If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that marries the luscious creaminess of tiramisu with the comforting joy of cake, this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe will absolutely sweep you off your feet. Imagine two tender layers of vanilla cake soaked in rich coffee and coffee liqueur, covered with a billowy, mascarpone-based frosting and dusted with a generous flurry of cocoa powder. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to something special, you’ll fall in love with the depth of flavor and inviting aroma that this Italian-inspired masterpiece brings to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one plays a starring role in creating those signature textures and flavors. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute, as every component brings something truly fabulous to the finished cake!
- Cake Mix: Use a vanilla or yellow cake mix for a tender, neutral base that soaks up the coffee beautifully.
- Eggs, Oil, and Water: These are the essentials for preparing your cake mix and ensuring a moist crumb.
- Brewed Strong Coffee or Espresso: Intensifies the flavor and gives that unmistakable tiramisu kick.
- Coffee Liqueur (optional): Adds extra depth and a grown-up note—skip for a kid-friendly, alcohol-free version.
- Mascarpone Cheese: The heart of traditional tiramisu cream; expect dreamy richness.
- Cream Cheese: Provides structure and tang, making the filling delightfully velvety.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling without grittiness—perfect for smooth frostings.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances and balances all the creamy, coffee-laced flavors.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Folded in for fluffy, cloud-like texture in the frosting.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the whipped cream component.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that classic tiramisu dusting and elegant finish.
- Dark Chocolate Shavings (optional): A fancy touch for crunch, drama, and extra chocolatey bliss.
How to Make Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
Start by preparing and baking your cake according to the directions on the box. Divide the batter between two 9-inch round pans and bake until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the layers cool completely—this prevents the filling from melting or sliding.
Step 2: Mix the Coffee Soak
In a small bowl, stir together the cooled brewed coffee and coffee liqueur, if you’re using it. This important step infuses every bite of cake with the bold, aromatic notes that define a great Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe. Set it aside to let the flavors mingle.
Step 3: Whip Up the Luscious Mascarpone Filling
Beat the softened mascarpone and cream cheese together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until totally smooth and creamy—think of this as the soul of your cake. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and granulated sugar until you get those irresistible stiff peaks. Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, taking care not to deflate that fluffy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Take a pastry brush or a spoon and lavishly brush half the coffee mixture all over the cake—don’t be shy, you want it deliciously moist. Spread half of your mascarpone filling over the soaked layer. Repeat with the second cake layer, coffee mixture, and the remaining filling, making sure to cover the top and sides for that classic tiramisu look.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Patience is key here! Let your assembled Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe chill in the fridge for at least four hours, preferably overnight. This rest period lets the flavors meld, creating a cake that’s sliceable, sophisticated, and utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, dust the top of the cake generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. For a truly elegant touch, scatter some dark chocolate shavings on top—now your dessert is ready to impress.
How to Serve Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A classic finish for this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe is a generous dusting of cocoa powder. To make your cake stand out even more, opt for delicate dark chocolate curls or even a sprinkle of chocolate-covered espresso beans. These irresistible toppings not only add visual drama but also a little extra flavor crunch in every bite.
Side Dishes
When serving such a rich dessert, it’s lovely to offer a platter of fresh berries or a simple fruit salad on the side. Their tartness helps balance out the luxurious, creamy layers. Alternatively, pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla gelato for double Italian-inspired delight!
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Try assembling your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe in individual glass jars for stunning party desserts. Or, cut the chilled cake into elegant mini squares for a buffet. You could even layer the components in a trifle dish for a showpiece centerpiece everyone will want to dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe will keep fabulously in the refrigerator for up to three days, tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually become even more harmonious as the days go by, making it a perfect next-day indulgence.
Freezing
Want to enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes? Freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then store them in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Just remember: cocoa powder and chocolate shavings are best added fresh, after thawing.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this chilled treat! If your frozen Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe needs a quick refresh, simply let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to take the chill off and bring the creamy filling back to its dreamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just swap the coffee liqueur for more brewed coffee and you’ll get all those wonderful, robust coffee notes without the alcohol content.
What’s the best type Dessert
Go for a strong brew or espresso—something with bold flavor, since the coffee is front and center in this cake. Even instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water works beautifully!
Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
Yes! A homemade vanilla or sponge cake will give an even more artisanal feel to your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe. Just make sure to keep the layers light so they can soak up the coffee mixture properly.
Is it safe to make this cake in advance?
Definitely—a day ahead is ideal! This allows the cake layers to absorb the coffee soak and the filling to set up nicely, making slicing and serving a breeze.
What’s a good substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If you can’t find mascarpone, you can use full-fat cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream. It won’t be quite as authentic, but it still delivers a decadent, creamy result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sweet ending that’s sophisticated but infinitely satisfying, I can’t recommend this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe enough. It’s a celebration of everything wonderful about Italian desserts—a little bit classic, a little bit comfort, and a whole lot of wow. Give it a go and let every bite transport you somewhere delicious!
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Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of coffee and creamy mascarpone with this decadent Coffee Tiramisu Cake. A perfect fusion of classic tiramisu and a luscious layer cake, this dessert is sure to impress at any gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, water)
Coffee Mixture:
- 1 cup brewed strong coffee or espresso (cooled)
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
Mascarpone Filling:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Additional:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the cake according to package directions in two 9-inch round cake pans. Let cool and level tops if needed.
- Make Coffee Mixture: Combine cooled coffee with coffee liqueur in a small bowl.
- Prepare Mascarpone Filling: Beat mascarpone, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold into mascarpone mixture.
- Assemble Cake: Layer cake, brushing with coffee mixture and spreading mascarpone filling between layers.
- Chill and Serve: Chill for at least 4 hours. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.
Notes
- For an alcohol-free version, skip the coffee liqueur and use more brewed coffee.
- The cake is best served chilled and can be made a day in advance.
- You can also use homemade sponge cake or ladyfingers for a more traditional base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
