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.