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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine melted butter, brown and white sugars, espresso powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur, vigorously mixing for approximately one minute until the color lightens slightly.
- Gently fold in flour and baking soda, stirring until ingredients are just integrated without overmixing.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, carefully spreading it into an even, consistent layer.
- 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.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter until smooth and silky.
- Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and salt, blending until fully incorporated.
- Pour in heavy cream and whip for two minutes to create a light, airy texture.
- Introduce mascarpone cheese, mixing on low speed until just combined to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Spread the frosting evenly across the cooled blondie base, ensuring complete coverage.
- Dust the top generously with cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu presentation.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the frosting and enhance flavor melding.
- 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