Have you ever craved that perfect coffee-infused, creamy Italian dessert but thought it was too complicated to make at home? This tiramisu cake recipe transforms the classic tiramisu into an elegant layered cake that's surprisingly simple to create. Making this tiramisu cake homemade recipe easy at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, adjust sweetness to your preference, and impress guests with a restaurant-quality dessert at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this coffee-soaked masterpiece delivers authentic Italian flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients List

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1½ cups granulated sugar
    • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Coffee Soak:

    • 1 cup strong brewed espresso (cooled)
    • 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Tia Maria)
    • 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Mascarpone Cream:

    • 16 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
    • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
    • ¾ cup powdered sugar
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • Optional: 2 tablespoons rum for extra depth

For Topping:

    • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • Optional: Dark chocolate shavings for garnish
    • Optional: Espresso beans for decoration

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Total time: 4 hours 55 minutes (including chilling)

This timeline includes essential chilling time for the mascarpone layers to set properly. Plan to make this dessert at least 4-5 hours before serving, or ideally the night before for best results and easier slicing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla, mixing until combined. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just incorporated—overmixing creates a dense cake. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 28-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Coffee Soak While cakes bake, combine cooled espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar in a bowl, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. The liquid should be sweet but with a strong coffee punch. This tiramisu cake recipe depends on this flavorful soak to replicate the authentic taste of traditional tiramisu.

Step 3: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then set aside. In another bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture in three additions using a spatula—this keeps the cream airy and light.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake Once cakes cool completely (essential!), level the tops with a serrated knife if domed. Place one layer on your serving plate and generously brush with half the coffee soak using a pastry brush. Spread half the mascarpone cream evenly over the soaked layer. Place the second cake layer on top, soak with remaining coffee mixture, and spread remaining cream on top and sides. For this tiramisu cake homemade recipe easy approach, you don't need perfect frosting skills—rustic looks are charming.

Step 5: Final Touches Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours or overnight. Just before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. Add chocolate shavings and espresso beans if desired for an elegant presentation.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 12):

    • Calories: 485
    • Protein: 7g
    • Carbohydrates: 48g
    • Fat: 29g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Calcium: 8% DV
    • Iron: 6% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Swaps: For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Make it alcohol-free by replacing liqueur with additional espresso and vanilla extract. Vegan adaptations can use coconut cream and cashew-based mascarpone alternatives.

Flavor Variations: Try adding orange zest to the mascarpone cream for a citrus twist, or layer thin chocolate ganache between cake and cream. Hazelnut lovers can incorporate Frangelico liqueur instead of coffee liqueur.

Make-Ahead Strategy: This dessert actually improves when made 24 hours ahead—flavors meld beautifully and slicing becomes cleaner. For easier assembly, freeze cake layers after baking, then thaw before soaking.

Professional Tip: Use a springform pan for hassle-free removal and picture-perfect presentation. For ultra-smooth mascarpone cream, ensure cheese is truly at room temperature to prevent lumps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Warm Cake Layers: Assembling with warm cake causes mascarpone cream to melt and slide off. Always cool cakes completely—patience prevents disaster.

Over-soaking the Cake: Too much coffee liquid creates a soggy, structurally unstable cake. Brush generously but don't drench; you want moist, not swimming.

Overmixing Mascarpone Cream: Beating too vigorously deflates the whipped cream, resulting in dense, heavy frosting instead of light, airy texture. Use gentle folding motions.

Cold Mascarpone Cheese: Room temperature mascarpone blends smoothly; cold cheese creates lumps that never fully incorporate. Plan ahead and let it warm up for 30-45 minutes.

Skipping Chilling Time: The setting period isn't optional—it allows flavors to develop and cream to firm up for clean slices. Rushing leads to messy serving.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your tiramisu cake recipe creation in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake maintains its moisture and flavor exceptionally well, often tasting even better on day two as the coffee soak fully permeates the layers.

For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving—avoid microwave thawing as it compromises the cream's texture. This tiramisu cake homemade recipe easy approach makes it perfect for advance preparation for parties.

Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the dairy-rich mascarpone filling. Always use glass or BPA-free plastic containers to prevent odor absorption from the refrigerator, and add a fresh dusting of cocoa powder just before serving for the freshest appearance.