Blackberry at Merisor

Mărioara's Brownie: A Sunny Delight with Coffee and Egg Yolk Cream

Who doesn't love a soft, moist brownie bursting with flavor? This "Mărioara's Brownie" recipe combines decadent chocolate with the intense aroma of coffee, transforming a simple dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience. It's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends or a family celebration. Plus, it's an easy recipe to prepare, and the result is guaranteed to impress everyone!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

*For the base:*
- 4 large eggs
- 4 egg whites
- 250 g chocolate candies or dark chocolate
- 200 g butter
- 200 ml milk
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g ground walnuts

*For the egg yolk cream:*
- 4 egg yolks
- 200 ml espresso coffee
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 400 g mascarpone cheese
- 50 g cocoa powder

*For the syrup:*
- 300 ml espresso coffee

*For decoration:*
- Chocolate decorations, chocolate flakes, or ground walnuts

Preparation steps

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm) by lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the brownie after baking.
2. In a bowl, add the chocolate candies or dark chocolate, cubed butter, and milk. Place the bowl over a double boiler (a method that involves steaming to avoid burning the chocolate) and stir continuously until everything is completely melted and homogenized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until a firm and shiny meringue forms.
4. Incorporate the egg yolks into the melted chocolate mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air from the egg whites.
5. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder over the mixture and carefully mix until homogeneous. Add the ground walnuts and mix again.
6. Pour the obtained batter into the prepared tray and level the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Preparing the egg yolk cream

1. Prepare a concentrated espresso using your favorite coffee. Make sure it's hot!
2. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar over a double boiler, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.
3. Add the cocoa powder and espresso coffee, mixing well until homogenized.
4. Remove from heat and let cool. Then, fold in the mascarpone cheese, mixing gently until you obtain a smooth cream.

Step 3: Assembling the dessert

1. When the base has completely cooled, prepare a syrup from the remaining espresso coffee. You can add a little sugar to the syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste.
2. Gradually pour the 300 ml of hot espresso coffee over the base, allowing it to absorb. It is essential to do this step a few hours before adding the cream to allow the brownie to soak well with the coffee flavor.
3. Once the base has absorbed the syrup, carefully invert it onto a serving platter. Evenly cover it with the previously prepared cream.
4. Finally, decorate with chocolate decorations or chocolate flakes as desired. Let the dessert chill for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Serving

1. Cut the brownie into rhombuses or squares, depending on your preference, serving it chilled. It will have an incredibly soft and moist texture due to the coffee syrup.
2. It can be enjoyed plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, adding a contrast of temperature and texture.

Practical tips and variations

- You can replace the espresso coffee with caramel or chocolate syrup for a sweeter version.
- If you want to add a splash of alcohol, a coffee liqueur could be an excellent choice to enhance the flavors.
- Instead of nuts, you can add chocolate chips or dried fruits to the brownie batter for varied texture.

Nutritional information

Each serving of brownie contains approximately 350 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats due to the walnut and mascarpone cheese content. This recipe is rich in antioxidants from the chocolate and coffee, offering both pleasure and nutritional benefits.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I replace the mascarpone cheese with something else?
Yes, you can use ricotta or well-drained cottage cheese, but the cream will have a slightly different texture.

- How can I store the brownie?
This dessert keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.

- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
No, but you can experiment with egg and butter substitutes to create a vegan version.

Call to action: Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get to work! Don't forget to share this delicious recipe with friends and family, because homemade treats made with love are the most appreciated! Happy cooking and enjoying!