Tiramisu Layer Cake Recipe
This Tiramisu Layer Cake features delicate genoise sponge layers soaked in a rich espresso and coffee liqueur mixture, filled and frosted with creamy mascarpone frosting, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. A luscious twist on a classic Italian dessert, perfect for celebrations and coffee lovers alike.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Genoise Sponge Cake
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 130 g cake flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 150 ml hot water
- 30 ml coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlua)
Mascarpone Frosting
- 500 g mascarpone cheese, softened
- 250 g whipping cream
- 150 g powdered sugar
- cocoa powder, for dusting
- Prepare Genoise Sponge Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottoms of three 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper and set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat the 6 eggs on medium speed for 1 minute.
- Add Sugar and Beat: Slowly pour in 200 g of granulated sugar while mixing continuously. Continue beating the mixture for at least 10 minutes until it triples in volume and becomes a pale yellow color.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 130 g cake flour and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Sift the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in thirds using a fine mesh sieve. Gently fold in with a silicone spatula, avoiding overmixing to keep the batter airy.
- Portion and Bake: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans (approximately 200 g batter per pan). Bake for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes to handle safely. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen, invert onto cooling racks, remove parchment, and cool completely before frosting.
- Make Espresso Soak: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons espresso powder in 150 ml hot water. Stir in 30 ml coffee liqueur and set aside to cool for soaking the cake layers.
- Prepare Mascarpone Frosting: Beat 500 g mascarpone cheese in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add 250 g whipping cream and 150 g powdered sugar, then beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a cake turntable. Drizzle 4-5 spoonfuls of the espresso mixture over the cake to saturate the top layer.
- Layer Frosting: Spread a generous amount of mascarpone frosting evenly over the soaked cake layer with an offset spatula.
- Repeat Layers: Continue with the remaining cake layers, espresso soaking, and mascarpone frosting.
- Finish Frosting: For a naked cake style, apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the sides and smooth with a bench scraper to let the cake layers show through.
- Decorate: Transfer remaining frosting to a piping bag fitted with your preferred large tip and pipe decorative patterns on top of the cake.
- Dust with Cocoa: Generously dust the top with cocoa powder for the signature tiramisu finish. Chill if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume when whipping.
- Be gentle when folding flour to maintain airiness in the batter.
- Adjust espresso soaking to taste, adding more for stronger coffee flavor.
- This cake is best served chilled but allow it to come to room temperature before eating for optimal flavor.
- Leftover cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure mascarpone and cream are cold for best frosting stability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 452 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 81 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 0.25 g
- Protein: 7.4 g
- Cholesterol: 152 mg
Keywords: Tiramisu cake, layered tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone frosting, coffee sponge cake, espresso cake, coffee liqueur cake