If you adore classic Italian desserts but crave a cake form, this Tiramisu Cake Recipe is an absolute treasure. Bringing all the luscious flavors of traditional tiramisu into a beautifully layered cake, it features tender sponge soaked in espresso, wrapped in cloud-like mascarpone frosting, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and elegant, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and celebratory. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this cake delivers rich coffee notes with a creamy texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Tiramisu Cake Recipe are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in giving you that authentic, melt-in-your-mouth Italian dessert experience. From the fluffy cake base to the smooth mascarpone frosting, every component harmonizes perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake structure, providing the perfect crumb.
- Baking powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- Salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add protein for structure.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cake flavor.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Strong brewed espresso: The star of the soak, imparting that classic coffee flavor.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): Enhances the espresso’s richness for an adult twist.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone frosting without graininess.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips to soft peaks, lending lightness to the frosting.
- Mascarpone cheese: The creamy, dreamy filling essential to tiramisu.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a bittersweet touch on top for contrast.
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional): Provide an elegant, textural garnish.
How to Make Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven and prepping two 8-inch round cake pans—greased and floured to ensure your cakes release smoothly. Mix your flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl to combine. In another large bowl, whip together butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy, then add eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Now, alternate folding in your dry ingredients and whole milk, starting and ending with the dry mix, just until everything blends into a tender batter.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your two pans for that perfect layer thickness. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let these beauties cool completely before moving on—you want your layers firm but soft enough to soak up espresso beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Espresso Soak
In a small bowl, mix your cooled strong brewed espresso with coffee liqueur if you’re using it, and stir in sugar until it dissolves. This soak is the magic that infuses the cake with the essential coffee flavor that sets this dessert apart.
Step 4: Whip the Mascarpone Frosting
Whip your cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form—this is your light, airy base. Then gently fold in mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract, beating just until everything is smoothly combined and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll lose that silky texture.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate and brush it generously with half of the espresso soak to saturate each bite with coffee goodness. Spread a thick layer of the mascarpone frosting evenly on top. Repeat the same with the second cake layer and soak. Finally, frost the entire cake’s top and sides with the remaining frosting. Dust the whole cake with unsweetened cocoa powder, and if you want to add a touch of elegance, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on top. Refrigerate for at least two hours before slicing to let those flavors meld blissfully.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder is classic for a reason—it adds just the right bitter balance to the creamy sweetness. Dark chocolate shavings or curls elevate the presentation and add a bit of texture, making your Tiramisu Cake Recipe feel extra special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This cake shines beautifully on its own but pairing it with fresh berries or a light espresso or cappuccino can elevate the experience. The fruit cuts through the creaminess with a refreshing burst, while coffee complements each bite perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at your next gathering, try layering this cake in clear glasses—trifles style—for individual servings that show off the beautiful layers. Alternatively, piping the mascarpone frosting decoratively around the edges or adding a sprig of fresh mint on top gives it a pop of color and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Tiramisu Cake Recipe will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen and marry even more over time, making leftovers taste just as tempting as the first slice.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, but because of the delicate mascarpone frosting, it’s best to freeze the cake layers before assembly. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw completely before soaking and frosting as instructed to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Tiramisu cake is best enjoyed chilled, so avoid reheating. If you prefer it slightly less cold, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to soften up the flavors and texture for an even creamier experience.
FAQs
Can I make this Tiramisu Cake Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply omit the coffee liqueur in the espresso soak. The espresso and sugar alone provide plenty of flavor, keeping the cake just as delicious and family-friendly.
What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?
Mascarpone is key for that authentic tiramisu flavor and texture, but if you can’t find it, try blending cream cheese with a bit of heavy cream to mimic the richness. It won’t be quite the same but still tasty.
How do I make sure the cake layers soak up the espresso evenly?
Use a pastry brush to gently but thoroughly brush on the espresso soak. Be generous but do it slowly, so the liquid absorbs without making the cake too soggy.
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, a strong brewed coffee works fine if espresso isn’t available. Just make sure it’s brewed strong to achieve that signature coffee punch in your Tiramisu Cake Recipe.
Why should I refrigerate the cake before serving?
Chilling allows the espresso soak to permeate the cake fully and the mascarpone frosting to set perfectly, enhancing both texture and flavor for a truly delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Tiramisu Cake Recipe enough if you want to bring a little Italian magic to your kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy all the classic tiramisu flavors with the comforting satisfaction of cake. Once you try it, you’ll see why I keep coming back to this recipe for celebrations, sharing, or just a sweet moment with myself. Get ready to fall in love with every luscious forkful!
Print
Tiramisu Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tiramisu Cake recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert by combining a fluffy vanilla cake soaked in espresso with a rich mascarpone frosting. Perfect for coffee lovers, this layered cake is moist, creamy, and dusted with cocoa powder, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they are evenly combined for a consistent cake texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy; this step incorporates air, aiding a tender cake crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow layers to cool completely.
- Make the Espresso Soak: Combine the brewed espresso, coffee liqueur (if using), and granulated sugar in a bowl and stir until the sugar dissolves completely for a flavorful soak.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Frosting: Whip the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add the chilled mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract, beating just until smooth and fluffy, being careful not to overmix.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and brush generously with half of the espresso soak. Spread a thick layer of mascarpone frosting on top. Repeat the process with the second cake layer and remaining soak. Frost the entire cake with the remaining mascarpone frosting on top and sides.
- Finish with Toppings and Chill: Dust the cake generously with unsweetened cocoa powder and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings if desired. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully.
- Keep the tiramisu cake refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the coffee liqueur from the espresso soak without compromising flavor.
