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