If you’re craving a dessert that combines the elegance of Italian flavors with the comfort of a classic cake, this Tiramisu Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine layers of moist vanilla cake soaked lightly with coffee, rich mascarpone and cream cheese frosting, and a dusting of cocoa powder that finishes every bite with a luscious, velvety finish. It’s everything you love about traditional tiramisu, reimagined into a beautiful, sliceable cake that’s perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tiramisu Cake Recipe relies on ingredients that are straightforward yet essential, each adding its own magic to create the perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and color. From the softness brought by the cake mix and eggs to the creamy tang of mascarpone and cream cheese, every component plays a vital role.
- Vanilla cake mix (2 boxes): Acts as the fluffy, tender base that soaks up all the coffee goodness beautifully.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter for a perfect crumb.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Enhances flavor and gives the cake a lovely golden tone.
- Large eggs (6): Provide structure and help the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- Pam baking spray: Ensures your cake layers release easily from the pans for clean, smooth edges.
- Ground coffee (1/4 cup): Infuses the cake with that unmistakable espresso flavor essential to tiramisu.
- Boiling water (1 cup): Used to brew the ground coffee, creating the soaking liquid.
- Mascarpone cheese (6 oz): Brings the signature creamy, slightly tangy feel of classic tiramisu.
- Cream cheese (16 oz, softened): Adds luscious texture and balances the mascarpone’s richness wonderfully.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Combined with the cream cheese for a smooth, stable frosting.
- Powdered sugar (6 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to that perfect spreadable consistency.
- Vanilla extract (3 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor, bringing warmth and depth.
- Heavy whipping cream (5-7 tablespoons): Adjusts frosting texture, making it light yet creamy.
- Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top to finish off the cake with authentic tiramisu flair.
How to Make Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven and greasing your cake pans with Pam baking spray. In a large bowl, combine your vanilla cake mix, whole milk, unsalted butter, and eggs. Mix everything gently until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. This simple blend will create the tender and moist layers you need for that perfect tiramisu base. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake until golden and springy to the touch. Let the cakes cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Brew the Coffee Soak
While the cakes bake and cool, brew the coffee by combining the ground coffee with boiling water. Allow it to steep and cool slightly before you use it. This coffee soak is a key ingredient that infuses the cake layers with that classic tiramisu espresso essence.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, softened cream cheese, and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream, beating until your frosting reaches a spreadable, airy consistency. This frosting is what truly brings the tiramisu cake to life, with its luscious, velvety texture and rich flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and lightly brush it with the coffee soak to infuse flavor and moisture. Spread a thick coat of the cream cheese and mascarpone frosting over the soaked layer. Repeat with the second layer, soaking it and frosting it the same way. Once assembled, finish the cake with a generous dusting of cocoa powder on top to provide that signature tiramisu look and a hint of bittersweet chocolatey flavor.
How to Serve Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To really impress your guests, sprinkle some freshly shaved dark chocolate or chocolate curls on top alongside the cocoa powder. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint can add a pop of color and a refreshing note that complements the richness.
Side Dishes
Serve your tiramisu cake with a simple espresso or cappuccino to mirror its coffee flavors. A light fruit salad or citrus sorbet can also balance the cake’s richness and make for a delightful pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of coffee liqueur or a dusting of cinnamon. You can also layer the cake into parfait glasses for an elegant, no-cut-needed dessert presentation that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Tiramisu Cake Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze the assembled cake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving, ensuring the frosting remains creamy and delicious.
Reheating
Tiramisu cake is best served chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly less cold, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cake instead of box mix for this Tiramisu Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake will add a lovely personal touch and can be just as delicious. Just ensure it’s moist enough to soak up the coffee without falling apart.
Is mascarpone cheese essential, or can I substitute it?
Mascarpone cheese is key for authentic flavor and texture, but if unavailable, a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream can be a workable, though slightly different, substitute.
How strong should the coffee soak be?
Your coffee should be strong but not bitter—brewed with about 1/4 cup of ground coffee steeped in boiling water as the recipe suggests. This way, it’s flavorful and complementary without overpowering the cake.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
It’s tricky because mascarpone and cream cheese are central to the flavor and texture, but with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream substitutes, you can experiment to create a lighter, alternative version.
How long does the cake need to set before serving?
For the best flavor melding, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time lets the coffee soak penetrate fully and the frosting set beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Tiramisu Cake Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite that will quickly become a staple for any special occasion or moment when you want to treat yourself. Its luscious flavors, creamy textures, and beautiful presentation make it a dessert loved by all. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easily you can recreate such an elegant cake in your own kitchen!
Print
Tiramisu Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Tiramisu Cake is a rich and creamy dessert that combines the classic flavors of tiramisu with a moist vanilla cake. Layers of coffee-soaked cake are filled with a luscious mascarpone and cream cheese frosting, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 – 15.25 oz boxes vanilla cake mix
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 6 large eggs
- Pam baking spray, for greasing pans
Coffee Soak
- 1/4 cup ground coffee
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting
- 6 oz mascarpone cheese
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 5–7 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Decoration
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions and spray your cake pans with Pam baking spray. In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, whole milk, unsalted butter (melted), and eggs. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Coffee Soak: While the cake is cooling, brew the coffee by steeping the ground coffee in boiling water. Let it cool slightly. Use this coffee to brush over the cooled cake layers to infuse them with rich coffee flavor, mimicking classic tiramisu.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Adjust the consistency by mixing in 5 to 7 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Brush generously with the coffee soak. Spread a layer of frosting evenly over the coffee-soaked cake. Repeat with the second cake layer, coffee soak, and frosting.
- Decorate: Once assembled, dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder using a fine sieve or sifter to create a beautiful, classic tiramisu finish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set before serving. Slice and enjoy your decadent tiramisu cake!
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying the coffee soak and frosting to prevent melting.
- You can adjust the amount of coffee soak based on your preferred intensity of coffee flavor.
- Use high-quality mascarpone cheese for the best authentic tiramisu taste.
- The frosting can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
