Dreamy Espresso-Infused Tiramisu Dessert Bars Recipe

Coffee lovers find pure bliss in this decadent espresso-infused tiramisu dessert bars that promise an irresistible journey through Italian-inspired indulgence.

Layers of creamy mascarpone and rich espresso dance together in perfect harmony.

Delicate ladyfinger crumbles provide a subtle crunch that melts beautifully against smooth custard textures.

Silky chocolate drizzles add depth to each luxurious bite.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, these bars capture the essence of classic tiramisu in a convenient handheld treat.

Dessert enthusiasts will absolutely swoon over this sophisticated reimagining of a beloved classic.

You’re about to experience a masterpiece that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary memories.

How To Store Espresso-Infused Tiramisu Dessert Bars Properly

• Refrigerator Storage: Keep tiramisu bars in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 5 days. Maintain temperature between 34-40°F to preserve freshness and prevent flavor degradation.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving to maintain texture and taste.
• Room Temperature Hold: Store bars in sealed container at cool room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Avoid direct sunlight or warm environments which can compromise cream-based frosting quality.
• Quick Reheating: Gently warm bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power.

FAQs For Espresso-Infused Tiramisu Dessert Bars

• What ingredients give these bars their unique flavor profile?

The espresso powder, coffee liqueur, and mascarpone cheese create a rich, complex taste reminiscent of traditional tiramisu, combining deep coffee notes with creamy sweetness.

• Are these bars considered a traditional dessert?

These are a modern twist on tiramisu, transforming the classic Italian dessert into convenient, portable bar form that maintains the original dessert’s sophisticated flavor combination.

• Can I substitute any ingredients if I don't have them on hand?

Replace coffee liqueur with strong brewed coffee, use cream cheese instead of mascarpone, and swap brown sugar with white sugar if needed. The core flavor will remain similar.

• How difficult are these bars to make for a beginner baker?

These bars are relatively simple to prepare, requiring basic mixing techniques and standard baking skills.

Why Espresso Tiramisu Bars Are A Bold And Sweet Treat

• Craft Coffee Dessert Magic: Transform classic blondies into a sophisticated espresso-infused treat that elevates your baking game with gourmet Italian-inspired flavors.
• Quick Coffee Lover's Dream: Combine simple ingredients to create a decadent dessert that satisfies coffee and sweet cravings in one delightful bar.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Sensation: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions where you want to impress guests with a unique and memorable dessert that looks professional but feels homemade.
• No-Fuss Gourmet Experience: Minimal baking skills required to achieve a restaurant-quality dessert that looks complex but comes together with straightforward steps and basic kitchen equipment.

Ingredients For Espresso-Infused Tiramisu Dessert Bars

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides moisture and flavor to the dessert bars.
• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Sweet components that add depth and caramelization to the blondie base.
• Flour: The primary structural ingredient that gives the bars their tender texture.

• Espresso Powder: Intense coffee ingredient that adds a deep, robust flavor to the dessert.
• Coffee Liqueur: Provides an extra layer of sophisticated coffee taste to the blondie base.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that rounds out and enhances the overall taste profile.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the bar's rich texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the blondies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the dessert.

• Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• Confectioner's Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the frosting with a subtle tangy note.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a light, fluffy consistency in the frosting.

• Cocoa Powder: Adds a classic tiramisu garnish and bitter chocolate note to the top of the bars.

How To Make Espresso Tiramisu Bars From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Espresso powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, integrated mixture.

Step 3: Add Moisture Elements

Introduce egg, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur to the bowl.

Vigorously whisk for about one minute until the mixture becomes slightly lighter in color and texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in flour and baking soda, mixing until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

Step 5: Bake the Base

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges start pulling away from the pan sides. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

Step 6: Whip Creamy Frosting

• Confectioner's sugar
• Vanilla
• Salt

Beat until well incorporated.

Step 7: Finish Frosting

Pour in heavy cream and beat for two minutes. Add mascarpone cheese, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 8: Assemble Dessert Bars

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled blondies. Dust the top with a light, even layer of cocoa powder.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the dessert for 30 minutes to help the frosting set. Remove from pan, slice into 16 bars, and enjoy your espresso-infused tiramisu treat.

Helpful Tips For Espresso Tiramisu Perfection

• Enhance the espresso flavor by using freshly ground coffee beans for the powder, creating a more robust and authentic taste.
• Ensure ingredients like butter, egg, and mascarpone are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Replace coffee liqueur with strong brewed espresso for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich coffee notes.
• Dust cocoa powder just before serving to prevent absorption and maintain a crisp, vibrant appearance on top of the bars.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.

Delicious Variations For Espresso Dessert Bars

• Mocha Madness: Replace espresso powder with rich cocoa powder and add dark chocolate chips to the batter for an intense chocolate-coffee flavor profile.
• Italian Liqueur Dream: Swap coffee liqueur with amaretto or rum, and garnish with toasted almond slivers for a sophisticated Mediterranean touch.
• Caramel Coffee Crunch: Mix caramel sauce into the frosting and sprinkle crushed coffee beans on top for added texture and robust coffee essence.
• Hazelnut Heaven: Incorporate ground hazelnuts into the blondie base and drizzle hazelnut spread over the finished bars for a nutty, decadent version.

Perfect Pairings For Tiramisu Dessert Bars

• Savor Coffee Companions: Perfect Pairings for Espresso-Tiramisu Bars
• – Brew Bold Beverage Pairing: Classic Italian espresso or strong cappuccino intensifies the dessert's coffee notes and cleanses the palate with its rich, robust flavor.
• – Complement Creamy Texture: Chilled amaretto liqueur provides a sweet almond undertone that harmonizes beautifully with the mascarpone frosting and enhances the dessert's elegant profile.
• – Elevate Dessert Experience: Vanilla bean gelato offers a cool, smooth contrast to the dense blondie bar, creating a luxurious balance between temperature and texture.
• – Accent Chocolate Undertones: Dry red wine like Sangiovese cuts through the sweetness, highlighting the cocoa powder's depth and providing a sophisticated wine-dessert interaction.

Espresso-Infused Tiramisu Dessert Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky layers of espresso-infused tiramisu dessert bars invite coffee lovers into an Italian culinary dream. Rich mascarpone and delicate ladyfingers create a luxurious square of pure indulgence you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Sweeteners and Sugars:

• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Wet Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons espresso powder
• 1 extra-large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tablespoon Dutch-processed cocoa powder (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for easy removal.
2. Combine melted butter, brown and white sugars, espresso powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
3. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur, vigorously mixing for approximately one minute until the color lightens slightly.
4. Gently fold in flour and baking soda, stirring until ingredients are just integrated without overmixing.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, carefully spreading it into an even, consistent layer.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for edges that pull away from the pan’s sides. Allow the blondies to cool completely at room temperature.
7. Using an electric mixer, cream butter until smooth and silky.
8. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and salt, blending until fully incorporated.
9. Pour in heavy cream and whip for two minutes to create a light, airy texture.
10. Introduce mascarpone cheese, mixing on low speed until just combined to maintain a creamy consistency.
11. Spread the frosting evenly across the cooled blondie base, ensuring complete coverage.
12. Dust the top generously with cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu presentation.
13. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the frosting and enhance flavor melding.
14. Extract from pan using parchment paper overhang, slice into 16 uniform bars, and serve chilled.

Notes

• Enhance espresso flavor by using freshly ground coffee beans for the powder, ensuring a rich, deep taste in every bite.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the dessert’s delicate texture.
• Experiment with coffee liqueur alternatives like strong brewed coffee or rum extract for varied flavor profiles that suit different preferences.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg