Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tiramisu Cake brings together everything people love about classic tiramisu in an elegant cake form that is perfect for celebrations, holidays, or special gatherings. It has the familiar flavors of coffee, cocoa, and creamy mascarpone, but with a soft cake structure that makes slicing and serving effortless. I enjoy this version because it feels refined yet approachable, especially when you want something impressive without being overly complicated. The coffee-soaked layers stay moist and flavorful, while the mascarpone frosting adds richness without heaviness. I first made this cake for a dinner party when I wanted a dessert that felt indulgent but balanced, and it was an instant success. If you love tiramisu but want a dessert that looks stunning on the table and feeds a crowd easily, this tiramisu cake is a perfect choice.
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Tiramisu Cake: A Decadent Italian-Inspired Dessert with a Modern Twist
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tiramisu Cake is a luxurious dessert that transforms the classic Italian tiramisu into a layered cake, featuring coffee-soaked sponge layers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups brewed strong coffee, cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Combine cooled coffee and coffee liqueur.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold mascarpone into the whipped cream.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and brush generously with coffee mixture.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the layer.
- Top with second cake layer, brush with coffee, and frost with remaining cream.
- Dust the top generously with cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Use high-quality mascarpone for best flavor.
- Alcohol can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides structure for the cake layers while keeping them soft and tender.
Baking Powder
Baking powder helps the cake rise evenly and creates a light crumb.
Salt
Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the rich flavors.
Eggs
Eggs add structure, moisture, and richness to the cake batter.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar sweetens the cake and helps create a soft, delicate texture.
Unsalted Butter
Butter adds richness and flavor to the cake layers.
Milk
Milk keeps the cake moist and smooth, helping the batter blend evenly.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla rounds out the flavors and complements the coffee and mascarpone.
Strong Brewed Coffee or Espresso
Coffee infuses the cake with the signature tiramisu flavor and keeps the layers moist.
Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone forms the base of the frosting, delivering a creamy, luxurious texture.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is whipped to lighten the mascarpone and create a smooth frosting.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting without adding graininess.
Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder adds the classic tiramisu finish and a slightly bitter contrast.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and preparing your cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. 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 butter mixture, alternating with milk, until a smooth batter forms. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake until the cakes are lightly golden and set in the center. Allow them to cool completely.
Once cooled, brush or drizzle the cake layers generously with the brewed coffee. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the mascarpone and powdered sugar into the whipped cream until smooth and creamy. Assemble the cake by layering the coffee-soaked cake with mascarpone frosting. Finish by frosting the top and sides, then dust generously with cocoa powder before serving.
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.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This cake serves approximately 10 to 12 people. Preparation takes about 30 minutes, baking time is around 30 minutes, and assembly takes an additional 20 minutes. Total time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the tiramisu cake covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. This cake is best served chilled or slightly cool. Reheating is not recommended, as it may affect the texture of the mascarpone frosting.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Lover’s Version
Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers.
Alcohol-Infused
Mix a small amount of coffee liqueur into the brewed coffee for deeper flavor.
Lighter Frosting
Use part cream cheese in place of mascarpone for a slightly tangier frosting.
Mini Cakes
Bake the batter in smaller pans or cupcakes for individual servings.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for cakes.
FAQs
Is this cake very strong in coffee flavor?
It has a balanced coffee flavor that is noticeable but not overpowering.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for several hours.
Do I need mascarpone cheese?
Mascarpone is traditional and recommended for authentic flavor.
Can I freeze tiramisu cake?
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy frosting.
What cocoa powder works best?
Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the best contrast.
Can I use instant coffee?
Yes, dissolve it in hot water to make a strong brew.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Do not skip the coffee soak and avoid overbaking.
Can I use sponge cake instead?
Yes, sponge cake works well for a lighter texture.
Is this cake overly sweet?
No, it is well balanced with bitterness from coffee and cocoa.
Can I decorate it further?
Yes, chocolate shavings or cocoa dusting add elegance.
Conclusion
Tiramisu Cake is a beautiful fusion of classic Italian flavors and modern cake presentation. With its soft coffee-soaked layers, creamy mascarpone frosting, and cocoa finish, it feels indulgent yet balanced. Perfect for celebrations or refined desserts, this cake delivers elegance and comfort in every slice.
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