Chocolate Mascarpone Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe elevates traditional brownies by incorporating mascarpone cheese into the batter, resulting in an exceptionally moist and dense texture. The addition of a smooth chocolate ganache topping adds an extra layer of richness, making these brownies perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a luxurious dessert.

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Ganache:

• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Butter an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: Place the chopped semisweet chocolate in a mixing bowl. In a small saucepan or microwave, melt the butter until just melted—avoid letting it bubble. Pour the melted butter over the chocolate and let it stand for 30 seconds. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift in the sugar and cocoa powder into the chocolate mixture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: With a wooden spoon, beat in the mascarpone cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Incorporate Flour and Salt: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place the pan on a cooling rack and let the brownies cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Prepare Ganache: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Let it sit for a few minutes, then whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
8. Apply Ganache: Pour the ganache over the slightly cooled brownies, spreading it evenly to the edges. Allow the ganache to set before cutting the brownies into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: This recipe makes approximately 16 brownies.
• Preparation Time: About 25 minutes.
• Baking Time: 45 to 50 minutes.
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Espresso Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle coffee note.
• Fruit Twist: Incorporate dried cherries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: After the ganache has set, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for an elegant presentation.
• Spiced Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the batter for a warm, spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Once completely cooled and the ganache has set, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Place cooled brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent them from sticking together, you can first freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a bag.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm brownies, reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds if refrigerated, or 30-45 seconds if frozen. Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

What is mascarpone cheese, and where can I find it?

Mascarpone is a rich, creamy Italian cheese similar to cream cheese but with a milder flavor and smoother texture. It’s commonly found in the specialty cheese section of most supermarkets.

Can I substitute mascarpone cheese with something else?

If you don’t have access to mascarpone cheese, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cream cheese mixed with a tablespoon of heavy cream to achieve a similar consistency.

How should I store these brownies?

Store the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

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