Cappuccino brownies with mascarpone

Cappuccino Brownies with Mascarpone

If you are looking for a dessert that combines the intense taste of chocolate with the refined aroma of coffee, then the cappuccino brownies with mascarpone recipe is exactly what you need. This decadent dessert will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. Inspired by the famous brownie recipes, this version with mascarpone cream and chocolate glaze will make you fall in love at first bite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 3 hours (including time for cream and glaze)
Number of servings: 16

Recipe story:
Brownies have a fascinating history, having been created in the United States in the early 20th century. A perfect combination of cake and chocolate, these delights have evolved over time, being reinterpreted in various ways, including with coffee flavors, as is the case with this recipe. The addition of mascarpone cream gives them a fine texture and enriched flavor, transforming them into a true delicacy.

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 120 g dark cooking chocolate
- 85 g soft butter (left at room temperature)
- 1 packet of instant coffee (1.8 g), dissolved in 1/2 teaspoon hot water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 vial of vanilla essence
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

For the mascarpone cream:
- 300 g Almette cream cheese with sour cream (2 packages)
- 150 g mascarpone cream
- 20 g soft butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (you can also use vanilla-flavored powdered sugar)
- 1/2 vial of vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the glaze:
- 80 g cooking chocolate
- 20 g butter
- 1/4 cup liquid cream
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee, dissolved in 1/2 teaspoon hot water

Step by step:

1. Preparing the base:
- In a saucepan, combine the dark chocolate with the dissolved instant coffee and soft butter. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and combined.
- Add the sugar and vanilla essence, mixing well with a whisk or spatula.
- Introduce the eggs one by one, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Continue mixing until the mixture is homogeneous.
- Sift the flour and salt, then gradually add them, mixing gently with a wooden spoon. Finally, add the chopped walnuts and combine the mixture.

2. Baking the base:
- Line a 23x23 cm heat-resistant dish with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the dish, leveling the surface with a spoon.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the brownies for about 25 minutes. Check with a toothpick if they are baked; if it comes out clean, they are ready.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely. It is normal for the base to be firmer initially, but it will soften once spread with the cream.

3. Preparing the mascarpone cream:
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until creamy. Add the soft butter, mascarpone cream, vanilla, and cinnamon, continuing to mix until you achieve a uniform and airy composition.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Carefully remove the parchment paper from the bottom of the base and place it back in the dish. Spread the mascarpone cream over the base, leveling it well.
- Let the cake cool for 1-2 hours to set the cream.

5. Preparing the glaze:
- In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate together with the liquid cream and dissolved instant coffee, stirring constantly. Add the butter and continue mixing until everything is completely melted and combined.
- Let the glaze cool slightly, then carefully pour it over the mascarpone cream. Refrigerate the cake again for a few hours.

6. Serving:
- When the cake has cooled and the glaze has set, cut the brownies with a knife dipped in warm water to achieve nice portions.
- You can serve the brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Useful tips:
- Quality ingredients make a difference: Use high-quality chocolate to achieve an intense flavor. Dark chocolate with over 70% cocoa content will add depth to the cake.
- For a more intense coffee flavor, you can add a few extra granules of instant coffee to the chocolate mixture.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts or even add dried fruits, such as raisins or candied cherries, for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional benefits:
Brownies with mascarpone are not just a treat but also a source of antioxidants from chocolate, good fats from nuts, and proteins from cheese. When consumed in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese instead of Almette?: Yes, you can use any type of cream cheese, but Almette provides a finer texture and a more delicate taste.
- How can I store the brownies?: They store excellently in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to a week. Before serving, you can let the cake sit at room temperature for half an hour.

In conclusion, cappuccino brownies with mascarpone are a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a party, a gathering with friends, or simply a moment of personal indulgence. This recipe not only delights your taste buds but also brings joy with every bite. Don't forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones to bring a smile to their faces!

 Ingredients: BASE: 120 g dark cooking chocolate, 85 g soft butter (left at room temperature for a few hours), 1 sachet of 1.8 g instant coffee dissolved in 1/2 teaspoon of hot water, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 vial of vanilla essence, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup flour, a pinch of salt, 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts. CREAM: 300 g Almette cream cheese with sour cream (2 packs), 150 g mascarpone cheese, 20 g soft butter, 3/4 cup powdered sugar (I used half of the amount of vanilla-flavored powdered sugar from Dr. Oetker), 1/2 vial of vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. GLAZE: 80 g dark cooking chocolate, 20 g butter, 1/4 cup liquid cream, 2 teaspoons instant coffee dissolved in 1/2 teaspoon of hot water.

 Tags:  cappuccino brownies