Tiramisu cake is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert. With layers of coffee-soaked cake, creamy mascarpone, and a touch of cocoa, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is both easy to make and irresistibly good.
Why We Love This Tiramisu Cake
Tiramisu cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the rich, indulgent flavors of traditional tiramisu but wants it in a cake form. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dessert:
- Irresistible Layers: With layers of coffee-soaked cake, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder, this cake delivers all the beloved flavors of tiramisu, but with an added texture that’s light and fluffy.
- Easy to Make: Unlike the traditional tiramisu, which can be a bit time-consuming, this tiramisu cake simplifies the process without sacrificing taste. You don’t need to worry about assembling multiple layers of ingredients – just bake and assemble.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or a casual family dinner, this tiramisu cake will always impress. It’s an elegant dessert that feels like a special treat but is easy enough to make for any occasion.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: The rich flavors of coffee and mascarpone are universally loved, making this cake a great choice for serving at gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to slice and serve, so it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the strength of the coffee or even add a splash of liqueur like Kahlúa to give it a more sophisticated flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of sugar without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
To make this delicious tiramisu cake, you’ll need the following ingredients to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures:
All-purpose flour – Gives the cake structure and texture. Don’t swap it with cake flour, as it may make the cake too soft.
Baking powder – Essential for lifting the cake. Don’t substitute it with baking soda.
Salt – Enhances the flavors without making it salty.
Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and flavor. You can use salted butter but reduce the salt.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps with moisture. Stick to white sugar for best results.
Vanilla extract – Adds flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Eggs – Help with texture and structure.
Milk – Whole milk works best for moisture. You can use lower-fat milk, but it may be drier.
Instant coffee granules – Adds the signature coffee flavor. You can use espresso powder for a stronger taste.
Instructions
Making this tiramisu cake is easier than it looks! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of this decadent dessert in no time.
Preheat the Oven & Prepare Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
Make the Cake Batter
Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Add the coffee mixture.
Bake the Cake
Divide batter between pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Make the Mascarpone Filling
Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in mascarpone and vanilla until smooth.
Assemble the Cake
Slice the cakes in half horizontally. Dip each layer briefly in the coffee mixture, then layer with mascarpone filling. Repeat until all layers are used, finishing with filling on top.
Finish & Chill
Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Pro Tips
To make sure your tiramisu cake turns out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips that will elevate your baking game:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix more evenly and create a smoother batter.
Don’t Over Soak the Cake: When dipping the cake layers into the coffee mixture, don’t soak them too long. A quick dip is all you need! Too much moisture can make the cake soggy, which can affect the overall texture of your tiramisu cake.
Chill the Cake Before Serving: For the best flavor, let your tiramisu cake chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better!). This gives the flavors time to blend together and makes the cake easier to slice.
Use a Serrated Knife for Slicing: When cutting the cake into layers, a serrated knife works best. It allows you to cut through the layers evenly without squashing the cake.
Make It Ahead of Time: Tiramisu cake is a great make-ahead dessert. In fact, it’s even better the next day, as the flavors have time to develop and the cake sets perfectly. This makes it an ideal option for entertaining!
Customize the Flavor: You can adjust the coffee strength based on your preference. For a richer flavor, add more coffee granules to the mixture or try using espresso instead of regular brewed coffee. If you like a bit of kick, feel free to add some coffee liqueur like Kahlúa.
Variations
This tiramisu cake is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to personalize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:
Alcohol-Free Version
If you want to keep it alcohol-free, simply skip the coffee liqueur. The coffee and mascarpone filling will still deliver all the delicious flavors you expect from a classic tiramisu.
Gluten-Free Tiramisu Cake
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the rest of your ingredients are also gluten-free, like the baking powder and cocoa powder.
Dairy-Free Option
To make this tiramisu cake dairy-free, use a plant-based butter substitute and coconut cream or a dairy-free mascarpone alternative in place of regular mascarpone cheese. Be sure to check that your coffee liqueur (if used) is dairy-free as well.
Serving Suggestions
Once your tiramisu cake is ready, it’s time to serve and impress your guests! This dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing both its flavor and presentation. Here are a few serving ideas to elevate your tiramisu cake experience:
Serve with Fresh Berries
Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, are a great contrast to the rich and creamy tiramisu cake. Their slight tartness complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a balanced and vibrant dish.
Pair with a Coffee or Espresso
For true tiramisu lovers, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso is the perfect beverage pairing. The deep flavors of coffee enhance the cake’s coffee-soaked layers and create a harmonious experience.
Add a Dusting of Cocoa Powder
While the top of the tiramisu cake already has a light dusting of cocoa powder, adding a bit more just before serving will give it an extra visual appeal and intensify the flavor. You can also use chocolate shavings or grated dark chocolate for a richer touch.
Serve with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
For an indulgent treat, serve a slice of tiramisu cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the cake’s texture, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.
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FAQs
Here are some common questions about making tiramisu cake, along with helpful answers to guide you through the process:
Can I make this tiramisu cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making this tiramisu cake a day in advance is highly recommended. It gives the flavors time to meld and makes the cake even more delicious. Simply store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream. Combine 1 part cream cheese with 2 parts heavy cream to mimic the creamy texture of mascarpone.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, be sure to dip the cake layers into the coffee mixture quickly—just a few seconds on each side. If you soak the layers too long, they will absorb too much moisture, making the cake overly wet.
Can I make tiramisu cake without eggs?
Yes, you can make an eggless version of tiramisu cake by using a substitute like aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or using store-bought eggless cake mix. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious!
tiramisu cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules dissolved in 2 tbsp warm water for that signature coffee flavor
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- 1 ½ cups mascarpone cheese softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee cooled
- 1 tbsp coffee liqueur optional, but adds a nice kick
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensures your cake rises evenly.
Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the dissolved coffee mixture to give the cake a delicious coffee flavor.
Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Mascarpone Filling
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, slice each one in half horizontally to create four layers.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled brewed coffee and coffee liqueur (if using). Dip each layer of cake in the coffee mixture briefly – don’t soak it too much, or the cake may become soggy.
- Place the first layer of cake on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the mascarpone filling over the top, smoothing it out evenly.
- Repeat the process for the remaining layers, finishing with a layer of mascarpone filling on top.
Finish and Chill
- Once assembled, dust the top with cocoa powder to give it that classic tiramisu finish.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.