Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch square baking pan and line it with a parchment paper sling, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and room-temperature eggs until pale and slightly frothy. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk until just combined. In a separate small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist, fudgy crumbs. Let the brownie cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the brownie cools, prepare the coffee soak. In a small bowl, combine the hot coffee and granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. If using, stir in the liqueur.
- To make the topping, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, stir the room-temperature mascarpone until smooth, then gently fold it into the whipped cream until uniform.
- Once the brownie has cooled for at least 30 minutes (it should still be slightly warm), use a pastry brush to apply the entire coffee soak over the top surface. Spread the mascarpone topping evenly over the soaked brownie.
- Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the topping to set and flavors to meld. Just before serving, dust generously with Dutch-processed cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve.
Notes
{variations=[Ljava.lang.Object;@7239852c, substitutions=[Ljava.lang.Object;@2c9f3f39, tips=[Ljava.lang.Object;@7f03cd0f, storage=Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled for the best texture.}