The Perfect Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Tiramisu has always been one of my all-time favorite desserts. There’s just something magical about the combination of rich cocoa, velvety mascarpone, and the perfect touch of coffee.
This tiramisu cake is a fantastic twist on the traditional Italian dessert – light, airy cocoa sponge layers soaked with coffee and rum, layered with a creamy mascarpone filling.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to indulge in something sweet, this recipe will be your go-to!
Kitchen Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 18cm Cake Pan | For baking the cocoa sponge | Online/Baking Stores |
| Mixing Bowls | Mixing ingredients | Kitchenware Shops |
| Electric Mixer | Whipping cream & eggs | Online Stores |
| Spatula | Folding ingredients | Supermarkets |
| Sifter | Sifting flour & cocoa powder | Baking Stores |
| Saucepan | Heating water & gelatin | Home Goods Stores |
| Cooling Rack | Cooling the cake | Online/Kitchen Shops |
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 5 hours (including refrigeration)
- Active Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Cocoa Sponge Cake
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 tsp lemon juice
- 50g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 35g cake flour
- 10g cocoa powder
- 15ml milk
- 15g vegetable oil
Mascarpone Cream
- 4g gelatin
- 20ml water
- 45g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 200g mascarpone
- 180g whipping cream
- 4g instant coffee
- 40ml hot water
- 30ml rum
- Warm water (as needed)
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cocoa Sponge Cake
- Preheat your oven to 160°C.
- In a bowl, whisk egg whites with lemon juice until frothy.
- Gradually add sugar while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form.
- Lightly beat the egg yolks and fold them into the egg white mixture.
- Sift the cake flour and cocoa powder together, then gently fold them into the batter.
- Mix milk and vegetable oil, then slowly incorporate it into the batter.
- Pour the batter into an 18cm cake mold and bake for 40 minutes.
- Once baked, remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Cream
- Dissolve gelatin in 20ml of water and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar, then heat over low heat while stirring until slightly thickened. Let cool.
- In a bowl, mix mascarpone until smooth, then add the cooled egg mixture.
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form, then fold it into the mascarpone mixture.
- Dissolve instant coffee in hot water, add rum, and mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu Cake
- Slice the cooled sponge cake into two layers.
- Brush each layer generously with the coffee-rum mixture.
- Place one layer in a 15cm mold and spread half of the mascarpone cream over it.
- Add the second cake layer and cover with the remaining mascarpone cream.
- Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder.
Food Storage Tips
- Store the tiramisu cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If freezing, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Pro Tips
- Stronger Coffee Flavor: Use espresso instead of instant coffee for a bolder taste.
- Alcohol-Free Version: Substitute rum with vanilla extract.
- Smoother Texture: Strain the egg yolk mixture after heating to remove any cooked bits.
- Extra Moist Cake: Lightly soak the cake layers twice for a richer flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake without gelatin?
Yes! You can replace gelatin with agar-agar or simply omit it, but the cream may be slightly softer.
2. What’s the best substitute for mascarpone?
Cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream works well as a substitute.
3. Can I use store-bought sponge cake?
Absolutely! It saves time, but homemade sponge tastes fresher.
4. Does tiramisu cake have to be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating for at least 4 hours helps set the layers, but overnight is even better for flavor development.
5. How do I prevent the cake from getting too soggy?
Avoid over-soaking the sponge layers—just a light brush of coffee syrup is enough.
Final Thoughts
Tiramisu cake is truly a masterpiece – rich, creamy, and delightfully indulgent. With its perfect balance of coffee, cocoa, and mascarpone, it’s bound to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields incredible results.
Try it, and let the magic of homemade tiramisu cake bring joy to your table!
