Tiramisu-Inspired Brown Butter Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (25g) whole coffee beans
• 16 oz (450g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups (500g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream

For the Mascarpone Mousse:

• 2 large eggs
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons (5g) powdered gelatin
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 9 oz (255g) mascarpone cheese

For the Whipped Coffee Topping:

• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Brownies:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1½ cups (340g) unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and add ¼ cup whole coffee beans. Let infuse for 15 minutes, then strain and discard the beans.
3. Chop 12 oz (340g) dark chocolate and add to the warm brown butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups (400g) brown sugar, 4 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until light and frothy.
5. Gradually pour the cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine.
6. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (50g) cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.
7. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with ½ cup sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow to cool completely in the pan before topping.

For the Mascarpone Mousse:

1. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together 2 whole eggs, 4 egg yolks, and ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar.
2. Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method). Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin that has been bloomed in 2 tablespoons cold water. Set aside to cool.
4. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
5. In another bowl, gently stir 9 oz (255g) mascarpone cheese until smooth.
6. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone, then gently fold this mixture into the cooled egg mixture until well combined.
7. Spread the mousse evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

For the Whipped Coffee Topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons hot water, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons instant coffee. Whisk vigorously until thick and frothy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Gently spread or pipe the whipped coffee over the chilled mascarpone layer.
3. Sprinkle with chopped chocolate-covered peanuts or your favorite candy for added crunch.

And there you have it! Your Tiramisu-inspired brown butter chocolate brownies are ready to serve. The combination of rich, fudgy brownies, creamy mascarpone mousse, and intense coffee topping creates a dessert that’s sure to impress. Remember, the key to the perfect texture is not overbaking the brownies – they should still be slightly gooey in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Chef’s Tip: For an extra indulgent twist, try drizzling some chocolate ganache over the top before serving. Simply heat equal parts heavy cream and chopped dark chocolate, stir until smooth, and drizzle away!

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

Elevate your brownie game with these pro tips:

Mastering Brown Butter

Brown butter is the secret weapon in this recipe, adding a nutty depth that complements the chocolate perfectly. To nail it every time:

• Use a light-colored pan to easily monitor the butter’s color change
• Keep the heat medium-low and stir constantly
• Remove from heat as soon as you smell a nutty aroma and see golden-brown specks

Coffee Infusion Magic

Infusing the brown butter with coffee beans amplifies the tiramisu flavor profile. For best results:

• Crush the coffee beans slightly before adding to release more flavor
• Experiment with different roasts – a dark roast will give a more intense coffee flavor
• Don’t skip the straining step to ensure a smooth texture

Mascarpone Mastery

Mascarpone can be tricky, but these tips will help you achieve creamy perfection:

• Always use room temperature mascarpone to prevent curdling
• Fold gently to maintain its light, airy texture
• If it starts to split, whisk in a tablespoon of warm heavy cream

Nutritional Information

Indulgence meets balance in these decadent brownies. Here’s the scoop per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 31g
• Fiber: 3g

Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

Take your Tiramisu-inspired brownies to the next level with these serving ideas:

Presentation Perfection

• Dust the top with cocoa powder for an authentic tiramisu look
• Serve on a white plate with a sprinkle of chocolate-covered espresso beans
• Garnish with a small sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color

Pairing Paradise

• Serve with a shot of espresso for a true Italian experience
• Pair with a glass of Vin Santo, a traditional Italian dessert wine
• For a non-alcoholic option, try a creamy vanilla bean gelato on the side

Remember, these brownies are rich, so a little goes a long way. Cut them into small squares for a perfect after-dinner treat or afternoon pick-me-up. Buon appetito!