If you’re looking for the perfect combination of chocolatey richness and creamy coffee flavors, this Tiramisu Brownie Parfait is calling your name. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings together two crowd-pleasers in one irresistible dessert!
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What is a Tiramisu Brownie Parfait?
A tiramisu brownie parfait is a delicious blend of classic tiramisu flavors layered with chunks of rich, fudgy coffee-soaked brownie and creamy mascarpone filling. The result? An elegant dessert that feels indulgent but is simple enough to whip up for any occasion.
This heavenly parfait has layers of flavor and texture — from the soft brownie bites to the rich, espresso and cocoa-infused cream. It’s the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the contrast of deep, chocolatey richness and smooth, velvety cream with a touch of tanginess.
Ingredients You Need
- Brownie Mix – We love using a boxed brownie mix for convenience. Prepare according to the package, and you’re good to go!
- Mascarpone Cheese – This creamy Italian cheese adds a rich, smooth texture and just the right amount of tang.
- Cold Heavy Cream – Whip this up to create a light and fluffy texture for the parfait layers.
- Cocoa Powder – This brings in that rich, chocolatey flavor and gives a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness.
- Ground Instant Espresso – We add this to the mascarpone mixture for an extra boost of coffee flavor.
- Powdered Sugar – This sweetens the mascarpone cream without making it too heavy.
- Strong Brewed Coffee – Coffee is key in tiramisu! We soak the brownie pieces in it for that signature flavor.
- Cocoa Powder (for dusting) – A light dusting of cocoa powder on top gives this dessert a gorgeous finishing touch.
How to Make a Tiramisu Brownie Parfait
- Prep the brownies. Follow the package instructions for your brownie mix, and let them cool completely before cutting.
- Make the cream mixture. Add the mascarpone cheese to a large bowl with the cocoa powder, instant espresso, and powdered sugar. Beat on low speed until the mixture is silky smooth.
- Whip in the heavy cream. Gradually add the heavy cream to the mixture and beat on low. Then, slowly increase the speed and whip until medium peaks form. Take care not to overbeat.
- Cut the brownies. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the brownies into cubes to make them perfect for layering.
- Assemble the parfaits. In small cups, add a layer of brownie cubes, drizzle with a bit of brewed coffee, and top with the mascarpone cream. Repeat the layers until your cup is full, finishing with the cream. Sprinkle cocoa powder over top and serve.
Variations
- Chocolate Cake – If you prefer a lighter texture, chocolate cake works beautifully in place of brownies.
- Ladyfingers – Want to keep things traditional? Swap the brownies for ladyfingers to stay closer to the original.
- Chocolate Chips – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the layers for a little extra texture and chocolatey goodness.
- Flavored Coffee – Use a hazelnut or vanilla-flavored coffee to switch up the flavor profile of your parfait.
- Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder – If you love a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder to dust the top.
- Larger Format – Instead of individual cups make the dessert in a trifle dish.
- Shaved Chocolate – Instead of cocoa powder, finish your parfait with thin shavings of chocolate.
Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, they can get a bit soggy after a day or two, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
Refrigerate any remaining parfaits in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
We don’t recommend freezing this dessert because the mascarpone mixture may lose its smooth texture once thawed.
More Tiramisu-Inspired Recipes
If you’re like us and can’t get enough of tiramisu-inspired dishes, you’re going fall head over heels for more of our favorites that channel the flavors of the classic dessert.
Tiramisu Brownie Parfait
Ingredients
- 1 package brownie mix prepared according to package instructions
- 12 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground instant espresso
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the brownies according to package instructions and let them cool.1 package brownie mix
- In a bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, cocoa powder, instant espresso, and powdered sugar. Beat on low speed until just combined.12 ounces mascarpone cheese, 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon ground instant espresso, 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- Add the heavy cream to the mixture and beat on low speed for 1 minute until combined. Gradually increase the speed and beat until medium peaks form, being careful not to overbeat to avoid curdling.1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
- Cut the brownies into 1-inch cubes.
- To assemble, place a few brownie cubes at the bottom of 6-8 oz serving cups, and sprinkle with a little brewed coffee. Add 1/4 cup of the cream mixture and repeat the layers two more times, ending with the cream. Dust with cocoa powder.1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, Cocoa powder for dusting
- This recipe yields 6-8 cups.
Equipment
Notes
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The dessert of my dreams! ๐