If you love the deep richness of a brownie and the creamy elegance of tiramisu, this dessert is your dream come true.
These tiramisu brownies combine the best of both worlds—dense, chocolatey brownie layers infused with espresso, topped with a light mascarpone cream that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or simply treating yourself after a long week, this dessert is as stunning as it is indulgent.
Why You’ll Love These Tiramisu Brownies
Two desserts in one – a blend of rich brownie and creamy tiramisu
Bold espresso flavor – balances the sweetness beautifully
Silky mascarpone layer – adds elegance and texture
Fudgy brownie base – moist, dense, and chocolate-packed
Perfect for celebrations – impressive but easy to make
Make-ahead friendly – gets better after chilling
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
For the brownie base:
Butter and sugar – creamed for a rich, fudgy texture
Eggs and vanilla extract – bind and flavor the base
Cocoa powder and flour – classic brownie ingredients
Instant coffee – deepens the chocolate flavor
For the mascarpone topping:
Mascarpone cheese – rich and creamy, key to tiramisu
Powdered sugar – smooth sweetness
Heavy cream – whipped to lightness
Vanilla and espresso – bring that iconic tiramisu flavor
Cocoa powder – for dusting on top
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use high-quality cocoa for best chocolate flavor
Cool the brownie layer completely before adding topping
Chill overnight for clean slices and best texture
Don’t overbake – brownies should stay moist in the center
Use an offset spatula to smooth the cream layer evenly
How to Make Tiramisu Brownies
Make the brownie batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch pan.
In a bowl, beat melted butter and sugar until combined.
Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and instant coffee until smooth.
Bake the brownie layer
Spread batter evenly into the pan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Let cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the tiramisu topping
In a large bowl, beat mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture.
Stir in cooled espresso or coffee.
Assemble the layers
Once brownies are fully cool, spread the mascarpone mixture on top. S
mooth the surface with a spatula.
Chill and finish
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder. Slice and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
Fresh berries – for color and tart contrast
A glass of dessert wine or espresso – enhances the tiramisu notes
Vanilla ice cream – adds cold creaminess
Whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon – for extra flair
Dark chocolate shavings – if you want to go all out
Variations / Substitutions
Use cream cheese if mascarpone isn’t available (though flavor will vary)
Add Kahlua or rum to the topping for a boozy kick
Use boxed brownie mix for a shortcut
Make it gluten-free – use a 1:1 GF flour blend
Add chocolate chips to the brownie base for extra richness
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days
Do not freeze – mascarpone topping may split
Chill overnight for cleanest slices and best flavor
Serve cold or let sit at room temp for 10 minutes before eating
FAQs
Can I use store-bought brownies?
Yes, just make sure they are thick and sturdy enough to hold the tiramisu topping.
What if I don’t have mascarpone?
You can substitute with cream cheese and a bit of sour cream, but it will be tangier.
Can I add alcohol like in traditional tiramisu?
Absolutely—add 1–2 tbsp Kahlua, rum, or coffee liqueur to the cream layer.
How long should I chill before serving?
At least 4 hours, but overnight gives the best structure and flavor.
Can I make this in a larger pan?
Yes, but you may want to double the recipe for 9×13 size.
Is this dessert kid-friendly?
Yes, just skip any added alcohol.
The espresso flavor is mild and balances the sweetness.
Can I make this ahead?
Definitely—it’s one of those desserts that tastes even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
These tiramisu brownies are rich, creamy, and utterly addictive.
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines comfort and sophistication, this is it.
With bold coffee notes and the perfect balance of fudgy and fluffy textures, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your dessert rotation.
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant coffee
Tiramisu Topping:
8 oz mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
1/4 cup cooled espresso or strong coffee
Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8×8 pan.
Mix butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
Stir in cocoa, flour, and coffee.
Bake 25–30 minutes. Let cool completely.
Beat mascarpone, sugar, vanilla.
Fold in whipped cream and espresso.
Spread over cooled brownies. Chill 4+ hours.
Dust with cocoa before serving.
