These Brown Butter Tiramisu Brownies take a classic Italian dessert and transform it into a decadent brownie form. With the rich flavor of brown butter, the creamy mascarpone topping, and a subtle espresso kick, these brownies offer a gourmet twist on the beloved tiramisu. They’re the perfect dessert for any occasion when you want something a bit more indulgent and special.
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Brown Butter Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
Brown butter adds a nutty, caramelized flavor to the brownies, giving them a rich and sophisticated taste. - 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
This sweetness balances out the bitterness of the cocoa powder and espresso, creating a perfectly sweet base. - ¾ cup brown sugar
Brown sugar provides moisture and a deeper, more molasses-like sweetness that complements the other flavors. - 3 large eggs
Eggs help bind the ingredients and give the brownies a fudgy texture. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Adds a warm and aromatic undertone to the flavor profile. - 1 cup all-purpose flour
This gives structure to the brownies while keeping them moist and dense. - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Cocoa powder provides the rich, chocolatey base for the brownies. - ½ teaspoon salt
Salt helps enhance the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
For the Mascarpone Topping:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
Mascarpone adds a creamy, rich texture that’s signature to tiramisu, making the topping smooth and indulgent. - ½ cup heavy cream
Heavy cream helps to thicken and stabilize the mascarpone mixture for a fluffy consistency. - ¼ cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the topping, ensuring a smooth texture. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Enhances the flavor of the mascarpone topping.
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup espresso or strong coffee
Espresso or strong coffee adds the essential coffee flavor that ties everything together and makes this brownie feel like tiramisu. - 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Cocoa powder is sprinkled over the top for a traditional, slightly bitter finish.
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. - Brown the Butter:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir constantly until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. - Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the cooled browned butter. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth. - Sift Dry Ingredients:
Sift in flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt, and gently fold until everything is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. - Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. - Make the Mascarpone Topping:
In a bowl, beat together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. - Assemble the Brownies:
Once the brownies have cooled, brush them with espresso to add moisture and flavor. Spread the mascarpone mixture evenly over the brownies. - Finish with Cocoa:
Dust the top with cocoa powder for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. - Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to meld together and for cleaner slices.
Tips:
- Extra Coffee Flavor: For an even richer coffee flavor, add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter. This will give the brownies an extra boost of espresso flavor that complements the mascarpone topping perfectly.
- Chill Before Cutting: For cleaner, neater cuts, chill the brownies before slicing. This will ensure that the mascarpone topping doesn’t smudge and the slices stay intact.
- Serving Tip: Serve these brownies chilled for a tiramisu-inspired dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 320 per serving
Servings: 9 servings
Brown Butter Tiramisu Brownies combine all the indulgence of classic brownies with the luxurious flavors of tiramisu. They’re perfect for chocolate lovers who also enjoy the delicious coffee and mascarpone combination of tiramisu!
