Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert known for its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder. But what if you could take that iconic dessert and transform it into a cake? That’s exactly what this Tiramisu Cake does! With the rich, creamy texture of traditional tiramisu and the added elegance of a layered cake, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to something indulgent, Tiramisu Cake is a perfect choice. I recently baked this cake for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. The combination of coffee-soaked layers and creamy mascarpone frosting is irresistible and will make anyone feel like they’re indulging in a little Italian luxury.
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Tiramisu Cake: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and fluffy cake inspired by the classic Italian tiramisu, layered with coffee-soaked cake and mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa powder.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brewed strong coffee, cooled
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and 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 a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes have cooled, brush the tops of both cakes with the cooled brewed coffee, followed by the coffee liqueur, if using. Let the cakes soak for 10 minutes.
- For the frosting, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of mascarpone cream on top.
- Top with the second layer of cake and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining mascarpone cream.
- Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder.
Notes
- This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge to allow the flavors to develop.
- If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of coffee or coffee liqueur used.
- You can substitute the coffee liqueur with extra brewed coffee if preferred.
- Make sure the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream are cold for the best texture in the frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake:
All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour is the base of the cake, providing structure and lightness. It helps create a tender crumb that balances perfectly with the creamy layers.
Baking powder
Baking powder helps the cake rise, ensuring it’s light and fluffy, even with the moisture from the coffee syrup soaking into the layers.
Salt
A pinch of salt brings out the flavors in the cake and helps balance the sweetness.
Unsalted butter
Unsalted butter provides richness and moisture to the cake. It helps create a soft, tender crumb and adds a subtle flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Granulated sugar
Sugar adds sweetness to the cake, and when combined with the butter, it creates a light, airy batter that bakes to perfection.
Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake, helping it stay tender and soft.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the cake, enhancing the overall taste.
Milk
Milk provides the necessary moisture for the cake batter. It ensures the cake stays soft and moist after baking.
For the coffee syrup:
Espresso or strong brewed coffee
Espresso or strong brewed coffee is the key ingredient in the coffee syrup. It soaks into the cake layers, providing that signature tiramisu flavor.
Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the coffee syrup and helps it become a bit more syrupy, ensuring the cake layers stay moist.
Rum or Marsala wine (optional)
A splash of rum or Marsala wine adds an extra layer of depth to the flavor of the coffee syrup. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, feel free to leave this out.
For the mascarpone frosting:
Mascarpone cheese
Mascarpone cheese is the star of the frosting. Its creamy, rich texture and mild flavor create the perfect base for the tiramisu frosting.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream adds a velvety smoothness to the frosting, helping it achieve the desired consistency for spreading.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and helps give it the smooth, silky texture that makes it easy to spread over the cake layers.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor of the frosting, complementing the mascarpone and adding a hint of warmth.
Cocoa powder
For garnish, cocoa powder adds a classic finish to the cake, giving it that recognizable tiramisu appearance. You can also sprinkle it over the top for an extra pop of flavor.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the coffee syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the coffee and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the rum or Marsala wine, if using. Set aside to cool.
- Once the cakes have cooled, remove them from the pans and place them on a serving platter. Use a fork or toothpick to poke holes in the cakes, then drizzle the coffee syrup evenly over both layers, allowing the syrup to soak in.
- To make the frosting, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the cake by spreading the mascarpone frosting over the top of one layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Garnish with cocoa powder by sifting a thin layer over the top of the cake.
- Allow the cake to set for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Slice and serve!
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This Tiramisu Cake makes approximately 12 servings. The preparation time is around 15 minutes, while the baking time is about 25-30 minutes. After the cake is assembled, it’s best to let it set for at least 30 minutes before serving, giving the flavors time to meld together.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover Tiramisu Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake is best enjoyed chilled and can be eaten straight from the fridge. It doesn’t require reheating, as the coolness enhances the creamy mascarpone flavor.
Variations and Customizations
There are many ways you can customize this Tiramisu Cake to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this dessert.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or dairy-free mascarpone for the frosting, and make sure to choose a dairy-free coffee syrup.
- Alcohol-Free: If you prefer to avoid alcohol, simply omit the rum or Marsala wine from the coffee syrup. The cake will still be delicious!
- Chocolate Tiramisu Cake: For a twist on the traditional flavor, add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cake batter and frosting for a chocolate version of tiramisu.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
- Soak the cake layers evenly: When drizzling the coffee syrup, make sure to evenly coat the entire surface of the cake layers to ensure a uniform flavor throughout.
- Chill before serving: Let the cake chill for at least 30 minutes after frosting. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld, making each bite even better.
- Use freshly brewed espresso: For an authentic tiramisu flavor, use freshly brewed espresso rather than instant coffee for a richer, more robust taste.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee for the syrup?
Yes, you can use instant coffee, but freshly brewed espresso will give the syrup a richer flavor and enhance the tiramisu experience.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge, and it will taste even better the next day.
Can I freeze Tiramisu Cake?
You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use a different frosting?
If you prefer, you can swap the mascarpone frosting for whipped cream or a cream cheese frosting for a different texture.
Can I add chocolate to the cake?
Absolutely! Add some chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist on the classic.
How long does the cake need to set after frosting?
For the best flavor, let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this Tiramisu Cake.
Can I make this cake without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the rum or Marsala wine from the coffee syrup. The cake will still have the delicious tiramisu flavor without it.
How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting and cake batter if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
What other garnishes can I use?
In addition to cocoa powder, you can garnish with chocolate shavings, espresso beans, or even a dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor and decoration.
Conclusion
Tiramisu Cake is a decadent and impressive dessert that combines the best of traditional tiramisu with the elegance of a layered cake. Its rich, creamy mascarpone frosting, coffee-soaked layers, and cocoa finish make it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a tiramisu fan or simply looking for a showstopper dessert, this cake is sure to impress with every bite.
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