Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Dreamy Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe: A Heavenly Sweet Treat

The rich coffee tiramisu cake recipe promises an adventure for dessert enthusiasts craving an Italian classic with a twist.

Your taste buds will dance with every delectable bite of this creamy confection.

Layers of delicate sponge cake soaked in espresso create a symphony of flavors that whisper sweet promises.

Mascarpone cheese blends seamlessly with smooth coffee undertones, crafting a decadent experience that feels like a culinary embrace.

Each slice tells a story of tradition and indulgence, inviting you to savor every moment.

Delightful and sophisticated, this dessert transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration of pure bliss.

Let the magic of this recipe inspire you to become the star baker among your friends.

Why Coffee Tiramisu Cake Wakes Up Your Sweet Tooth

  • Craft Speedy Deliciousness: This coffee tiramisu cake takes less than an hour to prepare, making it perfect for quick dessert lovers who want impressive results without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Elevate Everyday Moments: The rich combination of espresso, mascarpone, and chocolate transforms ordinary gatherings into special celebrations, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional cake recipes.
  • Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize this dessert by adjusting coffee intensity, adding liqueur, or experimenting with chocolate variations, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and skill levels.
  • No-Stress Baking Experience: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced bakers, ensuring a foolproof dessert that looks and tastes professionally made.

Ingredients That Build Coffee Tiramisu Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the main structure for the soft, tender cake.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth cake texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Coffee Syrup Ingredients:
  • Espresso, Coffee Liqueur: Creates a deep, intense coffee flavor that soaks into the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the bitter coffee with sweetness.
Cream Filling Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy base for the filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the cream.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cream.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light, airy texture when whipped.
Decoration Ingredients:
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds a classic tiramisu finish and bitter chocolate note.
  • Chocolate Shavings: Provides extra indulgence and visual appeal.

How To Assemble Coffee Tiramisu Cake Step By Step

Step 1: Whip Up the Cake Batter

Grab your mixing bowls and let’s create cake magic! Start by warming up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab two 8-inch round cake pans and give them a quick spray of cooking oil, then line with parchment paper.

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Whole milk

Cream the butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy like a cloud. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Splash in the vanilla for that irresistible aroma. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk until everything comes together smoothly. Divide the batter between your prepared pans and pop into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 2: Craft the Coffee Elixir

Brew some rich espresso and create a magical coffee syrup that’ll make your cake sing with flavor.

  • Strong brewed espresso
  • Coffee liqueur (optional)
  • Granulated sugar

Stir all ingredients until the sugar completely dissolves. Let the syrup cool and develop its deep, aromatic personality.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Mascarpone Cream

Time to whip up a dreamy cream that’ll make your taste buds dance!

  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy whipping cream

Whisk the mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. In another bowl, whip the cream until it forms beautiful stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, creating a cloud-like cream.

Step 4: Build Your Cake Masterpiece

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Generously brush with the coffee syrup, letting it soak into every delicious crumb. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the layer. Carefully position the second cake layer on top and repeat the coffee syrup brushing. Cover the entire cake with the remaining mascarpone cream, creating a smooth, inviting surface.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Dust the top with a delicate layer of cocoa powder using a fine sieve. Sprinkle chocolate shavings for that extra touch of decadence. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let all the flavors mingle and develop.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone swoon over your Coffee Tiramisu Cake!

Helpful Tips For Coffee Tiramisu Cake Layers

  • Soak Strategically: Brush coffee syrup generously but not excessively to prevent soggy cake layers, ensuring each slice maintains a perfect balance of moisture and texture.
  • Whip with Precision: Beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy mascarpone cream that provides a luxurious, silky mouthfeel.
  • Chill for Optimal Flavor: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste profile.
  • Customize Alcohol Content: Replace coffee liqueur with extra espresso for a non-alcoholic version, or experiment with different liqueurs like amaretto for unique flavor variations.
  • Decorate Delicately: Use a fine-mesh sieve for even cocoa powder dusting, and create elegant chocolate shavings by running a vegetable peeler along a chocolate bar's edge.

Store Coffee Tiramisu Cake Without Losing Texture

  • Refrigerate the tiramisu cake in an airtight container to maintain its delicate texture and flavor.
  • Keep the cake covered and chilled for up to 3-4 days, preventing it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Remove the cake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly and enhance its creamy consistency.
  • Avoid freezing this dessert, as the delicate mascarpone cream and coffee-soaked layers may lose their original smooth texture and become watery when thawed.

Pairings That Work With Coffee Tiramisu Cake

  • Brew Perfect Coffee Companions: Pair this tiramisu cake with a robust espresso or a smooth cold brew coffee to enhance the rich coffee notes and complement the dessert's intense flavors.
  • Sip Complementary Liqueurs: Serve alongside a small glass of Kahlúa or amaretto to echo the cake's coffee undertones and provide a delightful alcoholic complement that deepens the dessert experience.
  • Elevate with Creamy Counterpoints: Accompany the cake with a scoop of vanilla bean gelato or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the cake's richness and provide a cool, smooth contrast to the intense coffee and mascarpone layers.
  • Match with Chocolate Delights: Offer dark chocolate truffles or chocolate-covered espresso beans on the side to intensify the cake's decadent chocolate and coffee profile, creating a luxurious tasting journey.

Coffee Tiramisu Cake Variations To Try Next

  • Mocha Madness: Replace some of the flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolate-infused base, enhancing the coffee flavor and adding a rich, deep color to the cake.
  • Nutty Espresso Edition: Fold chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds into the mascarpone cream for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that complements the coffee notes.
  • Liqueur Lover's Dream: Swap the coffee liqueur with amaretto or rum to introduce a different boozy dimension that adds complexity to the cake's flavor profile.
  • Seasonal Spice Sensation: Incorporate a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom into the mascarpone cream to bring warm, aromatic undertones that elevate the traditional tiramisu experience.

Common Questions About Coffee Tiramisu Cake

  • What makes this tiramisu cake different from traditional tiramisu?

Unlike classic tiramisu made with ladyfingers, this version uses actual cake layers, creating a more substantial and rich dessert that combines traditional tiramisu flavors with a classic cake structure.

  • Can I make this cake without coffee liqueur?

Absolutely! You can skip the coffee liqueur and replace it with additional espresso or even a splash of vanilla extract. The cake will still have delicious coffee flavor from the brewed espresso.

  • How do I know if my mascarpone cream is properly mixed?

Your mascarpone cream should look smooth and fluffy with no lumps. When you fold in the whipped cream, do it gently to maintain the light, airy texture. The mixture should be creamy and hold its shape without being too stiff.

  • Is this dessert suitable for coffee lovers?

Yes, definitely! This cake is perfect for coffee enthusiasts. The espresso syrup and coffee-infused layers provide a rich, intense coffee flavor that will delight anyone who loves a strong coffee taste in their dessert.

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Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent Coffee Tiramisu Cake blends Italian tradition with rich, velvety layers of espresso-soaked sponge and creamy mascarpone. Espresso lovers will savor this elegant dessert that delivers sophisticated flavors and a delightful cultural culinary experience you can create right in your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling and Topping:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) brewed espresso or strong coffee
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional, like Kahlua or Tia Maria)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the foundation by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing two round cake pans with protective parchment lining.
  2. Combine dry flour elements with rising agent and seasoning in a mixing vessel.
  3. Cream butter and granulated sweetener until airy and voluminous, incorporating eggs individually with gentle incorporation of vanilla essence.
  4. Gradually integrate dry mixture with liquid dairy, maintaining smooth consistency without overmixing.
  5. Evenly distribute cake batter across prepared vessels and bake for approximately 22 minutes until a testing utensil emerges cleanly.
  6. Allow cake layers to rest momentarily in original pans, then transition to cooling platform for complete temperature reduction.
  7. Craft aromatic coffee infusion by blending robust espresso, optional liqueur, and refined sugar until completely dissolved.
  8. Whisk mascarpone cheese with powdered sweetener and vanilla until silky and uniform.
  9. Separately whip cream to stiff, cloud-like peaks and delicately fold into cheese mixture creating luxurious cream.
  10. Position initial cake layer on elegant serving surface, generously saturating with coffee essence.
  11. Spread half the velvety mascarpone cream across initial layer with smooth, even strokes.
  12. Carefully position second cake layer, repeating coffee syrup application.
  13. Lavish remaining cream across entire cake surface, ensuring uniform coverage.
  14. Finish with delicate cocoa powder dusting and elegant chocolate fragment garnish.
  15. Refrigerate minimum two hours to allow flavors to harmonize and texture to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Enhance the cake’s moisture by brushing each layer generously with coffee syrup, ensuring deep flavor penetration without making the cake soggy.
  • Use freshly brewed espresso at room temperature for the most robust coffee taste, preferring high-quality espresso or strong coffee over instant alternatives.
  • Whip mascarpone cream carefully to maintain its light, airy texture, avoiding over-mixing which can cause separation and grainy consistency.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the cake maintains its tender crumb structure.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Drinks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 465
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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