Kitchen by the Sea Tiramisu Brownies Recipe

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I often seek out recipes that promise not just to satisfy the palate but also to delight the soul. It’s a quest for the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and the joy of creation. Among the gems I’ve discovered, one stands out with its irresistible fusion of two beloved desserts: Kitchen by the Sea Tiramisu Brownies. This extraordinary recipe unites the deep, enchanting espresso influence of classic tiramisu with the rich, fudgy texture of chocolate brownies, creating a dessert that’s nothing short of heavenly.

How to make Kitchen by the Sea Tiramisu Brownies

Kitchen by the Sea Tiramisu Brownies is a dessert that combines elements of classic tiramisu with brownies. These brownies likely feature the rich, chocolatey texture of traditional brownies, infused with the flavors of tiramisu, which usually includes espresso, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa.

Ingredients:

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 cup (about 120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (about 50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup (about 170g) unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups (about 300g) sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons espresso or strong coffee, cooled

For the Tiramisu Layer:

• 1 cup (about 227g) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (about 100g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
• 2 tablespoons espresso or strong coffee, cooled
• 1 cup (about 240ml) heavy cream, cold
• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brownie Base:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar until well combined. Cool slightly.
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and espresso.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely in the pan.

2. Make the Tiramisu Layer:

1. In a large bowl, beat together mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add espresso and mix until well combined.
2. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until no streaks remain.

3. Assemble the Brownies:

1. Once the brownie base has cooled, spread the tiramisu mascarpone cream evenly over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Before serving, dust the top liberally with unsweetened cocoa powder for that quintessential tiramisu appearance.
2. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Brownies:

• Coffee Intensity: Adjust the espresso in both layers based on your preference for a stronger or milder coffee flavor.
• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality mascarpone and a good espresso blend for the most authentic flavor.
• Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling process; it’s essential for the layers to set and meld together perfectly.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with a cup of espresso or cappuccino for a complete coffee-themed dessert experience.

What to serve with

Serving the Kitchen by the Sea Tiramisu Brownies becomes an experience when thoughtfully paired with complementary beverages, sides, and palate cleansers. These rich, decadent brownies with their blend of coffee and chocolate, crowned with the creamy mascarpone layer, call for accompaniments that either contrast or enhance their flavors.

Beverages:

1. Coffee:

• Espresso: A shot of espresso complements the espresso in the brownies, intensifying the coffee flavor.
• Cappuccino or Latte: A cappuccino or latte makes a creamy accompaniment for those who prefer their coffee with milk.

2. Dessert Wines:

• Vin Santo: With its nutty sweetness, this Italian dessert wine pairs wonderfully with tiramisu flavors.
• Port: A tawny port, with its rich fruitiness and slight spice, complements the chocolate and coffee in the brownies.

3. Liquors:

• Amaretto: This sweet, almond-flavored liqueur adds a nutty depth when sipped alongside the brownies.
• Baileys Irish Cream: Its creamy texture and whiskey undertones provide a harmonious match with the tiramisu elements.

Sides:

1. Fresh Berries: A bowl of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or a mix can help cut through the richness of the brownies, offering a refreshing contrast with their tartness.

2. Whipped Cream: A lightly sweetened whipped cream dollop can add a plush, creamy texture, complementing the mascarpone layer’s richness.

3. Nut Assortment: A side of toasted, unsalted nuts (almonds, hazelnuts) can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, balancing the dessert’s sweetness.

Palate Cleansers:

1. Citrus Sorbet: A small serving of lemon or orange sorbet between bites can cleanse the palate, making each mouthful of brownie as enjoyable as the first.

2. Sparkling Water: A sip of chilled, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime can refresh the palate without overpowering the flavors of the dessert.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Kitchen by the Sea Tiramisu Brownies requires a careful blend of ingredients to capture the essence of both tiramisu and brownies. Yet, certain situations call for ingredient substitutes—be it due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply the absence of an ingredient in your pantry.

For the Brownie Layer:

1. Flour:

Gluten-Free Flour Blend: If you’re avoiding gluten, opt for a gluten-free flour blend that can be substituted one-for-one for regular all-purpose flour. Ensure it contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture of gluten.

2. Sugar:

• Coconut Sugar is a less refined substitute with a slight caramel flavor, though it can slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: For a liquid substitute, reduce the amount to ¾ of the required granulated sugar and slightly decrease other liquid ingredients to balance moisture.

3. Unsweetened Chocolate:

Cocoa Powder: Mix 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon of butter, oil, or fat to substitute for each ounce of unsweetened chocolate.

4. Eggs:

Flaxseed Meal: A mixture of 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes, can substitute for one egg, adding fibrous content.

For the Mascarpone Cheese Layer:

1. Mascarpone Cheese:

• Cream Cheese: Though not identical, cream cheese can be a substitute, offering a similar texture. To closely match the flavor and richness of mascarpone, mix it with a bit of heavy cream or sour cream.
• Vegan cream cheese: For a dairy-free option, though it might slightly alter the taste and texture.

2. Sugar (For the Mascarpone Layer): The same substitutes as mentioned for the brownie layer can be used here.

3. Espresso or Strong Coffee:

• Instant Espresso Powder: If you don’t have access to brewed espresso or strong coffee, instant espresso powder dissolved in water can be a good substitute.
• Decaf Coffee: For those avoiding caffeine, decaf coffee can replicate the coffee flavor without the stimulant effects.

Final Thoughts

By thoughtfully selecting what to serve with your Kitchen by the Sea Tiramisu Brownies, you elevate your dessert experience, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will delight and satisfy your guests.

More Brownie Recipes:

• Copycat Lidey Heuck’s Brownies Recipe
• Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe
• Copycat Brenda Gantt Brownie Recipe
• Simple Mills Brownies Recipe
• How to Make Brownies from Scratch