Tiramisu Brownies

Prep time25 minutes
Cook time20 to 25 minutes
Rest time2 to 4 hours
Total time~3 to 4 hours
DifficultyMedium
Servings16 squares

Fudgy, creamy, and layered. Deep cocoa meets silky mascarpone for a bold fusion of two iconic desserts. Each square delivers espresso-soaked biscuits, velvety cream, and a dense chocolate base.

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What we love about this recipe

Brownie meets tiramisu, and it works far better than it has any right to. The fudgy cocoa brownie base anchors the espresso, ladyfinger, and mascarpone layers so every bite hits bitter, creamy, and sweet at once. It feels indulgent but balanced, familiar but new. Serve after dinner, gift to a coffee lover, or keep chilled for when cravings strike.

Where's it from?

Tiramisu is a northern Italian dessert built from mascarpone, espresso, and ladyfingers. Brownies originated in the United States and rely on cocoa or chocolate for fudgy texture. This fusion marries the structure of tiramisu with the richness of a brownie.

Why cocoa?

Classic tiramisu uses cocoa as a dusting for aroma and bitter contrast. Here, cocoa plays a starring role inside the brownie itself. It deepens flavour, adds fudginess, and echoes the roasted notes of espresso. Without cocoa, the tiramisu elements would skew too sweet.

Cocoa Recommendation

What cocoa should I use?

Alkalised cocoa powder gives the brownies their deep colour, structure and that classic fudgy brownie crumb. Melted dark cocoa drops bring richness, shine, and smooth chocolate intensity that complements the espresso and mascarpone without making the brownie overly sweet.

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The Recipe

Follow these steps to create your masterpiece

Ingredients

Brownie base

150g dark cocoa drops
120g butter
150g sugar
2 eggs
80g all-purpose flour
20g alkalised cocoa powder
½ tsp salt

Espresso soak + biscuit layer

100ml strong brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
1 tbsp sugar (optional, to taste)
8 to 10 ladyfingers

Mascarpone cream topping

250g mascarpone
150ml cold whipping cream (35% fat)
40g powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (Kahlua)

Finish

Cocoa powder, for dusting

Optional: chocolate curls or shavings

Method

Make the brownie base

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 20 × 20cm baking tin with parchment. Melt the chocolate and butter until smooth. Stir in the sugar, then whisk in the eggs one at a time. Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined. Pour into the tin, smooth the top, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool completely in the pan

Prepare the espresso soak

Mix espresso with sugar if using. Quickly dip each ladyfinger, one second per side, and layer them over the cooled brownie base. Break biscuits to fit as needed.

Make the mascarpone cream

In a bowl, beat mascarpone, cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until thick and smooth. Add the coffee liqueur if using. Spread evenly over the biscuit layer.

Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until set and sliceable.

Finish and serve

Dust generously with cocoa powder before serving. Add chocolate curls if you want extra flair. Use a warm knife for clean slices. Serve chilled.

Chef's Background

Hyram De La Paz is the creative force behind The Cocoa Circle's recipe magic. A professionally trained bonbon specialist with over six years of experience in high-energy kitchens, including a three-star Michelin destination, Hyram knows his way around cocoa like nobody else. His sweet spot is baking. In our kitchen, he blends world-class technique with a dash of imagination to turn cocoa into something spectacular.

What Happens When Tiramisu Meets Brownie?

What happens when you combine two amazing desserts? This video shows you how to make a delicious dessert that combines the best of both worlds. Learn how to create a fudgy brownie base and then layer it with a creamy mascarpone cream for the perfect tiramisu recipe and easy brownie recipe. This chocolate dessert is the ultimate treat!

When should I make this?

Dinner parties, weekend baking, coffee dates, or anytime you want a dessert that feels both elegant and playful.