
Hello friends 👋 Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a dessert mash-up that truly represents the best of both worlds: Tiramisu Brownies. Imagine the rich, fudgy base of a chocolate brownie combined with the creamy mascarpone topping and coffee-soaked ladyfingers of traditional tiramisu — pure indulgence in every bite.
This recipe has become one of my go-to creations for holidays, potlucks, or simply when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a wonderful addition to our tiramisu family of desserts. 👉 If you’re curious about the history, tips, and creative twists, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu.
And since we love variations around here, you can also explore clusters like the creamy Easy Tiramisu Recipe, the fruity Strawberry Tiramisu, or even our festive Pumpkin Tiramisu for fall gatherings.
As always, I’ll guide you step by step with tested techniques (E-E-A-T: hands-on kitchen testing, clear instructions, and reliable sources), plus reminders rooted in USDA food-safety guidance so you can bake confidently for family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These tiramisu brownies will easily become one of your favorite desserts, and here’s why:
- ✅ The best of both worlds – You get fudgy brownie layers plus a creamy tiramisu topping.
- ✅ Quick and easy – No need to chill overnight like a classic tiramisu.
- ✅ Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or holiday tables.
- ✅ Flexible – Can be made alcohol-free or with a touch of coffee liqueur.
- ✅ Decadent yet elegant – A dessert that feels special without being complicated.
👉 Tell me in the comments: would you serve these brownies for a casual weeknight treat, or save them for a special occasion?
Ingredients Needed

To make these tiramisu brownies recipe, you’ll need a mix of classic brownie staples and signature tiramisu ingredients.
For the Brownie Base:
- Bittersweet chocolate (70% cacao) – Creates a deep, rich flavor. Chocolate chips or chopped bars both work.
- Unsalted butter – The foundation for fudgy texture.
- Granulated + dark brown sugar – A mix that balances sweetness with moisture.
- Large eggs – Add structure and richness.
- Instant espresso powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor while giving that tiramisu touch.
- All-purpose flour & cocoa powder – For structure and deep cocoa notes.
For the Tiramisu Layer:
- Mascarpone cheese – The star ingredient of any Italian tiramisu dessert. You can find it at Costco, Trader Joe’s, or most large supermarkets.
- Heavy whipping cream – Whipped to perfection for that airy texture.
- Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and stability to the topping.
- Vanilla extract – Balances flavors and adds aroma.
- Savoiardi ladyfingers – Light biscuits dipped in coffee, creating that signature tiramisu layer.
Finishing Touch:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – A generous dusting for the final Italian-style presentation.
👉 Pro tip from Chef James: If you can’t find mascarpone, you can substitute with cream cheese, but be sure to increase the powdered sugar slightly to balance the tangier flavor.
How to Make Tiramisu Brownies (Step-by-Step)

Making this tiramisu brownie recipe is much easier than you think. Just follow these steps:
- Prepare the brownie base –
Melt bittersweet chocolate and butter together until smooth. Whisk in sugars, eggs, vanilla, and instant espresso powder. Finally, fold in flour and cocoa powder. Spread into a lined baking pan. 👨🍳 Chef James’s Tip: Don’t overmix the batter once you add flour — this keeps the brownies fudgy, not cakey. - Bake the brownies –
Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until a tester inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan. - Prepare the coffee soak –
Dissolve instant espresso powder and sugar in hot water. Let it cool, then quickly dip each ladyfinger. Arrange them in a single layer over the cooled brownies. - Make the mascarpone cream –
Beat mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly stream in heavy cream while mixing, then whip to stiff peaks. - Assemble the dessert –
Spread mascarpone topping over the ladyfingers, dust generously with cocoa powder, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
👉 For a quick version of this method, you can also check out our Tiramisu Cups for an individual serving format.
Recipe Tips & Variations

These tiramisu brownies are already a decadent treat, but here are some fun twists you can try:
- Alcohol-free version → Skip the liqueur and stick with coffee soak for a family-friendly dessert.
- Liqueur twist → Add a splash of coffee liqueur or Kahlúa to the soak for an adult-friendly treat.
- Mascarpone swap → Use cream cheese if you can’t find mascarpone (adjust sugar to taste).
- Festive version → Top with chocolate curls, holiday sprinkles, or even peppermint dust for Christmas.
- Extra chocolatey → Swirl Nutella into the brownie batter before baking for a richer layer.
👨🍳 Chef James’s Suggestion: If you love bold flavors, sprinkle some crushed Biscoff cookies on top — it’s a nod to our Biscoff Tiramisu.
Storage & Reheating
One of the best things about this tiramisu brownies recipe is that it stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
- Refrigerator → Store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer → Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Serving tip → Always serve these chilled for the tiramisu cream to hold its texture. If desired, dust with a fresh layer of cocoa powder before serving.
👉 Want to learn more about tiramisu storing methods? Visit our Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu for pro tips.

FAQs About Tiramisu Brownies
Here are some of the most common questions I get about this tiramisu brownie recipe:
1. Can I make tiramisu brownies without alcohol?
Yes! Simply prepare the coffee soak without liqueur. You’ll still get that authentic tiramisu taste without the alcohol.
2. Can I substitute mascarpone?
If mascarpone is unavailable, use full-fat cream cheese. Keep in mind it has a tangier flavor, so adjust powdered sugar to balance.
3. How long do tiramisu brownies last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
4. Can I freeze tiramisu brownies?
Absolutely. Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
5. What makes these different from classic tiramisu?
Instead of layers of ladyfingers, this recipe uses a fudgy brownie base for a decadent twist.
👉 For comparison, check out the Classic Tiramisu Recipe to see how the authentic Italian dessert is built.
What to Serve With Tiramisu Brownies
These tiramisu brownies are indulgent on their own, but they pair wonderfully with:
- ☕ Espresso or cappuccino → the perfect Italian-inspired pairing.
- 🍦 Vanilla gelato → a creamy balance to the rich brownie base.
- 🍫 Chocolate drizzle → enhance the deep cocoa flavor with melted chocolate.
- 🍓 Fresh berries → strawberries or raspberries cut through the richness beautifully.
👨🍳 If you enjoy pairing desserts, try serving alongside our Strawberry Tiramisu for a fruity balance.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If these tiramisu brownies stole your heart, don’t miss these other Italian dessert variations from my kitchen:
- Tiramisu Cheesecake – a creamy twist combining cheesecake with tiramisu layers.
- Tiramisu Cookies – bite-sized treats perfect for sharing.
- Pistachio Tiramisu – nutty and luxurious, a gourmet variation.
- Matcha Tiramisu – a Japanese-inspired dessert with earthy green tea notes.
👉 For a full overview of tiramisu history, methods, and flavor ideas, don’t forget to explore our Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu.
Conclusion
And there you have it, friends — the ultimate Tiramisu Brownies. 🍫☕
This decadent mash-up combines the best of both worlds: a fudgy brownie base and the creamy elegance of mascarpone whipped topping, finished with a cocoa powder dusting.
What I love most is how versatile these brownies are. Whether you serve them at a holiday gathering, bring them to a potluck, or simply enjoy them with your family after dinner, they always deliver that perfect mix of chocolate and coffee indulgence.
As a chef, I always recommend looking at the bigger picture of Italian desserts. If you want to deepen your understanding of tiramisu’s history, origins, and creative twists, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu. It’s the cornerstone of all tiramisu variations we share here at Tiramisucake.com.
👨🍳 Final tip from my kitchen: For an elegant finish, add chocolate curls, a drizzle of espresso syrup, or even a few fresh berries on top of your brownies. Trust me, your guests will be impressed!
👉 Try it, enjoy it, and don’t forget to leave me a comment below letting me know how your tiramisu brownies turned out. I’d love to hear your twist on this recipe!
For food safety guidelines, check the USDA, and for more Italian dessert inspiration, I recommend Serious Eats.


