Description
Decadent, fudgy Espresso Mascarpone Ricotta Brownies featuring rich cocoa, strong espresso, and a creamy mascarpone-ricotta swirl. Perfectly indulgent with a subtle coffee note.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup strong brewed espresso (or 1 tbsp instant espresso + 1/4 cup hot water)
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana or unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
1 tablespoon maple syrup (for swirl)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for swirl)
1 teaspoon espresso powder (for swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Add coconut sugar, maple syrup, brewed espresso, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and mashed banana or applesauce. Mix until fully combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ricotta, mascarpone, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and espresso powder until smooth.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Spoon dollops of the ricotta mascarpone mixture over the top and gently swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing.
- Serve chilled for a dense texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
Notes
For a tangier swirl, substitute ricotta with cream cheese.
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Reduce bake time slightly for an extra fudgy texture.
Swap maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness.
Add chopped nuts for more texture.
Brownies store well in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen individually.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg