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Imagine the rich, fudgy goodness of your favorite brownie combined with the sophisticated flavors of tiramisu – sounds like a dream, right? Well, pinch yourself because these tiramisu brownies are very real and about to become your new obsession! They’re easy to make, as you’ll be using boxed brownie mix, and then they also have all the classic tiramisu components in there like espresso, lady fingers, mascarpone cheese, vanilla, and that all-important cocoa powder. Whether you’re a devoted chocoholic, a tiramisu traditionalist, or just someone with a sweet tooth, these brownies are likely to become one of your favorite desserts!
Indulge in the rich combination of coffee and chocolate with these delicious tiramisu brownies. They’re an exquisite dessert everyone will adore.
Also try chocolate tiramisu, tiramisu cookies, tiramisu cheesecake, tiramisu Swiss roll, or these delicious tiramisu cupcakes!
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to make: This recipe starts off with boxed brownie mix, so it’s super-simple to whip up.
So rich and delicious: There’s no way you aren’t going to love these fudgy and cakey brownies – they’re rich, sweet, chocolatey, and totally irresistible.
Layers of flavor: These brownies are layered in the pan so they look elegant when served and every layer has its own flavor and texture. It’s an Insta-worthy dessert for sure.
Decadent Tiramisu Brownies Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Boxed brownie mix: A key ingredient in the brownie batter. Use your favorite brand.
Cocoa powder: Regular unsweetened cocoa powder is a good alternative if you don’t have Dutch-processed. Dutch-processed has a deeper chocolate flavor, so that’s my choice for these.
Espresso or strongly brewed coffee: No tiramisu dessert is complete without a coffee flavor. Use espresso or make strong coffee using instant coffee granules.
Heavy cream: This must be very cold.
Lady fingers: Cookies that are dipped in coffee and used for one of the brownie layers.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle vanilla flavor.
Powdered sugar: For the mascarpone cream frosting.
How to Make Tiramisu Brownies
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make and bake the brownies: Follow the directions on the brownie mix box to make up the brownie batter, swapping the water for coffee. Spoon it into a parchment paper lined baking dish and bake following the directions on the box. Let the brownies cool completely in the baking pan.
Make the mascarpone topping: Whip the mascarpone cheese with the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Assemble the tiramisu brownies: Spread half the mascarpone cheese mixture over the cooled chocolate brownies. Dip the lady fingers in the remaining coffee and layer them on top of the mascarpone layer, trimming off any excess to fit the pan. Add the remaining mascarpone mixture on top.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and then dust with cocoa powder, slice and serve.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free brownie mix (try this one) and gluten-free lady fingers or similar (these gluten-free lady fingers are perfect!)
Brownie mix: You can replace this with your favorite homemade brownie recipe. I used Duncan Hines brownie mix which called for ¼ cup water (which was substituted with coffee), 2 eggs and ½ cup of oil. The amounts and ingredients will vary depending on the brownie mix you use, so just make sure to substitute the water with coffee.
Bold flavors: Use extra cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavor and/or extra strong espresso for a more intense coffee flavor.
Espresso or strong coffee: Brewed decaf coffee can be used for a caffeine-free option. Hot chocolate can be used for a kid friendly version.
Ladyfingers: Sponge cake slices make a great alternative.
Mascarpone cheese: Cream cheese blended with a bit of heavy cream can be used in place of mascarpone.
Vanilla extract: Sub vanilla bean paste if you like. Alternatively, almond extract or coffee extract can add a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizers: Begin your meal with baked feta soup or an antipasto salad.
Main dish: Next up, consider garlic butter steak bites with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts.
Dessert: Finish the meal in style with these gorgeous espresso cream topped brownies!
How to Store Tiramisu Brownies
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze these by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Thaw: When ready to enjoy, thaw the brownies in the refrigerator overnight.
Top Tips
Don’t skip the parchment paper: If you don’t line your baking pan, the tiramisu brownies will stick to it and break apart.
Let it cool: It’s important to cool the brownies completely before adding the mascarpone and lady finger layers, otherwise the mascarpone mixture will melt and look messy.
Mascarpone topping texture: Avoid overmixing, as this can cause the topping to become runny. If it feels too thick, a splash of cream can help adjust the consistency.
Tiramisu Brownie FAQs
Lady fingers are very porous and absorb liquids quickly. A brief dip prevents them from becoming too soggy and ensures they hold their shape within the layers. The coffee flavor permeates the ladyfingers while still maintaining structure. Over-soaked ladyfingers can lead to a messy dessert that doesn’t slice well and will be difficult to assemble.
To achieve a light and fluffy topping, make sure the mascarpone is softened and the heavy cream is very cold. Use an electric mixer to whip the ingredients at a medium-high speed, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl down as needed. Stop whipping when the consistency is good.
Best Tiramisu Brownie Recipe
Tiramisu Brownies
Equipment
- Baking Dish 9-Inch Square
Ingredients
- 1 Box brownie mix , 18.3-Ounce box, plus ingredients listed on box – usually eggs, oil and water
- 1 Cup espresso, or strong brewed coffee
- 8 to 10 lady fingers
- 8 Ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1 Cup heavy cream, very cold
- ¾ Cup powdered sugar
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the brownie mix box and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on the box, substituting the cooled espresso for the water.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake according to the instructions on the box. Allow the brownie base to cool completely in the pan.
- While the brownies are cooling, make the mascarpone topping by whipping together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium sized bowl until light and fluffy.
- When the brownie base is cool, add half of the mascarpone topping onto the brownies and spread to the edges.
- In a shallow bowl, pour in the remaining espresso or strong coffee. Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the espresso and lay the lady fingers in a single layer on top, trimming them as needed to fit the pan.
- Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture evenly over the layer of lady fingers.
- Refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set.
- Dust the top generously with cocoa powder, then slice and serve chilled.
Notes
Let it cool: It’s important to cool the brownies completely before adding the mascarpone and lady finger layers, otherwise the mascarpone mixture will melt and look messy.
Mascarpone topping texture: Avoid overmixing, as this can cause the topping to become runny. If it feels too thick, a splash of cream can help adjust the consistency.
Nutrition
Tiramisu brownies offer the best of both worlds – you get both tiramisu and brownie flavors in every bite. Expect a fudgy espresso brownie with coffee, chocolate and subtle vanilla flavors. I love warm brownie served with whipped cream but you can serve tiramisu brownies with ice cream instead or just how they are. This dessert is just the ticket if you want rich-flavored, hearty and totally delicious.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Tiramisu brownies are life-changing! Rich, fudgy, and irresistibly indulgent every time.
Tiramisu brownies were a hit; everyone loved the flavors!