dark chocolate, swap the regular baking cocoa for dark chocolate baking cocoa.
• Add mix-ins: Incorporate extra chocolate by stirring mini or regular chocolate chips into the batter. You can also add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

How to Store Tiramisu Brownies

Because of the mascarpone-based topping, tiramisu brownies should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If you haven’t made the frosting yet, store the unfrosted brownies in an airtight container either at room temperature or in the fridge.

How long do tiramisu brownies last?

When kept in the fridge, tiramisu brownies will last for up to four days.

Can you freeze tiramisu brownies?

It’s best to avoid freezing tiramisu brownies with frosting on top, as the texture of the frosting won’t hold up well. However, you can bake and cool the espresso brownies and freeze them without the frosting. To freeze brownies, wrap them in a layer of storage wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or wrap them in another layer of aluminum foil.

Tiramisu Brownies Tips

How do you know when the brownies are done baking?

Brownies are done baking when the outer edge looks set and the center is somewhat soft. Double-check by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done baking.

How do you get a clean slice of tiramisu brownies?

To slice tiramisu brownies, use a very sharp knife. For the cleanest slices, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between each cut.

Can you bake tiramisu brownies in a 13×9-inch pan?

Need more brownies for a crowd? Bake a bigger batch. Double the recipe for the espresso brownie batter and bake it in a 13×9-inch baking pan. Then, double the recipe for the frosting.

Can you make tiramisu brownies with a boxed mix?

Prefer to skip making from-scratch brownies? Use your favorite boxed brownie mix instead. Adding espresso powder is an excellent way to make boxed brownies taste better anyway! Add two to three teaspoons of espresso powder to the mix. Bake and cool the brownies, then top them with the mascarpone frosting.