Coffee Tiramisu Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that combines the best flavors of tiramisu and classic cake. Layers of soft coffee-soaked sponge cake, velvety mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder create a luxurious treat perfect for special occasions or an indulgent pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – Layers of fluffy cake and smooth mascarpone cream.
- Bold Coffee Flavor – Perfect for coffee lovers!
- No-Bake Option – Can be made with ladyfingers for a quicker version.
- Great for Make-Ahead – Tastes even better the next day.
- Elegant & Impressive – A beautiful cake for any occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
For the Coffee Soak:
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Mascarpone Cream Filling:
- 1 ½ cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (cold)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Cake
- Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar – In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla – Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Alternate Wet & Dry – Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with milk and coffee, until fully combined.
- Bake – Pour batter evenly into cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Completely – Let cakes cool before assembling.
Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Soak
- Brew Strong Coffee – Stir in sugar and optional coffee liqueur. Let cool.
Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Cream
- Whip Cream – In a bowl, beat cold heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Mascarpone & Vanilla – Gently mix in mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Brush Coffee Soak – Generously brush each cake layer with the coffee mixture.
- Layer with Mascarpone Cream – Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the first cake layer, then place the second layer on top and spread the remaining cream.
- Dust with Cocoa Powder – Lightly sift cocoa powder over the top.
- Chill & Serve – Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Variations
- No-Bake Version: Use ladyfingers instead of cake layers.
- Alcohol-Free: Skip the coffee liqueur and just use coffee.
- Chocolate Twist: Add melted chocolate to the mascarpone cream.
- Extra Coffee Kick: Sprinkle espresso powder on top.
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mascarpone.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Serve cold—no need to reheat!
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes! Use full-fat cream cheese for a similar texture.
How do I make this cake extra moist?
Make sure to generously soak the cake layers with coffee.
Can I use instant coffee?
Yes! Dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in 1 cup of hot water.
What’s the best way to slice this cake?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean slices.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Can I add a layer of ganache?
Yes! A thin layer of chocolate ganache adds a rich touch.
What’s the best coffee for this cake?
Espresso or strong brewed coffee works best for deep flavor.
Do I have to chill the cake?
Yes! Chilling helps the flavors develop and makes slicing easier.
Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?
Yes, but homemade whipped cream gives a fresher, richer taste.
Conclusion
Coffee Tiramisu Cake is a luxurious, coffee-infused dessert that’s creamy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy the perfect blend of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa!
Description
This Coffee Tiramisu Cake combines the rich flavors of espresso-soaked sponge cake, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder for a perfect Italian-inspired dessert. A fusion of classic tiramisu and moist cake, this dessert is decadent, elegant, and ideal for coffee lovers! ☕🍰✨
For the Coffee-Soaked Cake:
For the Mascarpone Cream Filling:
For the Coffee Syrup:
For Topping:
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with milk until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Coffee Syrup
- In a small bowl, mix brewed espresso, coffee liqueur (if using), and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream
- In a bowl, whisk mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Brush generously with coffee syrup.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the cake.
- Place the second cake layer on top and brush again with coffee syrup.
- Spread the remaining mascarpone cream evenly over the top and sides.
Step 5: Decorate & Serve
- Dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings for extra indulgence.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Stronger Coffee Flavor: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the cake batter.
- Lighter Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for mascarpone and use less sugar.
- Make-Ahead: Cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day!