Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Effortless Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe for Dessert Lovers

A delightful coffee tiramisu cake blends Italian elegance with rich, velvety layers that dance across your palate.

Sweet mascarpone cream whispers promises of indulgence between delicate ladyfinger foundations.

Espresso-soaked sponge cake brings depth and complexity to each luxurious bite.

Deep cocoa undertones complement the gentle coffee essence, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Layers of creamy sophistication unfold like a culinary love story, inviting you to savor every memorable moment.

Decadent and playful, this dessert promises to enchant even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Let your taste buds embark on an irresistible Italian adventure that celebrates pure deliciousness.

Why Coffee Tiramisu Cake Deserves a Spot at the Table

  • This tiramisu cake transforms complex dessert into a straightforward baking experience.
  • Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.
  • Completed in under an hour, including baking and cooling, this cake delivers maximum flavor with minimal time investment.
  • Suitable for casual gatherings, special occasions, or a delightful weekend family dessert that will impress everyone at the table.

What You’ll Need for Coffee Tiramisu Cake

Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps create a soft, tender cake texture.
  • Baking Powder: Gives the cake its light and fluffy rise.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar: Creates a rich, creamy base with deep sweetness and smooth texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor to the cake base.
  • Milk: Keeps the cake moist and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
Coffee and Flavoring:
  • Espresso or Strong Coffee: Will likely be used for soaking and adding intense coffee flavor to the cake layers.

Step-by-Step Instructions for This Layered Dessert

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar in a separate large bowl. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly after each egg addition. Blend in vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk, mixing gently. Stop mixing once ingredients are just combined to prevent overmixing.

Step 6: Bake Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Spread batter smoothly with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cake Layers

Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before further preparation.

Tips for Rich Flavor and Perfect Texture

  • Boost Coffee Flavor: Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee for a more intense and authentic tiramisu taste.
  • Perfect Cake Texture: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother, more even cake batter.
  • Prevent Dry Cake: Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense and tough cake texture.
  • Moistening Technique: Brush cake layers with additional coffee or coffee liqueur for extra moisture and depth of flavor.
  • Storage Wisdom: Refrigerate the tiramisu cake for at least 2 hours before serving to let flavors meld and enhance the overall taste.

Store and Chill Tiramisu Cake

  • Store leftover tiramisu cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Place a layer of parchment paper between cake layers if stacking.
  • Slice the cake and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
  • Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture changes and maintain the delicate coffee-soaked layers.

Pairing Ideas for Coffee Lovers

  • Enhance the cake's rich coffee flavor with a shot of intense, freshly brewed espresso that complements the tiramisu's deep, robust notes.
  • Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti or Vin Santo to perfectly balance the creamy mascarpone and delicate cake texture.
  • Drizzle a smooth coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Bailey's Irish Cream alongside the slice to amplify the dessert's luxurious coffee undertones.
  • Top the cake with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream to create a cool, creamy contrast against the warm, coffee-infused cake layers.

Easy Variations for a New Tiramisu Spin

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk, creating a rich and creamy cake suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit in place of sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining the cake's delectable flavor profile.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, and use plant-based milk and vegan butter to craft a compassionate version of the classic coffee tiramisu cake.

Tiramisu Cake: Your Questions Answered

  • Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso?

Yes, you can substitute instant coffee dissolved in hot water. Adjust the strength to match the robust flavor of espresso for the best taste.

  • Is this tiramisu cake good for kids?

Since the recipe contains coffee, it might not be suitable for children. Consider making a non-caffeinated version or reducing the coffee content.

  • How can I make the cake more moist?

Brush each cake layer with coffee syrup and let it soak for a few minutes before assembling. This adds moisture and enhances the coffee flavor.

  • What's the best way to ensure my cake layers are even?

Use a cake leveler or a long serrated knife to carefully trim the tops of the cakes, creating flat and uniform layers for a professional-looking dessert.

Print
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Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky layers of coffee tiramisu cake blend Italian elegance with rich espresso-soaked sponge, creating a dreamy dessert that whispers sweet indulgence. Coffee lovers will savor each luxurious bite of this classic Italian treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup whole milk

Cake Liquid Ingredients:

  • ½ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso (cooled)
  • ½ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional, like Kahlua or Tia Maria)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Filling Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Dry Spices and Stabilizers:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare baking equipment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and light grease coating.
  2. Create a dry ingredient mixture by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale, creamy, and develops a light, airy texture.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition, then gently stir in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk and stirring carefully to maintain a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing.
  6. Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced layers and smooth surface tops.
  7. Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center – it should emerge clean with no raw batter.
  8. Remove cakes from oven and allow them to rest in their pans for 10 minutes to stabilize the structure.
  9. Carefully transfer cakes to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely before further preparation or decorating.

Notes

  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising cake texture.
  • Enhance coffee flavor by brushing cake layers with espresso or strong brewed coffee before assembling, intensifying the tiramisu-inspired profile.
  • Consider using decaf coffee or reducing caffeine content if serving to children or caffeine-sensitive guests, maintaining the rich flavor essence.
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother batter and more even cake rise, so remove eggs, butter, and milk from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Drinks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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