Silky Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Dreamy Silky Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe: Sweet Heaven in Layers

Indulgence reaches new heights with this dreamy coffee tiramisu cake that dances between rich espresso and velvety mascarpone.

Classic Italian desserts rarely showcase such exquisite balance of flavors.

Layers of delicate sponge cake soak up intense coffee essence, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and depth.

Each forkful promises a luxurious journey through creamy textures and bold coffee notes.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant masterpiece that whispers sophisticated comfort.

Prepare to transport your taste buds to the charming cafes of Italy with this decadent dessert.

You’ll fall in love with every smooth, coffee-infused bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 12

Coffee Tiramisu Cake Ingredient Guide

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the delicate cake layers.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures light and airy texture with perfect rise.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, smooth base with creamy consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create golden, soft cake texture.
  • Large Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cake's flavor profile.
  • Milk: Keeps cake moist and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
For Coffee Soaking Liquid:
  • Espresso or Strong Coffee: Infuses deep, bold coffee flavor into cake layers.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Adds sophisticated coffee essence and subtle alcoholic warmth.
For Cream Filling:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Provides luxurious, creamy base with silky smooth texture.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, airy texture for filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize whipped cream.
  • Cocoa Powder: Offers rich chocolate undertone and classic tiramisu garnish.

Must-Have Tools for Coffee Tiramisu Cake

  • Stand Mixer or Electric Handheld Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing cake batter smoothly.
  • Two 8-inch Round Cake Pans: Essential for baking the cake layers evenly.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps prevent cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
  • Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
  • Whisk: Great for blending flour mixture and incorporating ingredients.
  • Spatula: Helps scrape down bowl sides and fold ingredients gently.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing for moist crumbs.

How to Layer a Stunning Coffee Tiramisu Cake

  • Prepare Baking Essentials

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F and lovingly coat two round cake pans with butter and parchment paper.

  • Craft Dry Mixture

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl until perfectly blended.

  • Create Creamy Base

Beat butter and sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and cloud-like.

  • Incorporate Eggs

Gently add eggs one by one, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract for a delightful aroma.

  • Combine Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Cool and Settle

Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Tips to Intensify Coffee Tiramisu Cake Flavor

  • Perfect Cake Layers: Let cakes cool entirely before assembling to prevent the frosting from melting and ensure stable layers.
  • Espresso Soaking Tip: Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee at room temperature for maximum flavor absorption into the cake layers.
  • Mascarpone Cream Consistency: Ensure mascarpone is at room temperature and gently fold ingredients to maintain a light, airy texture without deflating the mixture.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, and use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly tiramisu cake.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake and store layers separately in an airtight container for up to two days, assembling just before serving to maintain optimal moisture and texture.

Serving Coffee Tiramisu Cake Like a Star

  • Dessert Companion Delight: Serve alongside a small scoop of vanilla gelato to enhance the rich coffee flavors and add a creamy contrast.
  • Coffee Lover's Garnish: Dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle finely ground espresso beans for an elegant and intense coffee presentation.
  • Elegant Plating Style: Place a slice on a white porcelain plate with a delicate coffee-stained design, and add a small chocolate-covered espresso bean on the side for a gourmet touch.
  • Textural Complement: Add a crisp almond biscotti alongside the cake slice to provide a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft, moist cake layers.

Keeping Coffee Tiramisu Cake Creamy and Chilled

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store tiramisu cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the layers moist and preserving the delicate coffee-infused flavors.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen tiramisu cake stays delicious for 2-3 weeks, perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers.
  • Serving Temperature Tips: Remove cake from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to soften and enhance, creating a more luxurious taste experience.
  • Moisture Protection Technique: Cover the cake with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap when refrigerating to prevent drying out and maintain its creamy, rich texture.
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Silky Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Silky Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy coffee tiramisu cake blends Italian dessert traditions with rich espresso-soaked layers. Mascarpone cheese and delicate ladyfingers create a luxurious dessert you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • 8 oz (226 g) mascarpone cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso (cooled)
  • 2 tbsps coffee liqueur (optional, like Kahlua or Tia Maria)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Set the oven to 350F (175C) and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, lightly greasing the surfaces to prevent sticking.
  2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly blended, creating a light and airy dry mixture.
  3. Butter-Sugar Transformation: Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and develops a silky consistency.
  4. Egg and Flavor Integration: Blend eggs into the butter-sugar base one at a time, ensuring complete incorporation, then gently fold in vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  5. Batter Composition: Delicately alternate folding dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, maintaining a smooth texture and avoiding overmixing to preserve the cake’s delicate structure.
  6. Pan Distribution and Baking: Evenly spread the batter across prepared pans, creating balanced layers, and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
  7. Cooling and Stabilization: Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the cake’s structural integrity and optimal texture.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain cake’s light, airy texture and avoid dense, tough results.
  • Temperature Control: Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter, to ensure smooth batter and even cake rise.
  • Moisture Balance: Check cake doneness precisely with toothpick test to prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Pan Preparation: Properly line cake pans with parchment paper and grease lightly to guarantee easy cake removal without sticking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Drinks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 363
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 143 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 82 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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