Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Tiramisu Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining layers of coffee-soaked cake with rich mascarpone cream. It’s a luxurious treat that’s both creamy and decadent, perfect for special occasions or an indulgent dessert after dinner.
The combination of coffee and cocoa creates a harmonious flavor profile that is simply irresistible. If you’re a fan of the original tiramisu, you’re going to love this cake version!
Necessary Kitchen Equipment
- 9-Inch Round Cake Pans: For baking the cake layers.
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing the batter and cream.
- Electric Mixer: For whipping the cream and mascarpone.
- Spatula: For spreading cream and scraping bowls.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cake layers completely.
- Sifter: For dusting cocoa powder on top.
Ingredient Overview
- Coffee: Provides the essential coffee flavor that defines tiramisu.
- Mascarpone Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the cake layers.
- Ladyfingers: Traditionally used in tiramisu, they create a delightful texture.
- Cocoa Powder: For dusting the top and adding a chocolatey flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cream and balances the bitterness of coffee.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. - Make the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In another bowl, beat 3/4 cup unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and 1 cup of milk until combined. - Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Coffee Mixture
While the cakes are cooling, brew 1 cup of strong coffee and stir in 2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur (optional). Let cool. - Make the Mascarpone Cream
In a large bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until combined. - Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Brush the top with the coffee mixture until soaked but not soggy. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the cake layer. Repeat with the second cake layer, soaking it with coffee and topping it with the remaining mascarpone cream. - Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder using a sifter.
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Coffee: Brewed coffee should be strong and freshly made for the best flavor.
- Chill the Mascarpone: Keeping the mascarpone cheese cold will help it blend better with the whipped cream.
- Make Ahead: This cake is perfect for making a day ahead, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Tiramisu cake is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of espresso or a dessert wine like Vin Santo. You can also serve it with fresh berries for a touch of color and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of alcohol?
A: Yes! If you prefer not to use coffee liqueur, you can substitute it with rum or omit it altogether.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish each slice with chocolate shavings or a dusting of extra cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
For the Coffee Mixture:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In one bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In another, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients and milk.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then on a rack.
- Mix coffee and liqueur. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then fold in whipped cream.
- Assemble by soaking the first layer with coffee, adding half the cream, then repeating with the second layer.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, dust with cocoa before serving.
Summary
This Tiramisu Cake combines the classic flavors of tiramisu in a beautiful cake form, creating a luscious dessert that’s perfect for coffee lovers and special occasions.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different flavorings or additions like chocolate chips in the mascarpone cream for a delightful twist!
Tiramisu Cake
Equipment
- 9-Inch Round Cake Pans: For baking the cake layers.
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing the batter and cream.
- Electric Mixer: For whipping the cream and mascarpone.
- Spatula: For spreading cream and scraping bowls.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cake layers completely.
- Sifter: For dusting cocoa powder on top.
Ingredients
- For the Cake Layers:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- For the Coffee Mixture:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur optional
- For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In one bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. In another, beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients and milk.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then on a rack.
- Mix coffee and liqueur. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then fold in whipped cream.
- Assemble by soaking the first layer with coffee, adding half the cream, then repeating with the second layer.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, dust with cocoa before serving.