Tiramisu Cake Recipe

The Best Tiramisu Cake Recipe for Dreamy Coffee Indulgence

Tiramisu cake dances on the palate with an elegant Italian charm that promises pure culinary seduction.

Rich layers of delicate flavors intertwine like a passionate romance between coffee and cream.

Soft mascarpone embraces each tender crumb with velvety smoothness and decadent allure.

Coffee-soaked sponge creates a luxurious foundation that refines ordinary desserts into extraordinary experiences.

Delicate textures contrast beautifully, balancing sweet and bold notes in every sumptuous bite.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert transcends traditional expectations with its complex yet harmonious profile.

Passionate home bakers will find themselves enchanted by its remarkable depth and sensory complexity.

Experience the Elegance of Tiramisu Cake

  • Elevate Your Dessert Game: This tiramisu cake transforms the classic Italian dessert into a showstopping layered cake that impresses everyone at the table with its elegant presentation and rich, sophisticated flavors.
  • Master a Delicate Baking Technique: The genoise cake method requires precision and patience, teaching bakers how to create an incredibly light, airy sponge cake by carefully whisking eggs to the perfect foam-like consistency.
  • Indulge in Luxurious Flavor Layers: Each bite combines the deep, bold coffee-soaked cake layers with creamy mascarpone frosting, creating a perfect balance of intense coffee, subtle sweetness, and velvety smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

Must Have Ingredients for Tiramisu Cake

Cake Base:
  • Eggs: Fresh, room temperature eggs create a light and airy cake base with maximum volume.
  • Granulated Sugar: Helps stabilize egg foam and provides sweetness to the genoise cake.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the delicate cake layers.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a tender and soft cake with fine crumb.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures proper rising and light texture of the cake layers.
Coffee Syrup:
  • Strong Brewed Coffee: Classic tiramisu flavor enhancer that adds moisture and depth to the cake layers.
Mascarpone Frosting:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that creates a rich, smooth, and luxurious frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides additional richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Finishing Touches:
  • Cocoa Powder: Traditional dusting that adds classic tiramisu appearance and slightly bitter chocolate flavor.
  • Whipped Cream (Optional): Light topping that adds extra richness and decorative element.

Building Layers in a Classic Tiramisu Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm the oven to 350°F. Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper, covering bottom and sides completely. Set pans aside for later use.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Cake Base

Gather ingredients for genoise cake:
  • Eggs
  • Sugar

Whip eggs using electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Gradually add sugar and increase speed. Whisk for 10-12 minutes until mixture becomes white, airy, and triples in volume. Check consistency by dropping batter- it should hold shape on surface for 10 seconds.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

Carefully fold into egg mixture:
  • Flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Baking powder

Gently incorporate dry ingredients to maintain air bubbles. Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans. Bake for 20-22 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool Cake Layers

Remove cakes from oven. Let rest in pans for 5 minutes. Carefully remove parchment paper. Transfer layers to wire cooling rack. Allow complete cooling before next steps.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Mascarpone Filling

Prepare mascarpone mixture:
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Strong coffee
  • Heavy cream

Whisk mascarpone until smooth. Add powdered sugar and blend thoroughly. Incorporate coffee and cream, creating silky, rich filling.

Step 6: Layer and Assemble Cake

Position first cake layer on serving plate. Brush generously with coffee. Spread mascarpone cream evenly. Repeat with second layer. Top with final cake layer.

Step 7: Decorate and Finish

Frost entire cake with remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth sides and top with offset spatula. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to set.

Step 8: Final Touches

Optional: Pipe whipped cream around edges. Dust lightly with cocoa powder just before serving. Store in refrigerator up to 3 days in sealed container.

Pro Tips for Authentic Tiramisu Cake Flavor

  • Whip Eggs to Perfection: Achieve the right consistency by whisking eggs until they're pale, foamy, and tripled in volume. Use a timer to ensure you reach the ideal texture.
  • Fold Gently: When incorporating flour, use a wooden spoon and fold delicately to maintain the cake's airiness. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and fluffy.
  • Coffee Soaking Technique: Brush each cake layer evenly with coffee to ensure consistent moisture throughout the tiramisu cake. Don't oversaturate to prevent a soggy texture.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the cake to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This helps the flavors meld and the texture to set perfectly.
  • Cocoa Dusting Trick: Dust cocoa powder just before serving to maintain its rich color and prevent it from absorbing moisture from the cake.

Keep Tiramisu Cake Fresh and Luscious

  • Refrigerate: Carefully place the tiramisu cake in an airtight container, ensuring it's covered to prevent drying out or absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Cover: Wrap the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to maintain moisture and freshness.
  • Consume: Enjoy the leftovers within 3 days for the best taste and texture, as the cake's quality will gradually decrease over time.

Drinks That Elevate Tiramisu Cake

  • Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair this luxurious tiramisu cake with a rich, freshly brewed espresso or a smooth cappuccino. The intense coffee notes will complement the cake's delicate flavor and enhance the existing coffee undertones.
  • Sip on Sweet Harmony: Enjoy a small glass of sweet Marsala wine or a creamy liqueur like Amaretto. These Italian-inspired drinks will elevate the dessert's sophisticated taste and provide a delightful alcoholic nuance.
  • Create a Textural Contrast: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla gelato or a light, airy mascarpone mousse. The cool, creamy accompaniments will balance the cake's rich texture and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
  • Indulge in Chocolate Bliss: Pair with a small piece of dark chocolate or chocolate-covered espresso beans. The bitter-sweet notes will intensify the cake's complex flavor profile and add an extra layer of decadence to your dessert experience.

New Takes on Traditional Tiramisu Cake

  • Chocolate Espresso Boost: Replace half the coffee with rich dark chocolate liqueur for a deeper, more intense flavor profile that elevates the classic tiramisu cake experience.
  • Nutty Amaretto Dream: Substitute coffee with amaretto liqueur and sprinkle crushed toasted almonds between layers for a crunchy, nutty dimension that complements the creamy mascarpone.
  • Berry Mascarpone Fusion: Incorporate a layer of fresh raspberry or strawberry compote between cake layers, adding a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, smooth mascarpone cream.
  • Hazelnut Mocha Indulgence: Mix ground hazelnuts into the cake batter and drizzle hazelnut liqueur over layers, creating a luxurious mocha-inspired dessert with complex nutty undertones.
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Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Tiramisu Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky Italian tiramisu cake brings rich espresso-soaked layers of mascarpone magic to your dessert table. Delicate ladyfingers dance between creamy cheese and deep coffee notes, creating an elegant Italian classic you can savor with pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

  • 6 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) strong brewed coffee, espresso preferred – for brushing

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar
  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, then sifted
  • 1 tablespoon (8 grams) cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon (2 grams) baking powder

Mascarpone Frosting Ingredients:

  • 4 ½ cups (1080 grams) full-fat mascarpone, cold
  • 2 ½ cups (300 grams) unpacked powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) strong brewed coffee, espresso preferred, chilled
  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, cold

Decoration Ingredients:

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Meticulously prepare three 8-inch baking pans by lining the bottom and sides with parchment paper, ensuring smooth release for the delicate genoise cake.
  2. Craft the genoise foundation by whisking eggs initially on medium speed, then gradually incorporate sugar while increasing mixer speed. Whip continuously until the mixture transforms into a voluminous, pale foam that triples in size, creating an airy texture essential for the cake’s lightness.
  3. Gently fold flour, cornstarch, and baking powder into the egg mixture using precise, deliberate motions to preserve the carefully developed air bubbles. Distribute batter evenly among prepared pans and bake until a toothpick emerges clean, signaling perfect doneness.
  4. Immediately after baking, release cakes from pans and remove parchment paper. Allow layers to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining optimal texture.
  5. Prepare the luscious mascarpone cream by whisking mascarpone until smooth, then gradually integrate powdered sugar, coffee, and heavy cream. Blend until achieving a silky, uniform consistency that will serve as the cake’s luxurious filling and frosting.
  6. Construct the tiramisu cake by layering each genoise disk, generously brushing with coffee to infuse rich flavor. Spread mascarpone cream between each layer, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
  7. Apply remaining mascarpone cream to exterior of cake, smoothing sides and top with an offset spatula for a refined finish. Refrigerate for minimum four hours to allow flavors to meld and structure to set.
  8. Prior to serving, optionally adorn with delicate whipped cream piping and dust with a light veil of cocoa powder. Serve chilled and store any remaining slices in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

Notes

  • Whisk eggs thoroughly to create a light, airy base that’s crucial for the genoise cake’s delicate texture.
  • Test batter consistency by watching how long the dripped mixture stays on top of the mixture, which ensures perfect volume.
  • Fold flour gently to preserve the air bubbles, preventing a dense and flat cake.
  • Coffee-soaking technique adds deep flavor and moisture to each cake layer, transforming a simple dessert into a rich Italian classic.
  • Chill the cake for minimum 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set completely, enhancing overall taste and texture.
  • Dust cocoa powder just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and prevent absorption into the frosting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 45 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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