Tiramisu Brownies Recipe

This decadent recipe for Tiramisu Brownies combines two beloved desserts into one unforgettable treat. Chocolatey brownies form the base while coffee-soaked ladyfingers and delectable mascarpone cheese rest on top giving you the best of both worlds.  

If you like Italian dishes as much as we do, I suggest serving Antipasto Skewers,  Easy Bacon Carbonara, a Simple Italian Salad, No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread and Tiramisu Brownies for an Italian-inspired meal.

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Why We Love Decadent Tiramisu Brownies

Chocolatey goodness of a really good brownie? Check. Light and airy ladyfingers soaked in coffee with a splash of spiced rum? Check! Creamy mascarpone cheese and delicious raspberry preserves? Double check! You simply can’t go wrong with this modern take on two classic recipes. 

From the bottom up, you find a soft brownie layer, that has been topped, in true Tiramisu fashion, with ladyfingers soaked in dark roast coffee (or espresso) and spiced rum.  To add some soft creaminess is a layer of light and fluffy mascarpone filling.  Finishing things off with a little more brownie swirled with raspberry preserves. Resulting in soft delicious, not overly rich Tiramisu Brownies.

What Is Tiramisu

Tiramisu is an iconic Italian delicacy.  The elegant rich dessert has 2 main layers: boozy coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a slightly tangy mascarpone cream layer.

Traditionally, tiramisu is made with Marsala wine in the filling, but you can find tiramisu recipes made with brandy, rum, Kahlua or Irish cream.  You can use anything you like!

Each bite of tiramisu tastes like the perfect mix of coffee, cream, and chocolate. It’s hard to resist!

What Are Ladyfingers

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Store-bought ladyfingers, known in Italy as Savoiardi are a plain, crunchy light cookie or biscuit that is most often used to make tiramisu and trifles. These crisp “finger-shaped” cookies are perfect for soaking up all kinds of liquids and flavors, turning them into a cake-like texture. 

On the other hand, freshly baked homemade ladyfingers are actually quite soft and sponge-like in the center and slightly crisp on the outside. They make the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee, but not ideal for tiramisu unless you want to leave them out for a day or two to dry out and become stale. 

If you can’t find them in the cookie section of your local grocery store, try the pasta aisle. If you can’t find them locally, you can get them on Amazon.

Ingredients for Decadent Tiramisu Brownies

Tiramisu may seem like an elegant and daunting dessert, but it’s easier than you may think. For the brownies, you can make them from scratch, or save yourself some time and use a box mix!

• brownie mix + ingredients listed on the box (or favorite brownie recipe) – either way you go, make sure you have enough batter for a 9×13 pan. (look for family-size if using a box mix).
• ladyfingers – you want to use commercially made ladyfingers for tiramisu brownies. You can find them at most grocery stores.
• dark roast coffee –  this adds the signature coffee flavor to tiramisu
• spiced rum – rum extract can be substituted for traditional spiced rum. 
• mascarpone cheese – an Italian soft cheese made from cream and resembling cream cheese, it’s slightly sweet, rich, and buttery. Find it in the cheese section of most grocery stores.
• cream cheese – Make sure both the mascarpone cheese and cream cheese reach room temperature before preparing this recipe to ensure the smoothest texture.
• sugar – classic white sugar is best for this recipe.
• egg whites – The egg whites are important to act as a leavening agent. They also help keep the light and airy texture of tiramisu that pairs perfectly with the heavier brownie base.
• vanilla extract – Two teaspoons will add the perfect amount of sweet flavor!
• raspberry preserves – Adding in the raspberry preserves provides an element of sweet, fruity flavor that can’t be beat. 

How To Make These Dreamy Tiramisu Brownies

(full printable recipe at the end of this post)

These tiramisu brownies come together in a flash.

Step One: Preheat the oven to 350°F. While that’s heating up, line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper. Coat it lightly with cooking spray as well. 

Step Two: Prepare brownie batter according to box or recipe. Set aside one cup of brownie batter, then pour the remaining batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly. 

Step Three: Place a layer of ladyfingers over the brownie batter. Push them down slightly. Brush the coffee and rum over the ladyfingers until they are saturated.

TIP – You may want to alternate brushing and pouring the mixture. I found it helped when coating the ladyfingers.

Step Four: Combine the mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth in texture. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the ladyfingers.

Step Five: Place spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter and raspberry preserves over the creamy filling. Swirl lightly with a knife. 

Step Six: Pop the baking pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is almost set and the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. 

Step Seven: This step will be difficult, as you’ll want to dig in right away. However, it’s important to let the dessert cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving! If you chose to line your pan with parchment paper, simply lift them out and place them on a cutting board to slice.

Now grab a glass of milk and enjoy your new favorite dessert!

Decadent Tiramisu Brownie Tips

Make sure both the mascarpone cheese and the cream cheese are at room temperature! The texture of the mixture will turn out much smoother if the ingredients are not fresh from the fridge.

If dark roast coffee isn’t available you have a few options: just brew the coffee stronger than you normally would (increase the grounds to water ratio), brew espresso or purchase brewed espresso or coffee at a coffee shop. Sensitive to caffeine? use decaf coffee.

Be careful when separating the egg whites from the yolks. If an egg yolk makes it into your egg whites, they won’t whip properly and will make the cheese mixture heavier.

Don’t overmix your brownie batter! You don’t want to end up with tough brownies. 

If you prefer a more cakey brownie, add an extra egg to the mix!

Due to the mascarpone and cream cheese, these brownies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

All the delicious flavors of tiramisu come together with a brownie for a delicious decadent Tiramisu Brownies dessert. This recipe will make you feel like you’ve jetted off to Italy while keeping you cozy and comfortable right at home!

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Originally posted in May 21013. UPDATED APRIL 2021. We spiffed up this post with more info and better pictures! No changes to the original recipe.