Decadent Tiramisu Cake Recipe

A Coffee Lover’s Dream

If you love the rich flavors of classic tiramisu but also enjoy a fluffy, moist cake, this Tiramisu Cake is the perfect dessert for you. It’s a delightful fusion of tender white cake, a bold coffee syrup, a creamy mascarpone filling, and a luscious whipped frosting. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: With a simple boxed cake mix as the base, you can create a stunning dessert without excessive effort.
  • Perfect for Coffee Lovers: Infused with rich coffee flavors from the syrup, filling, and frosting.
  • Elegant Yet Approachable: It has the sophistication of traditional tiramisu but is presented in a cake form.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, dinner party, or holiday gathering, this cake is a showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cake:

  • 1 (15.25 ounce) package moist white cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 large egg whites
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder

Coffee Syrup:

  • ¼ cup brewed coffee
  • 1 tablespoon coffee-flavored liqueur

Filling:

  • 1 (8 ounce) container mascarpone cheese
  • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur

Frosting:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 (1 ounce) square semisweet chocolate

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 3 (9-inch) cake pans
  • Cooling rack
  • Wire whisk
  • Cake spatula
  • Sieve for dusting cocoa powder
  • Vegetable peeler (for chocolate curls)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cake mix, water, egg whites, and vegetable oil with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until well combined.
  3. Divide ⅔ of the batter between two of the prepared cake pans.
  4. Stir the instant coffee powder into the remaining batter and pour it into the third pan.
  5. Bake for 23-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Coffee Syrup

  1. Combine the brewed coffee and coffee-flavored liqueur in a small measuring cup.
  2. Set aside for later use.

3. Prepare the Mascarpone Filling

  1. In a bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and coffee liqueur on low speed until smooth.
  2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

4. Whip the Frosting

  1. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and coffee liqueur on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
  2. Fold ½ cup of the frosting into the mascarpone filling to lighten it.

5. Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one plain cake layer on a serving plate and poke holes in it using a thin skewer.
  2. Drizzle ⅓ of the coffee syrup over the cake and spread half of the mascarpone filling on top.
  3. Add the coffee-flavored cake layer, poke holes, drizzle another ⅓ of the coffee syrup, and spread the remaining filling over it.
  4. Place the final cake layer on top, poke holes, and drizzle the last of the coffee syrup.
  5. Cover the cake with the whipped frosting, spreading evenly over the top and sides.

6. Garnish and Serve

  1. Lightly dust the cake with unsweetened cocoa powder using a sieve.
  2. Use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate curls from the semisweet chocolate and sprinkle them over the top.
  3. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

  • Drinks: Pair this tiramisu cake with a freshly brewed espresso, cappuccino, or dessert wine like Vin Santo.
  • Sides: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a few fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.

Recipe Variations

  • Alcohol-Free Version: Replace the coffee liqueur with vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version.
  • Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers.
  • Stronger Coffee Flavor: Increase the instant coffee in the batter or use espresso instead of brewed coffee for the syrup.

FAQ

Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! Substitute with your favorite homemade white cake recipe.

What can I use instead of mascarpone?
You can mix equal parts of cream cheese and heavy cream as a substitute.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble the cake the next day.

Is there a non-dairy version of this cake?
Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free cream cheese instead of mascarpone.

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of coffee and creamy indulgence. It’s elegant yet simple to make, making it perfect for special occasions or just because. If you try this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more delicious dessert inspirations!

What do you think of this tiramisu cake recipe? Let us know in the comments! 🍰☕

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