Home › Recipes › Tiramisu Cake

Tiramisu Cake

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutesServes: 10Difficulty: Medium
Tiramisu Cake recipe image

Tiramisu Cake balances sweetness, structure, and texture for a dessert that slices or scoops cleanly.

Provided by Chef Katy

Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes

Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Yield 10

Number of Ingredients 19

About This Recipe

Tiramisu Cake needs the right balance of sweetness, structure, and cooling time.

Mix carefully and let it cool or set fully before serving.

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs (large (at room temperature))
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup cake flour (sifted)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
  • 1 1/2 cups hot water
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons brandy
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered sugar
  • 4 egg yolks (large)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup dry Marsala wine
  • 16 ounces mascarpone cheese (cold)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
  • 6 ounces cream cheese ((the kind in a brick))
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
  • 2 teaspoons cocoa powder ((for garnish))

Ingredient Notes

  • Flour or structure: Measure carefully so the dessert sets with the right texture.
  • Sugar: Sugar affects both sweetness and browning.
  • Fat: Butter, oil, or cream adds richness and tenderness.
  • Cooling time: Let the dessert cool before slicing or storing.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, mist three 6-inch diameter cake pans* with non-stick spray, dust them with flour, and line them with circles cut from parchment. Whip the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a large mixing bowl on high speed until tripled in volume (approx. 5 to 7 minutes).

  2. 2

    Sift in about 1/2 of the cake flour, and fold it in gently until almost combined. Fold in about 1/2 of the melted butter, then sift in the remaining flour, folding gently until amost combined.

  3. 3

    Fold in the remaining butter and tranfer the batter to the prepared pans. Bake until the cakes are set on the edges, deeply golden, and springy in the centers (approx. 20 to 25 minutes). A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

  4. 4

    Cool completely in the pans, then run the tip of a sharp knife around the edge to loosen the cakes before turning out. Stir the hot water, instant espresso powder, brandy, and powdered sugar together in a small bowl.

  5. 5

    Place one layer of cooled genoise in the bottom of a tall-sided 8-inch springform pan. Soak the cake with about 1/3 of the espresso mixture, and top with half the mascarpone filling.

  6. 6

    Repeat, then top with the last layer of cooled genoise and soak with the remaining espresso mixture. Frost with whipped cream frosting, dust with cocoa, and top with dollops of whipped cream frosting..

  7. 7

    In a medium mixing bowl set over a pot of simmering water, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and marsala wine together until pale, thick, and doubled in volume. Remove from the heat, and stir in the mascarpone.

  8. 8

    Whip the cream until it holds stiff peaks, then fold into the mascarpone mixture.

  9. 9

    Place the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl.

  10. 10

    Fit the mixer with a whisk attachment, and whip on medium speed until the mixture is smooth.

Katy’s Kitchen Note: Cool fully before slicing so the texture has time to set.

Katy’s Kitchen Tips

  • Measure carefully for the best texture.
  • Do not overmix once the structure is formed.
  • Use the pan size listed by the method.
  • Cool before slicing, frosting, or storing.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Chocolate finish: Add chocolate chips, cocoa, or shaved chocolate.
  • Nutty version: Add toasted nuts if they fit the dessert.
  • Fruit option: Serve with berries, banana, or citrus zest.
  • Salted finish: Add a small pinch of salt to balance sweetness.

What to Serve With Tiramisu Cake

Serve Tiramisu Cake with coffee, tea, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a scoop of ice cream.

Storage and Reheating

Store covered in the refrigerator if the dessert is creamy or contains dairy.

Keep tightly wrapped so it does not dry out or absorb odors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overmixing: Too much mixing can make cakes, cookies, or fillings heavy.
  • Wrong pan size: A different pan changes thickness and timing.
  • Slicing hot: Many desserts need cooling time to set.
  • Loose storage: Uncovered desserts dry out quickly.

FAQ

Can I make Tiramisu Cake ahead?

Yes. Most desserts benefit from cooling or chilling time.

How should I store it?

Keep it tightly covered according to whether it is frozen, chilled, or room temperature.

Can I change the flavor?

Yes. Add compatible fruit, chocolate, nuts, spices, or extracts.

Why is the texture off?

Heat level, mixing, chilling time, or measurement changes can affect texture.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 853 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Cholesterol: 338 mg
  • Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Sodium: 203 mg
  • Sugar: 43 g
  • Fat: 64 g
  • Saturated Fat: 38 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g