Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Tiramisu Cake Recipe
A Story to Savor
Tiramisu, the classic Italian dessert, is a favorite at dinner parties and family gatherings alike. This tiramisu cake takes the beloved flavors of espresso, mascarpone, and cocoa and transforms them into a layered delight that's perfect for celebrating special occasions. This recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible even for novice bakers, so you can bring a touch of Italy to your home with ease.
Ingredients
Cake Layers:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
Tiramisu Filling:
1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
2 cups mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Equipment
2 8-inch round cake pans
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Offset spatula
Parchment paper
Cooling rack
Fine-mesh sieve
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Layers
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Tiramisu Filling
Prepare Coffee Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the brewed coffee and coffee liqueur (if using).
Whip Cream: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Mix Mascarpone: In another bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
Fold Together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.
3. Assemble the Tiramisu Cake
Soak Cake Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Using a pastry brush, soak the cake layer with the coffee mixture until it is well saturated but not soggy.
Add Filling: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked cake layer.
Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top, and repeat the soaking process with the coffee mixture.
Top Layer: Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over the top and sides of the cake.
4. Finish and Serve
Dust with Cocoa: Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust the top of the cake with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
Garnish: Before serving, optionally garnish with dark chocolate shavings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this luscious tiramisu cake chilled, paired with a glass of sweet Italian dessert wine like Vin Santo or a strong espresso. The rich, creamy layers are perfectly complemented by the bold flavors of the coffee and cocoa.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Tips and Shortcuts
Pre-made Cake Layers: Use store-bought sponge cake layers to save time.
Instant Espresso: Substitute brewed coffee with instant espresso powder mixed with hot water for a quicker option.
Simplified Assembly: Make a single-layer tiramisu cake by using one cake layer and halving the filling ingredients.