Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, grease an 8x8-inch pan, and line it with parchment allowing extra overhang for lifting later.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until fully liquid and just beginning to bubble.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the chopped chocolate and espresso powder until smooth and glossy.
- Transfer the warm mixture to a large bowl, add the sugar, and whisk until evenly combined with a slightly grainy texture.
- Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then blend in vanilla, oil, cocoa powder, and salt until the batter looks thick and uniform.

- Fold in the flour gently just until no dry streaks remain, being careful not to overwork the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 27–32 minutes until set on top with moist crumbs on a tester.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding any toppings.

- Stir boiling water, espresso powder, and sugar together in a shallow bowl until dissolved, then let cool to room temperature.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture and arrange them snugly over the brownie layer, trimming as needed.
- In a large bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

- Slowly stream in the cold cream while mixing on low, scraping the bowl often, until fully incorporated.
- Increase mixer speed and whip until the topping becomes thick and holds stiff peaks.
- Spread the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfinger layer, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
- Lift the chilled brownies out using the parchment, dust with cocoa powder, slice, and serve.

Nutrition
Notes
Caption-style recipe notes (MSI + emotional recall).
