If you love the rich, velvety flavors of classic tiramisu but want to enjoy it in a more festive and shareable way, this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the deep, aromatic essence of brewed coffee and optional coffee liqueur with moist cake layers and a luscious mascarpone cream, this cake turns an iconic Italian dessert into an unforgettable celebration centerpiece. Every bite offers a perfect balance of bold coffee flavor, light sweetness, and creamy indulgence that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a show-stopping Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from lending richness and texture to infusing that unmistakable coffee flavor that defines the dish.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for your cake’s soft and tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake layers rise to the perfect fluffiness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moistness to the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter for a perfectly balanced cake.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant undertone to the cake and filling.
- Strong brewed coffee: Infuses the cake layers with deep, aromatic flavor.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): Adds an extra dimension of richness and complexity.
- Mascarpone cheese: Creates that signature silky, creamy tiramisu filling.
- Heavy whipping cream: Lightens and aerates the mascarpone filling for a fluffy texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture smoothly without grit.
- Additional brewed coffee and sugar: Combined into a soaking syrup to moisten the cake layers.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Dusts the finished cake adding a bittersweet contrast.
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional): Elevate the look and add an indulgent chocolatey crunch.
How to Make Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the layers come out smoothly. Combine your flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl, then in a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until fluffy and light. This is where your cake gets its tender lift. One at a time, beat in the eggs, then stir in the vanilla extract. Slowly add your dry ingredients alternated with the cooled brewed coffee (and coffee liqueur if you’re using it). Mixing just until combined keeps your cake moist and delicate.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide your batter evenly between the two cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, ensuring a perfect texture. Let your cakes cool in the pans briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is key because the cake will absorb the coffee soaking syrup better when it isn’t warm.
Step 3: Whip the Mascarpone Filling
While your cakes cool, beat together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This will be your luscious, creamy filling that melts perfectly in your mouth, giving you the classic tiramisu experience but in cake form.
Step 4: Make the Coffee Soaking Syrup
Mix brewed coffee, coffee liqueur (optional), and sugar in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. This syrup is the magic that keeps your cake layers moist and infused with that irresistible coffee punch.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Carefully slice each cake layer horizontally to create four even layers that will soak up the syrup beautifully. Place the first layer on your cake stand or plate and brush generously with the soaking syrup so it’s moist but not soggy. Spread an even layer of mascarpone filling on top. Repeat the process with remaining layers, finishing with mascarpone on top for a smooth, luxurious finish.
Step 6: Chill the Cake
Refrigerate the assembled cake for 2 to 3 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting time lets all the stunning flavors meld together and allows the cake to firm up, making it easier to slice and more delicious to eat.
Step 7: Finish and Serve Your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Before serving, dust the cake generously with unsweetened cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look, and if you want to make it extra special, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on top. This final touch makes your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe a feast for both eyes and taste buds.
How to Serve Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting with unsweetened cocoa powder is a must-have for the authentic look, but you can also add dark chocolate curls or espresso beans for an eye-catching contrast. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing fragrance that pairs beautifully with the coffee flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe alongside simple sides like fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla gelato for a lighter twist. A small cup of rich espresso or a latte on the side will also elevate your coffee experience and complement the dessert’s deep flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on elegant plates with a drizzle of chocolate or coffee syrup for a gourmet touch. For parties, present the cake with a scattering of coffee beans and edible gold dust to wow your guests. You might even layer mini versions in clear cups to showcase the beautiful strata of cake, syrup, and cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually develop even more as it sits.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, but it’s best to freeze individual layers without the mascarpone filling or to freeze slices tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, then add fresh filling for the best texture.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before slicing to soften without losing its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! Coffee liqueur adds depth but is completely optional. You’ll still get that delicious coffee flavor from the brewed coffee.
Is mascarpone cheese essential for this recipe?
Yes, mascarpone is what gives tiramisu its signature creamy texture and mild tang. Substituting it will change the flavor and consistency.
How long in advance can I make this cake?
This cake actually tastes better after resting overnight in the fridge, so making it a day ahead is ideal for maximum flavor meld.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Brewed coffee gives the richest flavor and best soaking effect, but strong instant coffee dissolved in hot water can be used in a pinch.
What is the best way to cut and serve this cake?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between slices to get clean, neat pieces of your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe is a beautiful marriage of two beloved desserts, perfect for coffee lovers and anyone who enjoys a rich, creamy, and delicate cake. It’s truly a treat that’s worth every minute of preparation and waiting. Give it a try for your next celebration or a cozy weekend indulgence—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A decadent and classic Coffee Tiramisu Cake featuring layers of coffee-soaked cake and creamy mascarpone filling, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional dark chocolate shavings. Perfect for coffee lovers looking for an elegant dessert with rich flavors and a smooth texture.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
Mascarpone Filling
- 1 ½ cups mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Soaking Syrup
- ¾ cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- ¼ cup coffee liqueur (optional)
- 2 tbsp sugar
Toppings
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternating with the brewed coffee and optional coffee liqueur, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Bake the cake: Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the mascarpone filling: In a medium bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Prepare the soaking syrup: In a small bowl, combine brewed coffee, coffee liqueur if using, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves completely.
- Assemble the cake: Once cooled, slice each cake horizontally in half to create four layers total. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, brush generously with coffee soaking syrup, then spread a layer of mascarpone filling evenly. Repeat with the remaining layers, finishing with mascarpone filling on top.
- Chill the cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2–3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the cake to firm up.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with optional dark chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Use strong brewed coffee for a robust coffee flavor; espresso works well as a substitute.
- Coffee liqueur is optional but adds depth to the soaking syrup and cake batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- The cake must be completely cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- For best results, chill the assembled cake overnight so flavors meld properly.
- The cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use mascarpone at room temperature for a smoother filling texture.
