If you adore both classic tiramisu and the comforting nostalgia of a homemade layer cake, then the Coffee Tiramisu Cake is your new favorite dessert waiting to happen! This Italian-inspired creation takes all the best elements of tiramisu—lush mascarpone, a delicate coffee soak, and cocoa dusting—and cleverly layers them into a tender, golden cake. The result is a showstopping treat that’s perfect for special occasions or simply as an afternoon pick-me-up with friends. Each bite delivers the perfect harmony of espresso-kissed sponge, whipped cream, and sweet mascarpone, all crowned with a rich cocoa flourish. Get ready to meet your new obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic: every single ingredient in this Coffee Tiramisu Cake is easy to find, yet each one brings depth, moisture, or a signature flavor. Take a peek at how these simple components work together for a dessert that’s anything but ordinary!
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender base for your cake layers.
- Baking powder: Ensures your sponge bakes up fluffy and light.
- Salt: A tiny pinch goes a long way to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and keeps the crumb moist.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the coffee.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter and give your cake structure.
- Vanilla extract: Brings lovely warmth that pairs beautifully with coffee notes.
- Whole milk: Keeps every bite extra tender.
- Strong brewed coffee (cooled): Adds unmistakable espresso flavor to the cake itself.
- For the Coffee Soak: 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional), 1 tablespoon sugar—this triple-threat infuses the layers with classic tiramisu flavor.
- Mascarpone cheese (room temperature): The heart of the cream, its mild, buttery taste is non-negotiable!
- Heavy cream (cold): Whips beautifully to lighten the mascarpone layer.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and softens the mascarpone cream—never gritty, always dreamy.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that classic tiramisu finish and a hint of bittersweet contrast.
- Chocolate shavings (optional): For an extra flourish, add curl after curl of chocolate decadence on top.
How to Make Coffee Tiramisu Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper—this little step makes all the difference for easy release and perfect layers later. While the oven warms up, measure out your ingredients to keep things smooth and stress-free as you go.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Separately, in a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until they’re pale and fluffy—this aeration is key for a light crumb. Add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each, and stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl or measuring cup, combine the whole milk and cooled coffee. Get ready for the fun part: alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk-coffee mixture to your butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing is your only enemy here!
Step 3: Bake!
Divide your cake batter evenly between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops for even layers. Slide the pans into your preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they’re done! Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue here: a cooled cake means less mess when assembling your masterpiece.
Step 4: Make the Coffee Soak
While the cakes cool, whip up your signature tiramisu soak. Stir together the strong brewed coffee, coffee liqueur (totally optional but highly recommended for adults), and sugar, mixing until the sugar dissolves. This liquid gold will transform your cake layers with deep espresso flavor and that unmistakable tiramisu magic.
Step 5: Whip Up the Mascarpone Cream
Now for that luscious topping: beat your room-temperature mascarpone cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until totally smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks—think pillowy, not runny. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture; you want to keep every ounce of fluff intact! Pop it in the fridge if you need to wait before assembling.
Step 6: Assemble Your Coffee Tiramisu Cake
It’s assembly time! Set one cake layer on your serving plate and generously brush it with half the coffee soak—it should be moist but not soggy. Spread half your mascarpone cream over the top, then gently place the second cake layer on top. Repeat with the rest of the coffee soak and cover the top with the remaining mascarpone cream, swirling it beautifully to the edges.
Step 7: Finish and Chill
Dust the entire cake with a thick shower of unsweetened cocoa powder for that unmistakable tiramisu look. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few chocolate shavings on top. Pop the entire cake into the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you can wait!). The chilling allows the flavors to blend and the structure to become sliceable perfection.
How to Serve Coffee Tiramisu Cake
Garnishes
A classic dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for both flavor and visual drama. For a little extra pizzazz, pile on dark chocolate curls or shavings just before serving—the contrast of bitter cocoa, creamy mascarpone, and chocolate is simply divine.
Side Dishes
Coffee Tiramisu Cake loves to be the star of the show, but it plays well alongside fresh raspberries, a scoop of vanilla gelato, or even a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re feeling bold, try serving each slice with a shot of espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine for full-on Italian café vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Coffee Tiramisu Cake in tall wedges to show off those gorgeous layers, or go cute with individual mini-cakes made in ramekins. Want to wow a crowd? Cut the cake into cubes and layer in clear jars for impressive, portable parfaits at parties or picnics!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover and refrigerate any leftover Coffee Tiramisu Cake in an airtight container—it keeps beautifully for up to three days. In fact, the flavors often deepen after a day, making every bite even richer!
Freezing
If you need to freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before popping them in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
No need to reheat—this cake is best enjoyed chilled! If you froze your cake, simply allow it to come to fridge temperature, remove the wrapping, and dust with a little extra cocoa powder if desired before serving.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee in the cake?
Absolutely! Dissolve a tablespoon of your favorite instant coffee or espresso powder in hot water and let it cool before using in both the batter and the soak. This works beautifully when you’re in a pinch!
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone, try blending equal parts cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth. The flavor is slightly tangier but still delicious and creamy for your Coffee Tiramisu Cake.
Can I make Coffee Tiramisu Cake gluten free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. Just double-check the other ingredients to ensure everything is gluten free, and proceed as directed.
Is it possible to make this without eggs?
To make an egg-free Coffee Tiramisu Cake, use a commercial egg replacer or try applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or plain yogurt. The texture will change a bit, but you’ll still have a lovely cake!
How far in advance can I assemble the cake?
You can assemble the entire cake the night before serving and let it chill overnight. In fact, this will just allow the coffee and cream to infuse the cake even more—a classic trick for fabulous flavor!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress or simply treat yourself, Coffee Tiramisu Cake is a dessert that truly lives up to the hype. With its bold coffee presence, creamy layers, and beautiful presentation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make time and again. Don’t wait for a special occasion—whip it up, share it with loved ones, and watch it disappear one happy slice at a time!
Print
Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Coffee Tiramisu Cake, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. Layers of coffee-infused cake, mascarpone cream, and a hint of chocolate come together to create a luscious treat that is perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ 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 strong brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
- Prepare the Cake: Mix dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, alternate dry ingredients and milk mixture, divide and bake batter.
- Make the Coffee Soak: Combine brewed coffee, liqueur, and sugar.
- Create Mascarpone Cream: Beat mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla, whip cream separately, fold cream into mascarpone.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer cake, soak with coffee mixture, spread mascarpone cream, repeat layers, dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Enhance coffee flavor with espresso powder in the cake batter.
- This cake tastes best when made a day in advance and chilled overnight.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
