Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tiramisu cake combines the best elements of a traditional tiramisu with the ease of a cake. The soft, fluffy cake soaks up the coffee flavor while the mascarpone frosting adds a creamy, indulgent touch. It’s a fantastic dessert for special occasions or as a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee. If you love tiramisu, you’ll fall in love with this cake!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 (16.25-ounce) box white cake mix
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1 ¼ cups water
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½ cup vegetable oil
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4 large eggs
For the Coffee Soak:
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1 cup brewed espresso (or strong coffee)
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2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Frosting:
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8 oz mascarpone cheese
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2 cups heavy whipping cream
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Cocoa powder for dusting
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the batter, then divide it evenly between the prepared pans.
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Bake the Cake: Bake according to the package instructions, usually for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the Coffee Soak:brew the espresso. If using, mix in the coffee liqueur. Set aside. While the cake is cooling, brew the espresso. If using, mix in the coffee liqueur. Set aside.
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Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
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Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Use a fork or skewer to poke holes in the cake, then pour half of the coffee soak over the top. Spread half of the mascarpone frosting over the soaked cake. Place the second layer of cake on top, repeat the soaking process, and spread the remaining frosting on top.
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Chill and Serve: Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12-16 slices
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
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Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling)
Variations
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Flavored Frosting: Add a little bit of coffee extract or cinnamon to the frosting for a unique flavor twist.
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Layered Version: For an extra indulgent dessert, add more layers of cake and frosting, making a four-layer tiramisu cake.
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Alcohol-Free Version: Omit the coffee liqueur and use more brewed coffee for a family-friendly treat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover tiramisu cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This cake is best served chilled, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake up to a day ahead. The flavors develop even more when allowed to chill overnight.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you could experiment with chocolate or even a vanilla cake mix, but traditional white cake is most common for tiramisu.
Can I make this without coffee liqueur?
Yes, simply use more brewed coffee or espresso instead. The liqueur adds flavor, but it’s not essential.
Can I freeze this tiramisu cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers separately or fully assembled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How can I make the frosting smoother?
Be sure to use room temperature mascarpone cheese to prevent lumps and beat the mixture thoroughly for a smooth consistency.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
This cake is best served chilled and should be sliced into wedges, similar to how you’d serve a layer cake.
Can I use whipped cream instead of mascarpone?
You can substitute with whipped cream, but mascarpone gives a richer and creamier texture that’s more authentic to tiramisu.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cake is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I decorate this cake?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate shavings or a decorative coffee bean on top for an elegant touch.
Why is it important to let the cake chill?
Chilling the cake helps the layers set and allows the coffee soak to fully absorb into the cake, enhancing the flavors.
Conclusion
Tiramisu cake is the perfect dessert for coffee lovers and anyone who enjoys the rich, creamy flavors of tiramisu. It’s easy to make, indulgent, and full of flavor, making it the ideal treat for any special occasion or just when you’re craving a sweet bite. Give this cake a try, and it’s sure to become a new favorite!
Tiramisu Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12–16 servings
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking, Layering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tiramisu Cake is a decadent twist on the classic Italian dessert, layering fluffy white cake soaked in espresso with a creamy mascarpone frosting. Finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, it’s the perfect dessert for coffee lovers and special occasions. Easy to make with boxed cake mix and rich, authentic flavors, this chilled treat is sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 (16.25-ounce) box white cake mix
1 ¼ cups water
½ cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
For the Coffee Soak:
1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Frosting:
8 oz mascarpone cheese
2 cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
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Prepare the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions, then divide evenly between pans. -
Bake the Cake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. -
Make the Coffee Soak:
strong coffee. Stir in coffee liqueur if using. Set aside. -
Make the Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form and the frosting is smooth and fluffy. -
Assemble the Cake:
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Poke holes with a skewer and pour half of the coffee soak over it. Spread half of the frosting evenly over the top. Add the second cake layer, repeat the soaking, and frost the top. -
Chill and Finish:
Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
Use room-temperature mascarpone for a smooth frosting.
Omit liqueur for a kid-friendly version.
Chocolate or vanilla cake mix can be used for variations.
For an elegant finish, top with chocolate shavings or coffee beans.
