Tiramisu Layer Cake

Tiramisu, a delightful coffee-flavored Italian dessert, has captured the hearts of dessert enthusiasts around the world. This sumptuous dish consists of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers intertwined with a rich, creamy mascarpone mixture, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. With its origins rooted in the Veneto region of Italy, tiramisu not only serves as a delicious treat but also embodies the Italian ethos of "dolce far niente," or the sweetness of doing nothing, encouraging people to take a moment to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Indulge in the rich flavors of the Heavenly Tiramisu Layer Cake, a modern twist on the classic Italian dessert. This cake beautifully blends coffee-soaked layers of sponge cake with creamy mascarpone frosting, creating a luxurious treat. With detailed steps and quality ingredients, you'll discover how to create this stunning dessert perfect for any occasion. Celebrate life's simple pleasures with every delicious slice of this decadent cake.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Coffee Layer:

2 cups brewed espresso, cooled to room temperature

1/2 cup coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua)

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Mascarpone Frosting:

8 oz mascarpone cheese, at room temperature

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Garnish:

Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Dark chocolate shavings or curls, for decoration

Instructions

Prepare the Coffee Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cooled brewed espresso and coffee liqueur. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld.

Make the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully blended. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Bake the Cakes: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Gently turn them out onto wire racks and let them cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese until fully incorporated and smooth.

Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, carefully slice each cake in half horizontally to create a total of six layers. Place the bottom layer on a serving platter. Generously brush the layer with the prepared coffee mixture, followed by a layer of the mascarpone frosting. Repeat this layering process with the remaining layers, ensuring the final layer is topped with frosting.

Decorate: Use the remaining frosting to coat the sides of the cake smoothly. Lightly dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu touch, and add dark chocolate shavings or curls for an elegant finish.

Chill and Serve: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and the cake to set. When ready to serve, slice the cake into generous pieces and enjoy a deliciously indulgent dessert!

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 5 hrs | Servings: 12