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    Home » Recipes » Brownies and Bars

    Mascarpone Swirl Brownies

    by Jolina | Published: June 23, 2021 | Last Updated: September 27, 2021 | 11 Comments
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    Mascarpone Brownies Easy Recipe
    Mascarpone Swirl Brownies
    Mascarpone Brownies Easy Recipe

    Mascarpone swirl brownies — fudgy brownies with velvety smooth mascarpone swirls. Rich, decadent, chocolatey and very easy to make. 

    (Looking for mascarpone desserts? Try these New York-style no-bake mini cheesecakes. Made with mascarpone cheese, cream cheese and whipped cream, every bite is wickedly good. These mascarpone cookies are always a hit too!)

    Mascarpone Swirl Brownies
    Jump To hide
    Why you’ll love these mascarpone swirl brownies
    How to make chocolate mascarpone brownies
    Mascarpone swirl brownies recipe
    Baking tips and recipe FAQs
    Mascarpone Swirl Brownies

    What is mascarpone cheese?

    Mascarpone, also called Italian cream cheese, is a creamy, velvety smooth, luxuriously spreadable cheese made from cow’s milk.

    It has a slightly sweet flavour and almost buttery consistency. This is due to its high milkfat or butterfat content — up to 75%.

    Tiramisu is probably one of the – if not the – most popular mascarpone recipes (try this eggless tiramisu recipe for an easy, delicious, egg-free version) but mascarpone is used in a variety of ways, like in these recipes:

    • Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone Cream & Bourbon Salted Caramel Sauce
    • No-Bake Raspberry White Chocolate Tart

    I also love adding mascarpone to brownies. They give fudgy brownies an added richness and creaminess, and those swirls make for pretty treats perfect for gifts, potlucks, bake sales and more.

    Let’s get to it.

    Why you’ll love these mascarpone swirl brownies

    Mascarpone Swirl Brownies

    If you’re already a classic brownie fan, you’ll love these mascarpone swirl brownies because:

    • They’re just as easy to do. You have that extra step of making the mascarpone mixture but it takes no time at all and totally worth it.
    • These brownies are not your everyday brownies —  make them when you need a special treat, to cheer someone up, at Christmastime, when bake sale season comes up, at potlucks where you want to steal everyone’s thunder (which, at least for me, is every potluck lol).
    • They freeze well too. So you can make a batch when you have the time and thaw them when you need them.

    How to make chocolate mascarpone brownies

    Baking chocolate mascarpone brownies is quick and easy and the ingredients are easy to find.

    Ingredients

    For the mascarpone cheese mixture, you’ll need:

    • Mascarpone cheese
    • Granulated sugar
    • Egg
    • Vanilla extract

    And for the brownie batter:

    • Dutch processed, unsweetened cocoa powder
    • Baking soda
    • Unsalted butter
    • Espresso or strong coffee
    • Granulated sugar
    • Brown sugar
    • Vanilla extract
    • Salt
    • Whole eggs
    • All purpose flour

    Tools

    You don’t need special tools when making mascarpone cheesecake brownies, although I use my electric mixer to beat the mascarpone mixture.

    Other than that, all you’ll need are:

    • Mixing bowls
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Whisks and spatulas
    • 9×13 inch baking pan

    Mascarpone swirl brownies recipe

    Mascarpone mixture

    1 PREHEAT. Preheat your oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan then line with parchment paper with a slight overhang on each side. Grease the parchment paper as well. Set side.

    2 BEAT. Using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat mascarpone cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Scrape the sides of your bowl.

    Mascarpone cheese with sugar in a bowl
    Beat mascarpone cheese with sugar until smooth

    3 EGG. Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue to beat until incorporated. Set aside.

    Add egg to mascarpone cheese
    Beat egg and mascarpone cheese until smooth

    Brownie batter

    For the brownie batter, it’s important not to over mix so I always whisk and stir by hand.

    4 DRY INGREDIENTS. In a large bowl, whisk cocoa powder and baking soda until combined.

    Dry ingredients
    Whisk dry ingredients

    5 BUTTER. Add melted butter to your chocolate mixture and whisk until thick and smooth.

    Add melted butter to dry ingredients
    Whisk until smooth

    6 COFFEE. Add espresso and continue whisking until smooth and incorporated. At this point, it would seem like the espresso doesn’t want to incorporate into the batter. Keep whisking and it will come together.

    Add coffee to chocolate mixture
    Whisk until smooth

    7 WHISK. Add the rest of your ingredients (except the flour) and whisk until fully incorporated.

    Add all ingredients to make brownie batter
    Whisk until smooth

    8 FLOUR. Finally, add flour and gently fold until just combined. Do not over mix.

    Add flour to brownie batter
    Stir just until combined

    Assembly

    9 CHOCOLATE. Transfer your brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.

    Transfer brownie batter to pan

    10 MASCARPONE. Top with your mascarpone mixture and try to spread around.

    Transfer mascarpone mixture to pan

    11 SWIRL. Run a knife through the batter to create swirls and help further even out the cheese throughout the pan.

    Swirl brownie batter with knife

    12 TAP. Gently tap the pan on your counter a few times to help the batter settle in.

    13 BAKE. Bake the brownies for 30-45 minutes or until it starts to brown at the edges but the centre still feels a little jiggly (but not soupy). You want a toothpick inserted in the middle to come out with minimal but slightly moist crumbs.

    14 COOL. Take out of the oven and allow to cool on the counter. Then chill 2-3 hours (or overnight) until the brownies are set. You can serve the brownies chilled or at room temperature.

    Baking tips and recipe FAQs

    Mascarpone Swirl Brownies

    What is the difference between mascarpone and cream cheese?

    These two cheeses are similar but have notable differences:

    Texture and ConsistencyMascarpone is creamy and smooth. American cream cheese is firmer and typically sold in bricks that you usually need to soften or bring down to room temperature before using in baking recipes.
    TasteCream cheese is tangier than mascarpone, which is milder and has a slightly sweet flavour.
    Fat ContentMascarpone cheese can contain as much as 75% butterfat vs. cream cheese, which ranges from 33 to 40%.

    Can cream cheese be substituted for mascarpone?

    There are ingredients that are great substitutes for mascarpone depending on the recipe (e.g. clotted cream).

    For these mascarpone cheese brownies, yes you can use cream cheese. Just expect a slight difference in sweetness and texture.

    What can I substitute for coffee?

    Coffee makes chocolate flavour stand out more but if you prefer to not have it in your brownies, you can substitute with the same amount of water.

    Mascarpone Swirl Brownies

    How to make chewy and fudgy brownies

    In my experience, these things make brownies chewy and fudgy:

    1. Brown sugar. In this recipe, there’s ½ cup packed brown sugar and I’ve found that adding it helps create that sticky, fudgy texture.
    2. Bake time. Remember it’s better to under-bake than over-bake brownies. Use the baking time in this recipe (or any brownie recipe) as a guide and then start testing your brownies about 10 minutes before the end, or just when they start pulling away from the sides of your pan.

    The tester or toothpick you insert in the centre must not come out clean. What you want are bits of crumbs (not wet batter) sticking to it. The brownies will continue to cook as they cool.

    It also helps not to over mix your brownie batter once you’ve added the flour.

    How to store brownies

    Brownies with mascarpone cheese will keep in the fridge for up to a week but the best way to store them is to freeze them.

    Cut the thoroughly cooled brownies into individual pieces, wrap each one in plastic wrap (wrap them snugly), then with foil. Place each one in a freezer safe container or Ziploc bag.

    When you’re ready to eat or serve them, just bring them out and thaw at room temperature. They’re good slightly chilled too.

    Mascarpone swirl brownies stored in the freezer will keep for 1-2 months.

    Do you have other brownie recipes?

    I love baking brownies! They’re one of the easiest things to make. Try these other brownie recipes and see which one is your favourite:

    Ube Brownies Recipe (made with Ube Halaya)
    Ube Brownies
    Fudgy Walnut Brownies
    Fudgy Walnut Brownies
    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies
    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies
    Freshly baked matcha cheesecake brownies
    Matcha Brownies
    • Ube brownies are your favourite chewy and fudgy brownies but packed with the ube flavour you love. Made with real ube halaya, sprinkled with white chocolate chips, so good.
    • Fudgy walnut brownies are your classic brownies — crusty and shiny on top, chewy in the centre, and bursting with chocolate chip and walnuts in every bite.
    • These salted caramel cream cheese brownies, on the other hand, are all your favourite things in one decadent, luxurious bite.
    • Try this matcha brownies recipe for chocolate brownies infused and complemented with bold, earthy matcha flavour.

    Try chocolate mascarpone brownies next time you’re craving for an extra special chocolatey treat. Enjoy!

    Mascarpone Swirl Brownies

    Mascarpone Swirl Brownies

    Author: Jolina
    Mascarpone swirl brownies — fudgy brownies with velvety smooth mascarpone swirls. Rich, decadent, chocolatey and very easy to make.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Chill Time 3 hrs
    Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine North American
    Servings 24 brownies
    Calories 216 kcal

    Equipment

    • Hand Mixer
    • 9×13 Baking Pan
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Measuring Cups

    Ingredients
     
     

    Mascarpone Cheese Mixture

    • 10.5 oz mascarpone cheese
    • ½ cup granulated sugar see notes
    • 1 pc large egg room temperature
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    Brownie Batter

    • ¾ cup Dutch processed unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ½ tsp baking soda
    • ⅔ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
    • ½ cup espresso or strong coffee lukewarm
    • 1½ cups granulated sugar
    • ½ cup packed brown sugar
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 2 pcs large eggs room temperature
    • 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan then line with parchment paper with a slight overhang on each side. Grease the parchment paper as well. Set aside.

    Mascarpone Cheese Mixture

    • Using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat mascarpone cheese and ½ cup sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Scrape the sides of your bowl.
      Beat mascarpone cheese with sugar until smooth
    • Add the egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract and continue to beat until incorporated. Set aside.
      Add egg to mascarpone cheese

    Brownie Batter

    • In a large bowl, whisk ¾ cup cocoa powder and ½ tsp baking soda until combined.
      Whisk dry ingredients
    • Add ⅔ cup melted butter to your chocolate mixture and whisk until thick and smooth.
      Add melted butter to dry ingredients
    • Add ½ cup espresso and continue whisking until smooth and incorporated. At this point, it would seem like the espresso doesn't want to incorporate into the batter. Keep whisking and it will come together.
      Whisk until smooth
    • Add the rest of your ingredients (except the flour) and whisk until fully incorporated.
      Add all ingredients to make brownie batter
    • Finally, add 1⅓ cups flour and gently fold until just combined. Do not over mix.
      Add flour to brownie batter

    Assembly

    • Transfer your brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
      Transfer brownie batter to pan
    • Top with your mascarpone mixture and try to spread around
      Transfer mascarpone mixture to pan
    • Run a knife through the batter to create swirls and help further even out the cheese throughout the pan.
      Swirl brownie batter with knife
    • Gently tap the pan on your counter a few times to help the batter settle in.
    • Bake the brownies for 30-45 minutes or until it's starting to brown at the edges but the centre still feels a little jiggly (but not soupy). You want a toothpick inserted in the middle to come out with minimal but slightly moist crumbs.
    • Take out of the oven and allow to cool on the counter. Then chill 2-3 hours (or overnight) until the brownies are set. You can serve the brownies chilled or at room temperature.

    Video

    Notes

    1. The yield depends on how big or small you slice your brownies. These are very rich so a little goes a long way.
    2. I’ve found that not all mascarpone are the same. Some are milder than others. When making your mascarpone mixture, taste it before adding the egg and decide if you need to add more sugar. Do so a teaspoon at a time; don’t add more than ¼ cup.
    3. Remember that it’s better to under-bake than over-bake brownies. They will continue to cook as they cool in the pan.
    4. See post for lots of baking tips and FAQs.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 130mgPotassium: 63mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 332IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg

    Nutritional information are estimates only.

    Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating today!Also tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I’d love to see your creations.

    Happy baking!

    Did you make chocolate brownies with mascarpone cream? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

    More Brownies and Bars

    • Easy Dulce de Leche Brownies Recipe
    • Ube Cheesecake Bars Recipe
    • Cheese Bars Filipino Recipe
    • Ube Brownies Recipe (made with Ube Halaya)
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sara

      August 21, 2021 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      SO delicious! I had never thought of adding mascarpone to a brownie, but it totally works! Loved it.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        August 24, 2021 at 12:47 pm

        Hi Sara, glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    2. Aisasami

      July 14, 2021 at 6:52 am

      OMG, yes! This is something I would love to eat and try to make because I love mascarpone and brownies!

      Reply
    3. Sharon

      July 13, 2021 at 9:20 am

      5 stars
      These brownies were SO GOOD!!! Next time I might bring down the sweetness a notch but it’ a keeper!!

      Reply
      • Jolina

        July 14, 2021 at 9:21 am

        Glad you liked them Sharon!

        Reply
    4. Stephanie

      July 10, 2021 at 7:38 am

      Oh my goodness, these look delicious! I love brownies and I love cheese so it’s a perfect combination. I can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
    5. Melanie

      July 09, 2021 at 5:45 am

      Love your step by step guide, very helpful and these swirl brownies look very yummy indeed x

      Reply
    6. Kate

      July 09, 2021 at 3:07 am

      Wow, these look totally delicious! I am definitely going to give these a try – my family will love them!

      Reply
    7. Marjie

      July 05, 2021 at 10:53 pm

      These look so fudgy and delicious. The best part, the recipe is so easy to follow.

      Reply
    8. Neely

      July 05, 2021 at 2:09 pm

      Oh this looks SO GOOD! I love making brownies and I definitely want to try these

      Reply
    9. Katie

      July 02, 2021 at 12:48 pm

      Love this new brownie recipe! I’ve been following your blog and want to make salted caramel brownies for a while but now I think I want to make these first!! Looks so rich and fudgy!!

      Reply

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