If you are a fan of rich, layered desserts that marry the bold flavors of coffee with creamy sweetness, this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This luscious cake brings the classic Italian tiramisu into a beautiful, multi-layered treat packed with moist cocoa-infused sponge, coffee syrup, and a velvety mascarpone cream, all dusted with a touch of cocoa powder for that signature finish. Perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a sophisticated yet comforting dessert, this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe combines familiar flavors with an inviting texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe lies in its use of simple, familiar ingredients that each have a crucial role in building those decadent layers of flavor and texture. From the cocoa powder that enriches the cake base to the mascarpone cheese that creates that signature creamy filling, every element is essential to this dessert’s irresistible charm.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cake, giving it the perfect crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance in the cake.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate taste and deep color.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and coffee syrup perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides moisture and tenderness to the cake.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and help with the cake’s rise.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic sweetness to both cake and cream.
- Strong brewed coffee (cooled): Infuses the cake batter and syrup with authentic coffee flavor.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Instant coffee granules (optional): Boosts the coffee intensity in the cake layers.
- Mascarpone cheese: The creamy heart of the tiramisu cream layer, rich and smooth.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to airy peaks to lighten the mascarpone filling.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream without adding grit.
- Coffee liqueur (optional): Enhances the coffee notes with a boozy depth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting): Finishes the cake with an elegant touch.
- Dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (optional): Adds texture and extra chocolate goodness on top.
How to Make Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake Layers
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma. Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the coffee-milk mixture to the batter, starting and ending with the dry mix; this technique creates a moist and tender cake crumb. Pour the batter evenly into the cake pans, bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Whip Up the Mascarpone Cream
The mascarpone cream is what makes this cake truly feel like tiramisu in cake form. In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream together with powdered sugar until you achieve stiff peaks — this adds necessary lightness to the rich mascarpone. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese to keep it airy and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and coffee liqueur if you want to elevate the coffee flavor even further.
Step 3: Make the Coffee Syrup
This luscious syrup soaks into each cake layer, delivering the signature espresso kick. Combine hot brewed coffee and granulated sugar in a small saucepan and warm on medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in coffee liqueur if using. Let it cool to room temperature before using to avoid soaking the cake too aggressively.
Step 4: Assemble Your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Carefully slice each cooled cake horizontally in half to create four beautiful layers. Place your first cake layer on a serving platter and generously drizzle with coffee syrup to saturate it but not drown the cake. Spread an even layer of mascarpone cream over the soaked cake layer. Repeat this process for each subsequent layer, finishing with a final spread of mascarpone cream on top. For the finishing touches, dust the entire cake with a fine layer of unsweetened cocoa powder and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate if you like things extra decadent.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Place your assembled Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to let all the flavors meld beautifully and the cream set perfectly. When ready to serve, slice nice portions and prepare for endless compliments.
How to Serve Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnish is not just about aesthetics — it enhances the experience of the dessert. A simple dusting of cocoa powder on top brings that classic tiramisu look and adds a slight bitterness that balances the sweet cream. For extra flair, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate to introduce a textural contrast and a burst of bittersweet chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe with freshly brewed espresso or a creamy latte to echo the coffee flavors in the cake. If you want a lighter accompaniment, a bowl of fresh berries adds a refreshing fruity contrast that brightens the palate. Alternatively, serve with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream to complement the dessert’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can surprise your guests by serving individual slices in clear glass dessert cups layered neatly with extra mascarpone cream and coffee syrup for a beautiful deconstructed tiramisu experience. Another idea is to create mini versions using a muffin tin for perfect single servings. Whipped cream rosettes and chocolate decorations on each portion add an elegant, restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Because of the cream layers and coffee syrup, the cake only improves as the flavors continue to meld. Just make sure to keep it well covered to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
While it is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze this cake for up to a month. Wrap the whole cake tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of foil before freezing. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Note that freezing may slightly affect the texture of the mascarpone cream, so freezing individual cake layers separately is a better option if you prefer to assemble after thawing.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended as it can cause the mascarpone cream to break and alter the texture. Instead, serve straight from the fridge for the best flavor and consistency.
FAQs
Can I make the Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! The coffee liqueur is optional, so you can simply omit it or replace it with extra brewed coffee for a non-alcoholic version that still delivers deep coffee flavor.
How long does the Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, this cake lasts up to 3 days. Beyond that, the cream and coffee flavors might begin to lose their freshness.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, instant coffee granules can be dissolved in hot water and used in both the batter and syrup to boost the coffee flavor, especially if you prefer a more concentrated coffee taste.
Is this cake gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you would need to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, keeping in mind that texture and rise might vary slightly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This is one of the best make-ahead desserts. Prepare the cake and assemble it a day ahead to allow the layers to meld and develop those rich flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a classic Italian dessert into your home with a twist — it’s elegant, deeply satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a decadent treat, this cake will surely impress your friends and family. Go ahead, give it a try and enjoy each luscious layer!
Print
Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Coffee Tiramisu Cake recipe combines the rich flavors of coffee and cocoa with a creamy mascarpone layer, creating a decadent dessert perfect for coffee lovers. Layers of moist cocoa cake are soaked in a sweet coffee syrup, then filled and topped with a luscious mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings for an indulgent finish.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules (optional, for extra coffee flavor)
Mascarpone Cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional, such as Kahlúa)
Coffee Syrup
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
Toppings
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder to ensure even distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with cooled brewed coffee and whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently to combine.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents condensation during assembly.
- Prepare Mascarpone Cream: Beat the mascarpone cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form to provide structure to the cream layer.
- Fold Cream into Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese mixture, then stir in vanilla extract and coffee liqueur if using, to add flavor depth.
- Make Coffee Syrup: Combine brewed coffee and granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and add coffee liqueur if desired. Allow to cool completely.
- Slice Cake Layers: Once cooled, slice each cake horizontally in half to create four even layers for assembling the tiramisu cake.
- Assemble First Layer: Place the first cake layer on a serving platter and drizzle generously with the coffee syrup to soak the cake.
- Add Mascarpone Cream: Spread a layer of the prepared mascarpone cream evenly over the soaked cake layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the process of syrup drizzling and mascarpone cream spreading with the remaining cake layers, finishing with a mascarpone cream layer on top.
- Decorate: Dust the top of the cake with unsweetened cocoa powder and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate if desired for visual appeal and extra flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set properly.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve chilled for the best texture and taste experience.
Notes
- For stronger coffee flavor, add the optional instant coffee granules to the cake batter and use quality brewed coffee for syrup.
- If avoiding alcohol, omit coffee liqueur; the syrup and cream will still be flavorful.
- Allowing the cake to chill overnight enhances the melding of coffee and mascarpone flavors.
- Make sure cakes are fully cooled before slicing to avoid crumbling during assembly.
- Use room temperature mascarpone cheese to ensure smooth mixing with whipped cream.
