Dreamy Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe: A Sweet Italian Delight

Dessert enthusiasts adore this classic tiramisu cake that blends rich espresso-soaked layers with silky mascarpone cream.

A perfectly crafted elegant coffee tiramisu cake delivers an Italian culinary experience right to your plate.

Each delicate bite promises a harmonious dance of robust coffee and creamy textures.

Layers of delicate sponge cake absorb deep espresso notes while smooth mascarpone cheese creates luxurious complexity.

The recipe balances intense coffee flavors with sweet, velvety cream for a truly memorable dessert.

Chocolate dusting adds a final elegant touch that elevates this traditional Italian treat.

You’ll want to savor every decadent spoonful of this irresistible cake.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Calories: 368 kcal

Servings: 9

Tools For Making Coffee Tiramisu Cake

• 8-inch round cake pans: Essential for baking even, perfectly sized cake layers.
• Parchment paper: Ensures cakes release easily without sticking.
• Mixing bowls: Three separate bowls needed for dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and cream preparation.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and creating smooth mascarpone cream.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Crucial for creaming butter, whipping cream, and creating fluffy textures.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Fine sieve: Ideal for dusting cocoa powder evenly on top of the cake.
• Serving plate: Needed for presenting and assembling the final tiramisu cake.
• Spatula: Helps spread mascarpone cream smoothly and evenly.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing center for moist crumbs.

How To Build A Coffee Tiramisu Cake

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab two cake pans and give them a quick butter massage and parchment paper hug.

• Mix the Cake Base

Dance some flour, baking powder, and salt together in one bowl. In another, whip butter and sugar until they’re light and dreamy. Crack eggs in one by one, stirring with love. Pour in vanilla for extra magic. Slowly blend dry and wet ingredients, alternating with milk until everything looks smooth and happy.

• Bake and Cool

Pour batter into prepared pans. Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

• Create Coffee Magic

Brew some intense espresso. Mix with coffee liqueur and sugar until it dissolves. Let the syrup chill out while you prep other ingredients.

• Whip the Creamy Filling

Blend mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky. In another bowl, whip cream until it stands tall and proud. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone for a cloud-like mixture.

• Build Your Masterpiece

Place first cake layer on a fancy plate. Brush generously with coffee syrup. Spread half the mascarpone cream. Add second cake layer, splash more syrup. Cover everything with remaining cream.

• Final Touches

Dust top with cocoa powder. Sprinkle chocolate shavings for extra drama. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours to let flavors mingle and set.

Tips To Perfect Your Coffee Tiramisu Cake

• Baking Brilliance: Swap out regular coffee for strong cold brew to intensify the coffee flavor without adding extra liquid.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake layers and coffee syrup a day ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator to streamline assembly.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the cake's structure and texture.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute mascarpone with coconut cream and use dairy-free whipping cream alternatives for a lactose-free version of this decadent dessert.
• Kid-Friendly Option: Create a non-alcoholic version by replacing coffee liqueur with additional brewed espresso or coffee extract for a family-friendly treat.

Serving Coffee Tiramisu Cake With Flair

• Caffeine Lovers' Delight: Serve this tiramisu cake alongside a steaming shot of espresso to enhance the coffee-infused flavors and create a perfect pairing.
• Coffee Break Companion: Slice the cake into thin wedges for an elegant dessert during afternoon tea or as a sophisticated end to a dinner party with close friends.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Complement the cake with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce to elevate the rich, decadent taste and add extra indulgence.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Present the tiramisu cake as a centerpiece for a weekend brunch, creating a luxurious and memorable dessert that will impress your guests with its elegant presentation and complex flavors.

Smart Storage For Coffee Tiramisu Cake

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store your coffee tiramisu cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh for up to 4 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the cream from absorbing other food odors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake layers and coffee syrup one day ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the cake just a few hours before serving to maintain maximum freshness and texture.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and assemble with fresh mascarpone cream when ready to serve.
• Portion Protection: Cut the cake into slices and store them in separate sealed containers. This method prevents moisture loss and keeps each slice looking pristine for individual grab-and-go enjoyment, perfect for quick dessert cravings.

What You’ll Need For Coffee Tiramisu Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the delicate cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a golden cake color.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the cake flavor.
• Milk: Ensures a moist and soft cake texture.

• Espresso: Infuses intense coffee flavor and moistens the cake layers.
• Coffee Liqueur: Optional ingredient that adds sophisticated depth and aroma.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the coffee's bitterness and adds sweetness.

• Mascarpone Cheese: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture with subtle tanginess.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides smooth sweetness without granular texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and helps create a fluffy, airy cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the mascarpone with warm, sweet notes.

• Cocoa Powder: Adds classic tiramisu finish with rich chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate Shavings: Provides elegant garnish and extra chocolate indulgence.

Elegant Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sinful coffee tiramisu cake merges Italian dessert traditions with rich, layered flavors. Mascarpone cream and espresso-soaked ladyfingers create a luxurious dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz (225 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) brewed espresso or strong coffee
• 2 tbsps coffee liqueur (optional, like Kahlua or Tia Maria)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line two round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution.
3. Wet Ingredient Transformation: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then integrate eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, creating a smooth, airy base.
4. Batter Composition: Alternately fold dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, mixing gently to maintain a silky, lump-free consistency.
5. Baking Process: Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 22 minutes, or until a test skewer emerges clean.
6. Cooling Stage: Rest cake layers in pans briefly, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
7. Coffee Syrup Creation: Dissolve espresso, optional liqueur, and sugar to form an intense, aromatic liquid.
8. Cream Preparation: Blend mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth, then gently fold in whipped cream to create a luxurious, airy filling.
9. Layer Assembly: Place first cake layer on serving plate, generously brush with coffee syrup, spread half the mascarpone cream, then repeat with second layer.
10. Finishing Touches: Coat entire cake with remaining cream, dust with cocoa powder, and garnish with chocolate shavings.
11. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate for minimum two hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.

Notes

• Manage Coffee Intensity: Choose high-quality espresso or strong brewed coffee for deep, rich flavor profiles that complement the cake’s delicate texture.
• Control Moisture Balance: Gently brush coffee syrup onto cake layers – avoid over-saturating to prevent soggy texture; aim for gentle, even absorption.
• Stabilize Mascarpone Cream: Ensure mascarpone and cream are chilled before whipping to maintain structural integrity and achieve smooth, luxurious consistency.
• Temperature Precision: Allow cake to cool completely before assembling to prevent cream melting and maintain pristine layered presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Drinks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 368
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg