Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert! Coffee Tiramisu Cake is a dressed-up twist on the Italian classic, boasting pillowy vanilla cake layers soaked in robust coffee and crowned with a swoon-worthy mascarpone cream. It’s luxuriously creamy, just sweet enough, and brings together all the magic of tiramisu with the soft texture of homemade cake. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting friends, or just treating yourself on a Saturday night, this stunner always steals the show. Let’s dive right in and make a Coffee Tiramisu Cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, quality ingredients to make this knockout recipe, and each one plays a crucial role in building those dreamy layers of flavor and texture. Think rich butter, robust coffee, and creamy mascarpone—the essentials for irresistible results!
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cakes rise perfectly light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and coffee notes without being overwhelming.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Creamed for richness and moisture—don’t skip the room-temp step!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right and helps achieve that beautiful golden color.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and add extra richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and compliments the coffee’s complexity.
- Whole milk: Keeps the crumb moist and luscious.
- Strong brewed coffee (cooled): Soaks the cake with bold, aromatic coffee flavor—the secret to authentic tiramisu vibes.
- Mascarpone cheese: Whips up into a silky, decadent “frosting” layer—classic tiramisu style!
- Heavy cream: Lightens up the mascarpone filling and makes it cloud-like.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone cream while keeping it smooth.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): For grown-up flavor depth; swap with more brewed coffee if you’d rather skip alcohol.
- Cocoa powder: Dusts the top with that signature tiramisu finish.
How to Make Coffee Tiramisu Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pans and Oven
Start by greasing and lightly flouring two 8-inch round cake pans, then lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This helps the cakes release easily and ensures a perfect shape. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. This quick step keeps your leavening even, so every inch of your Coffee Tiramisu Cake bakes up fluffy and gorgeous.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—think pale yellow and airy. Take your time here, as this creates the foundation for a soft crumb!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a round, aromatic base. The batter should look silky and homogenous.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your butter mixture, alternating with splashes of whole milk and cooled, strong brewed coffee. Always start and end with the dry mix—this helps everything blend smoothly. Stir just until there are no streaks left; overmixing makes a tougher cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the lovely batter evenly between your prepared pans. Smooth the tops gently and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Mascarpone Cream
Using a mixer, beat together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract until dreamy and smooth. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture. This is your ultra-silky, cloud-like tiramisu cream!
Step 8: Assemble Your Coffee Tiramisu Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving platter. Brush it all over with half the coffee liqueur or extra brewed coffee, letting it soak right in. Dollop on half of the mascarpone cream and smooth it out generously. Top with the second cake layer, repeat with more liqueur or coffee, then cover the top and sides with the rest of that decadent cream.
Step 9: Chill and Finish
Refrigerate your Coffee Tiramisu Cake for at least two hours (longer is even better) so it sets and all the flavors meld. Just before serving, sift a generous layer of cocoa powder over the top for that show-stopping finish.
How to Serve Coffee Tiramisu Cake
Garnishes
The classic cloud of cocoa powder is a must, but don’t stop there! For a touch of drama, scatter on chocolate shavings, sprinkle a few crushed ladyfingers, or place a few whole coffee beans on top. They deliver visual appeal and a hint about the bold flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Serve each slice alongside a demitasse of strong espresso or a creamy scoop of vanilla gelato—absolutely heavenly. Fresh berries on the side add brightness that balances the rich creaminess of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Coffee Tiramisu Cake into cute little squares for bite-sized treats at brunch or parties. For special occasions, pile each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. You could even layer the components in individual glass jars for an adorable and portable dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. This Coffee Tiramisu Cake actually gets even better after a day—the flavors Intensify, and the texture stays marvelously moist for up to three days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Coffee Tiramisu Cake. Just wrap the cake (whole or sliced) in a layer of plastic wrap and then foil for extra protection. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best results.
Reheating
No need to reheat—this cake is best enjoyed chilled, just like traditional tiramisu. If you like, let slices rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes for an even silkier bite.
FAQs
Can I make Coffee Tiramisu Cake without alcohol?
Absolutely! Swap the coffee liqueur for more strong brewed coffee. You’ll still get a deep coffee flavor, minus any alcohol.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone, try using full-fat cream cheese mixed with a couple tablespoons of heavy cream to mimic that rich texture and mild flavor.
Can I bake the cake layers in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day ahead. Once cooled, wrap them tightly and keep them at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble.
How do I keep the mascarpone cream from getting runny?
Use cold ingredients and take care not to overmix when folding the whipped cream into the mascarpone. This ensures your filling stays firm and luscious.
Can I make this Coffee Tiramisu Cake gluten free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten free baking blend, and check that your baking powder is gluten free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with a showstopping, unforgettable dessert, Coffee Tiramisu Cake is it! I can’t wait for you to taste those layers of fluffy cake and velvety cream—it’s pure joy on a plate. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two). Let me know how it turns out!
Print
Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of coffee and creamy mascarpone with this delightful Coffee Tiramisu Cake. A perfect blend of classic tiramisu and moist cake layers, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
Filling and Frosting:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
- Prepare cake batter: Mix dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, add eggs and flavorings, alternate adding dry ingredients and liquids.
- Bake the cakes: Divide batter, bake for 20-25 minutes, then cool.
- Make filling: Beat mascarpone with sugar and vanilla, whip cream separately, fold together.
- Assemble the cake: Layer cakes, brush with coffee, spread filling, and chill before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute coffee liqueur with brewed coffee.
- Garnish options: chocolate shavings, ladyfinger pieces.
- Best served chilled and can be made ahead.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
