Name: Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; ¼ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled); ½ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee; 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (room temperature); ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

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If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that’s both classic and utterly irresistible, this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine all the bold, creamy, and slightly boozy flavors of traditional tiramisu layered inside a soft, coffee-infused cake, then finished with clouds of mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa. It’s indulgent yet light, sophisticated but approachable, and best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to pull off at home. Let’s dive into every delicious detail!

Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe is its straightforward ingredient list. Each item plays a vital role, from the depth of the coffee and the richness of mascarpone to the final flourish of cocoa on top. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need, along with some handy tips along the way:

All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure and perfectly tender crumb.
Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
Salt: Balances all the sweet and rich flavors throughout the cake.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with that perfect golden crust.
Large eggs: Provide lift, moisture, and help bind the cake together.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.
Whole milk: Keeps the crumb soft and moist—don’t swap for skim!
Strong brewed coffee (cooled): Infuses every bite with real coffee flavor.
Brewed espresso or strong coffee (for soak): Doubles down on coffee essence; espresso is extra bold.
Coffee liqueur (optional): Adds an adult twist and extra depth—totally delicious but not required.
Heavy whipping cream: Whips up fluffy and stable, perfect for folding into the mascarpone.
Mascarpone cheese (room temperature): The hero of tiramisu—silky, tangy, and irresistible.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone cream to just the right level.
Vanilla extract (again!): Pulls together the flavors in the creamy layer.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that signature finish and slight bitterness on top.
Dark chocolate shavings (optional): For extra flair and a little bittersweet crunch!

How to Make Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans. A light dusting of flour in the pans helps prevent sticking, so don’t skip this step. Meanwhile, gather all your ingredients—mise en place makes everything easier!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, giving your cake a uniform rise and flavor throughout.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, resulting in a lighter cake texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, and you’ll already notice the batter becoming silky and fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. This helps you avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough. Finally, stir in the cooled coffee until just combined—the aroma is incredible!

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Coffee Soak

Stir together the brewed espresso (or strong coffee) and the coffee liqueur, if using. This is what will give your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe its unmistakable signature flavor—don’t be afraid to go bold here!

Step 8: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream

Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks in a chilled bowl for best volume. In another bowl, mix the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy, then gently fold in the whipped cream. Use a gentle hand so the mixture stays beautifully light and fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and generously brush it with half the coffee soak. Spread half the mascarpone cream over the top. Add the second cake layer, soak again, then top with the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth the top for a polished look.

Step 10: Top and Chill

Finish your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe masterpiece by dusting unsweetened cocoa powder all over the top and sprinkling with dark chocolate shavings (if you want extra drama!). Chill the assembled cake for at least 2 hours before slicing—this helps the flavors meld and the cream set just right.

How to Serve Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Garnishes

The classic route is a generous dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder, but don’t be shy about adding artistic curls of dark chocolate or even a few chocolate-covered espresso beans. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint can also make your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe pop on the dessert table!

Side Dishes

This cake is rich and full of coffee notes, so I love pairing it with something light and fresh, like macerated strawberries or a fruit salad. An after-dinner espresso or a scoop of vanilla gelato alongside wouldn’t hurt, either!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go all out, try cutting the cake into small squares for a “tiramisu petit four” platter, or layer individual portions in glass jars for a fun, picnic-ready twist. Serving in tall wedges with a drizzle of chocolate sauce always wins big applause.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe well in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually develops even more flavor overnight, so don’t hesitate to enjoy those extra slices later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze individual slices (well-wrapped) for up to one month. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—just be mindful the mascarpone layer might lose a little of its fluffiness, but the taste is still stunning!

Reheating

No reheating needed! In fact, this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. Simply remove from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving for the perfect creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe without coffee liqueur?

Absolutely! The coffee liqueur adds depth and a grown-up twist, but you can simply leave it out—your cake will still be bursting with flavor thanks to the strong brewed coffee or espresso.

What can I use if I can’t find mascarpone cheese?

If mascarpone is unavailable, try blending equal parts full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. It won’t be exactly the same, but it gets surprisingly close for this recipe.

Can I make this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe in advance?

Yes, and I encourage it! The cake actually benefits from an overnight chill which allows the flavors to meld and the cream to set nice and firm.

How do I make sure my cake layers are moist?

The secret is in the coffee soak—be generous, but not to the point of sogginess. Use a pastry brush and let the espresso really seep in for those tender, melt-in-the-mouth layers.

Does this recipe work as cupcakes?

It sure does! Spoon the batter into lined muffin tins, bake for 16-18 minutes, and assemble just as you would the full cake, layering mascarpone cream on each cupcake for an adorable individual treat.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe! It’s the ultimate treat for coffee and dessert lovers alike—packed with flavor, delightfully elegant, and so much fun to make at home. Invite your favorite people over, brew a fresh pot, and let the compliments roll in!

Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of coffee and mascarpone with this delightful Coffee Tiramisu Cake. Layers of coffee-infused sponge cake are sandwiched between luscious mascarpone cream, creating a decadent dessert that is perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)

For the Coffee Soak:

½ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)

For the Mascarpone Cream:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
8 ounces mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture. Stir in the cooled coffee.
Divide the batter between pans and bake for 22-25 minutes. Cool cakes in pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool.
For the coffee soak, combine espresso and coffee liqueur.
For the mascarpone cream, beat heavy cream to stiff peaks. Mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture.
To assemble, place one cake layer on a plate, brush with coffee soak, spread mascarpone cream. Repeat with second layer. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.