Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to bring a touch of Italian-inspired magic to your kitchen:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
If you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce. And if mascarpone is hard to find, cream cheese makes a decent alternative, though it lacks the authentic Italian flair.
Instructions
Follow these steps to recreate this delightful dessert:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups sugar until smooth.
- Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold into the batter until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and egg yolks until smooth and creamy.
- Dissolve the espresso powder in hot water and stir into the mascarpone mixture.
- Spread the mascarpone mixture over the brownie batter in an even layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with cocoa powder before cutting into squares.
Remember, like Mama Lou always said, patience is key. Letting the brownies cool completely ensures that perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International