The perfect fusion of two beloved desserts—rich, fudgy brownies topped with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, airy mascarpone cream, and a generous dusting of cocoa powder. These tiramisu brownie bars are decadent, indulgent, and ideal for coffee lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tiramisu Brownie Bars bring together the intense chocolate richness of a brownie with the creamy, coffee-kissed elegance of traditional tiramisu. Each layer offers a different texture and flavor—from the dense fudgy brownie base to the light and silky mascarpone topping. They’re visually stunning, easy to portion, and make an excellent dessert for dinner parties, holidays, or any occasion that calls for something indulgent and impressive.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownie Base:

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• All-purpose flour
• Salt

For the Tiramisu Layer:

• Ladyfinger biscuits (cut to fit)
• Strong brewed espresso or coffee
• Mascarpone cheese
• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Whisk in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until the batter is smooth.
4. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely.
6. Once cooled, place a layer of ladyfinger biscuits over the brownie base. Cut them to fit as needed.
7. Brush the ladyfingers generously with brewed espresso or coffee, allowing them to absorb some of the liquid.
8. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
9. Spread the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers, smoothing the top with a spatula.
10. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
11. Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and slice into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 9 to 12 bars, depending on the size of the slices.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20–22 minutes
Chilling time: At least 4 hours (overnight preferred)
Total time: About 5 hours including chilling

Variations

• Alcohol-Infused: Add a splash of coffee liqueur or dark rum to the espresso for a traditional tiramisu flavor.
• Mocha Version: Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter for a mocha kick.
• Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped hazelnuts or walnuts into the brownie layer for extra texture.
• White Chocolate Mascarpone: Mix in melted white chocolate with the mascarpone for a richer top layer.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free brownie base and gluten-free ladyfingers to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

Store tiramisu brownie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
These bars are best served chilled and do not require reheating.
Freezing is not recommended, as the mascarpone layer may lose its texture upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are ideal for preparing a day ahead. They need several hours to set, and the flavors improve overnight.

What kind of coffee should I use?

Strong brewed espresso or dark roast coffee works best to deliver that classic tiramisu flavor.

Can I use store-bought brownie mix?

Yes, you can substitute the homemade brownie base with your favorite box mix to save time.

How do I know when the brownie layer is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter.

Can I substitute cream cheese for mascarpone?

Mascarpone is preferred for authentic flavor and texture, but full-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

Are these bars kid-friendly?

Yes, just be sure to use decaf coffee if needed and avoid adding any alcohol to the espresso.

How should I slice the bars cleanly?

Chill thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to get neat slices.

Can I add chocolate chips to the brownie batter?

Yes, adding chocolate chips will make the brownie layer even richer and more indulgent.

Is it necessary to chill for 4 hours?

Yes, chilling allows the layers to set properly and enhances the flavor and texture of the mascarpone topping.

Can I make this in a larger pan?

You can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Brownie Bars are the ultimate hybrid dessert—combining the dense, chocolatey satisfaction of brownies with the elegant creaminess of tiramisu. With layers of rich flavor and contrasting textures, they’re sure to impress any dessert lover. Easy to make ahead and serve chilled, these bars are perfect for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want to elevate your dessert game with minimal effort.

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