Tiramisu Cake Luscious Layered (Printable version)
Luscious layers of coffee-infused sponge with creamy mascarpone filling, inspired by classic Italian tiramisu.
# Ingredient list:
→ Cake Layers
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 4 large eggs
06 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Coffee Syrup
09 - 3/4 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
10 - 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa, optional)
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
→ Mascarpone Filling
12 - 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, cold
13 - 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
14 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ For Assembly
16 - Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
17 - Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Beat eggs and sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add butter and vanilla; mix well.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in separate bowl.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 22-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Stir together espresso, coffee liqueur if using, and sugar until sugar dissolves.
08 - Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks in chilled bowl. In another bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
09 - Slice each cake layer horizontally for total of four layers.
10 - Place one layer on serving plate and brush generously with coffee syrup. Spread a quarter of mascarpone filling over cake.
11 - Repeat layering with remaining cake, syrup, and filling, ending with mascarpone layer on top.
12 - Cover and chill assembled cake at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
13 - Before serving, dust top with cocoa powder and optionally garnish with chocolate shavings.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The texture alone is worth it—light sponge cake soaking up that coffee syrup while staying tender, never soggy
- It combines two beloved desserts into something that feels both familiar and entirely new
02 -
- Cutting the cake layers horizontally can feel intimidating but a serrated knife and slow, steady motion makes it surprisingly manageable
- Brush the syrup generously but do not oversoak the cake or it will become heavy and difficult to slice cleanly
03 -
- Room temperature mascarpone blends more smoothly and prevents that dreaded curdled look
- The cake layers freeze beautifully unfrosted, so consider doubling the recipe and saving half for another day