If you’re craving a dessert that combines the deep, rich flavors of coffee with the creamy indulgence of mascarpone, then you are going to love this Tiramisu Cake Recipe. This cake takes the classic Italian tiramisu and transforms it into a stunning layered cake that’s moist, fluffy, and soaked with espresso syrup. The smooth mascarpone frosting adds a luscious texture, making every bite feel like a little piece of heaven. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this Tiramisu Cake Recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Tiramisu Cake Recipe plays a crucial role, from the fluffy cake layers to the rich espresso soak and the creamy mascarpone frosting. Each element is simple but essential for achieving that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and classic Italian charm.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s structure, providing a tender crumb when combined with the right leavening.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light and airy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist, flavorful cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and the espresso soak, balancing the coffee’s bitterness.
- Eggs: Provide the necessary structure and moisture, helping the cake rise beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake tender and moist with creamy notes.
- Strong brewed espresso or coffee: Provides the bold coffee flavor essential to tiramisu.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): Adds an authentic adult kick and enhances the coffee aroma.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone frosting without graininess.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it creates a light and fluffy frosting texture.
- Mascarpone cheese: The star of the frosting, lending a rich, creamy, slightly tangy flavor.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Dusting on top adds classic tiramisu bitterness and visual appeal.
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional): Add extra texture and a touch of elegance.
How to Make Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your cake pans perfectly so your layers come out clean and smooth. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of baking powder, while beating the butter and sugar until fluffy is key for a light cake. Adding eggs one at a time helps make the batter uniform, while folding in the milk balances moisture and density. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely to maintain their soft texture without crumbling.
Step 2: Mix the Espresso Soak
While the cake cools, combine strong brewed espresso with coffee liqueur and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. This soak is what makes the cake moist and infuses it with that signature tiramisu coffee flavor. For a kid-friendly or alcohol-free option, simply skip the coffee liqueur, and your soak will still deliver a wonderful taste.
Step 3: Whip the Mascarpone Frosting
Chill your heavy whipping cream for best results, then whip it with powdered sugar to soft peaks before gently folding in chilled mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract. The mascarpone must be well incorporated but not overmixed; this creates a dreamy, creamy frosting that holds up well between cake layers and on the outside as a delicate finish.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Lay down one cake layer and brush it generously with half of your espresso soak, soaking but not soggy. Spread a thick layer of mascarpone frosting on top, then repeat with the second layer. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing as best you can. Dust the top with a generous sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder and decorate with dark chocolate shavings if you want that elegant flair. Pop the cake in the fridge to chill for at least two hours so the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Present your tiramisu cake with a delicate dusting of cocoa and chocolate shavings to enhance both its look and taste. Fresh mint leaves or even a few coffee beans can add a lovely contrast if you want to get creative. The garnish should invite your guests to dive in and enjoy the cake’s rich layers.
Side Dishes
Pairing this dessert with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine complements the coffee flavors in the cake perfectly. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad are great if you want to add a refreshing contrast between bites, balancing out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual portions in clear glasses or jars for a layered tiramisu-inspired parfait, or slice the cake into neat squares and plate with an espresso drizzle. For casual get-togethers, a rustic cake stand and natural fiber napkins can give your presentation an inviting, homey feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your tiramisu cake refrigerated tightly covered to preserve its freshness and texture. Stored properly in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap, it will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, allowing the flavors to continue melding.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Tiramisu Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight for best texture retention.
Reheating
This cake is best served cold to keep the mascarpone frosting and espresso soak intact, so reheating is not recommended. If desired, you can take it out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to bring it closer to room temperature and enhance the flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make this tiramisu cake without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! The coffee liqueur is optional and can be omitted to make a non-alcoholic version. The espresso soak will still infuse plenty of rich coffee flavor, making the cake just as delicious.
How long should I chill the cake before serving?
For best results, allow the cake to chill for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. This resting time lets the soak and frosting flavors meld together beautifully, giving you that authentic tiramisu taste.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso?
Yes, you can use instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water as a substitute. Just make sure it’s strong to keep the deep coffee flavor that’s essential for this tiramisu cake.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary for the frosting?
Mascarpone is key to achieving the classic creamy, tangy flavor in this frosting and lends the cake its signature authentic taste. Substituting with cream cheese might alter the texture and flavor, so mascarpone is highly recommended.
How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?
Use the espresso soak generously but don’t oversaturate the layers. Brushing the soak evenly and allowing the cake to absorb it gradually helps keep the layers moist but intact without becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Tiramisu Cake Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to share. It brings the magic of a classic coffee dessert into a beautiful layered cake form that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me—once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for an elegant yet approachable treat. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to impress with a slice of this Italian-inspired masterpiece!
Print
Tiramisu Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus minimum 2 hours chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tiramisu Cake Recipe is a decadent and elegant dessert that combines the classic flavors of Italian tiramisu with a soft, layered cake. Featuring espresso-soaked sponge cake layers enveloped in a smooth mascarpone frosting, dusted with cocoa powder and optional chocolate shavings, this cake is perfect for coffee lovers and special occasions. The combination of moist cake, rich coffee soak, and creamy mascarpone frosting creates a delightful and indulgent experience.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Espresso Soak:
- 3/4 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Mascarpone Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, chilled
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternated with the whole milk, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix just until combined, careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centers of the cakes comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans, then remove them to cool further on a wire rack.
- Make the Espresso Soak: In a small bowl, combine the cooled strong brewed espresso or coffee with the coffee liqueur, if using, and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Set this aside to be used later to soak the cake layers, infusing them with rich coffee flavor.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting: Using a chilled bowl and beaters, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. To this whipped cream, gently add the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture only until smooth and fluffy, being careful not to overmix which could cause the frosting to break or become too runny.
- Assemble the Tiramisu Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Brush it generously with half of the espresso soak, allowing it to absorb fully. Spread a thick, even layer of mascarpone frosting over the soaked cake. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the soaking process with the remaining espresso mixture. Cover the entire cake, including the sides, with the remaining mascarpone frosting for a smooth finish.
- Finish and Chill: Dust the top of the cake with a generous amount of unsweetened cocoa powder and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings if desired, adding a touch of elegance and extra chocolate flavor. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving; this chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up, enhancing the overall texture and taste.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors fully meld together, so consider preparing it in advance.
- Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the coffee liqueur without affecting the overall flavor significantly.
