Tiramisu Cake is a classic Italian cake that’s made with coffee-soaked sponge cake and layered with sweet mascarpone cream. It’s also dusted with delicious cocoa powder.
Do you love Italian desserts? Be sure to give our Chewy Amaretti Cookies and Mini Almond Biscotti a try!
Table Of Contents
Recipe Details
This classic Italian dessert is typically made with ladyfingers as the “cake base,” but to be honest, this cake version is so much BETTER! You’ll love the way the flavors absorb into the fluffy layers.
- TASTE: This sweet and creamy espresso combination is every coffee lover’s dream. The addition of cocoa makes it even tastier.
- TEXTURE: The fluffy and airy sponge cake absorbs all the coffee liqueur, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder all too well. And the frosting is so creamy.
- TIME: This cake will take 55 minutes.
- EASE: As elegant as it looks, this recipe is rather easy. Just follow the pictures and step-by-step instructions in this recipe for a perfect Tiramisu Cake.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Cake base- To make the cake layers of this sponge cake Tiramisu, we’ll be using All-purpose flour, Cornstarch, Baking powder, Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla extract.
- Mascarpone cheese- This is for the frosting and is sweet with some hints of acidity.
- Cream cheese- Sweet and tangy, this mixes with the mascarpone for the frosting.
- Egg product- These eggs make the frosting extra creamy, as is traditional for tiramisu.
- Kahlua– To add extra coffee flavor along with hints of vanilla and caramel. This liqueur is sweet and rich.
- Powdered sugar- To sweeten the frosting.
- Espresso- This is what adds the delicious coffee flavor that Tiramisu cake is known for.
- Sugar- This is to add sweetness to the coffee soak.
- Cocoa powder- This is added to each layer of the cake for delicious chocolaty flavor to pair with the coffee taste.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Substitute the espresso- If you haven’t got an espresso maker, you can use instant espresso powder or really strong brewed coffee. You will need 1 cup of either one
- Use real eggs- Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar to 3 eggs instead of the egg product. Then simmer 2 cups of water in a pot. Place the egg mixture in a bowl, and the bowl in the pot. Beat until double in size, then remove from heat and cool before adding the mascarpone.
- Substitute the Kahlua- If you haven’t got any or don’t want to use it, you can substitute a few teaspoons of coffee extract to replace it.
- Add toppings- Top the cake with shavings from a bar of chocolate for a prettier presentation and more chocolaty flavor. You can also add espresso beans.
How to Make Tiramisu Cake
- Beat the eggs. Beat them in a stand mixer on high speed for 4 minutes, then add the sugar and vanilla. Continue beating until the eggs are fluffy and pale.
- Sift the dry ingredients. Sift the flour, baking powder and cornstarch into the eggs and fold it in with a whisk. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Bake the cake. Pour the cake batter into the parchment-lined round 10-inch cake pans and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 28-30 minutes. You can check for doneness with a toothpick. Then let the cake cool on a cooling wire rack.
- Make the frosting. Meanwhile beat the cream cheese, mascarpone, Kahlua, and powdered sugar. Whip the egg product using an electric mixer until it thickens, then add it to the mascarpone mixture.
- Slice the cake. Slice the cooled cake layers in half, and soak them in a combination of coffee and sugar.
- Assemble it. Then assemble the cake in this order: coffee-soaked cake, cream, cocoa powder, and repeat until all the cake layers are used. Be sure to reserve some cream to coat the outside of the cake.
Pro Tip: I find that using a Martellato soaker bottle is the best method for soaking cakes. It doesn’t drench it as other methods do.
Recipe Tips
- Thicken runny mascarpone- If the brand of mascarpone cheese you bought has a runnier consistency, make sure to refrigerate the cream for at least 40 minutes before combining it with the egg product.
- Make sure you beat the eggs well- Your mascarpone cream frosting can get runny if the eggs are not beaten well, until they are pale and fluffy.
- Don’t oversoak the cake- Be careful as you soak the cake not to dench it. It will fall apart if it becomes too wet. A soaker bottle works really well here, like this Martellato soaker bottle.
- Let the cake set- Tiramisu tastes best when it has had time to absorb all the delicious flavors of coffee, cream, and Kahlua. Therefore you want to let the cream infuse into the sponge cake overnight in the fridge.
FAQs
Mascarpone cheese is one of the main ingredients in a tiramisu cake recipe. It has a mild flavor similar to creme Fraiche and is used in the frosting.
This could happen due to the eggs or egg products not being beaten well enough. You want to beat the egg mixture until its pale in color and fluffy. If you want to thicken up a runny cream, place it in the fridge for about 1 hour before frosting the cake.
Cakes like tiramisu are made with raw eggs. If you prefer not to use raw eggs, you can use egg substitute, also known as egg product. Egg product is pretty much eggs that have been pasteurized. I have tested this recipe multiple times and come to realize that certain brands of egg products don’t thicken as much as others. So far, the best brand for this recipe is Lucerne.
Serving Suggestions
This Tiramisu Cake is such a versatile dessert and works great with lots of other sweets. Put together a dessert buffet and serve this with cookies, other cakes, coffee, and more.
- Cookies: Serve a slice with some Jumbo Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies, Chocolate Meringue Cookies, Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, or Coffee Macarons.
- Cakes: Add this cake to your dessert spread with others, like this Chocolate Mousse Cake, New York Style Cheesecake, Gingerbread Cake, or Chocolate Honey Cake (Spartak Cake).
- Sweet treats: Pair this Tiramisu Cake with Coffee Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Pot De Creme, White Chocolate Creme Brulee, or Chocolate Covered Dates.
- Beverages: Enjoy a cup of Hot Chocolate or coffee with a slice of this cake. Or make your own Pumpkin Spice Latte or Iced Caramel Macchiato.
Make This Recipe in Advance
Make ahead: This cake works best when it sets overnight, so you can make it the day before you plan to serve it. It also stores well in the fridge or freezer.
Storing: This Tiramisu Cake will last in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, covered or stored in an airtight container.
Freeze: Leave off the cocoa topping and wrap the cake in plastic wrap (twice). Once it is frozen solid, wrap tightly in foil. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
More Tasty Italian Desserts!
Full Recipe Instructions
Tiramisu Cake
Ingredients
Spongecake
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
Cream
- 32 oz cream cheese (4 packages)
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese
- 2 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup Kahlua
- 1 cup egg product
Coffee Soak
- 1 cup espresso
- 3 tbsp Kahlua
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, beat 8 eggs until foamy. Then slowly add the sugar and vanilla while the mixer is still beating.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and cornstarch. Then fold it into the beaten eggs using a whisk.
- Line 2 round baking pans (10 inches in diameter) with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray. Then distribute the batter evenly between the two pans.
- Bake in a preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 28-30 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Meanwhile combine the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and Kahlua in the bowl of your stand mixer. If your mascarpone cheese has a runny consistency, refrigerate this mixture for 40 minutes before adding in the egg product.
- In a separate bowl beat the egg product with an electric mixer until it becomes thick and creamy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Add the egg product to the cream cheese mixture and mix just to incorporate. If you don't have egg product, see notes below on how to make this cake without it.
- In a small bowl mix together the espresso, with 3 tbsp Kahlua and 1 tbsp sugar.
- Slice each cake in half so you are left with 4 thin slices. Soak each layer of cake with the espresso and Kahlua mixture. I find that using a Martellato soaker bottle works best.
- Then begin layering the cake in this order: 1 layer of soaked cake, 1 1/4 cup cream cheese mixture, and cocoa powder. Repeat this until you stack the last layer of cream. At this point, you can decorate the sides and top of the cake with extra cocoa or cream.
Notes
Nutrition
This tiramisu cake recipe was originally published on July 20, 2015, it has been updated since.
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Anna says
Hi! I want to make this soon. Does ithis cake store on the countertop or in the refrigerator ?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Anna, that is a great question. This Tiramisu cake definitely wants to be stored in the refrigerator 🙂
Rifka says
I have a question about a egg product, what is considered a egg product.
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Rifka, I mention details about egg substitutes in the blog post if you want a more detailed answer. Egg product is basically eggs that have been pasteurized. I hope you enjoy this Tiramisu cake 🙂
Sarah Natkin says
Wow I just made this gorgeous cake ! I have leftover cream can I freeze it for next time?
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you for the feedback Sarah! Yes, you can freeze tiramisu cream 🙂
Genelle Cimental says
I am making this cake this weekend and I’m very excited about it what did you use as a screen for the top of the cake to make the checkerboard look
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Genelle, I actually just crisscrossed some wooden skewers and dusted the cocoa powder on top, then carefully lifted them up. If you watch the video on the bottom of the recipe you’ll see what I mean 🙂 I hope you love the tiramisu cake!
Lois says
Hi Dina,
If I’m having a dinner party on Sunday. I want to make this cake. What is your suggestion on when I should make the cake? Will the cake be too spongy if it sits if I make it Saturday? Or do you think I should just make it on Sunday?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Lois, I I recommend that you make it on Saturday. It shouldn’t get too soggy after only one day. I always make tiramisu the day before 🙂
Sandy says
I made this recipe, but the final sponge xale tasted too much like egg? Please help.
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Sandy, I’m sorry to hear that. How did the batter look before you baked the cake? Sometimes under-beating the cake batter can cause it to have an eggy taste. Also, if you let the cake sit overnight before frosting, a lot of the eggy taste disappears. I hope that helps.
Kanika says
Is the egg product egg white or egg yolk??
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Kanika, I believe the egg product is whole pasteurized eggs.
Tere says
Dina, I love tiramisu and make it for special occasions, I’m just curious as to why you are using cream cheese and not all mascarpone cheese, would it be because of the consistency or what, will be making this very soon thank you
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Tere, the cream cheese helps thicken the filling, making it easier to frost the cake. I hope you love this tiramisu cake recipe Tere!
Katya says
This tiramisu cake looks phenomenal Dina! My husband is a huge tiramisu lover. Definitely bookmarking this one.
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you so much, Katya! This Tiramisu cake is my husband’s favorite cake as well!
Natalya says
Dina, this tiramisu cake looks lovely. I love the thick layer of cream. Thank you for such an amazing recipe!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you, Natalya! This tiramisu cake is a timeless dessert. You just can’t go wrong with such a classic! 🙂
Julia Frey says
Tiramisu is my favourite dessert as it has just the right mix of sweet and bitter from espresso. I love the idea of tiramisu cake, Dina. It’s absolutely stunning.
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you so much, Julia! My whole family is crazy over this tiramisu cake.
Suzanne says
Filling is too loose. Hard to frost sides. Put in fridge right away to help it. Any suggestions ? Skewers to keep it from shifting. Followed recipe exactly. Honestly !
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Suzanne, the brand of egg product and mascarpone cheese can often change the consistency filling. Usually refrigerating the filling helps thicken it back up. In regards to the skewers, they can be a little finicky. I just make sure to place them slowly and carefully 🙂
Teresa says
I’m making this for a birthday party tomorrow and am wondering if it works to put it all together the day prior to serving it?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Teresa, yes it is totally ok to make this tiramisu cake the day before serving it. It is actually better to have it sit for a day to let all the flavors soak together. I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Zeina says
Hello, This cake looks AMAZING. I had a question about the egg product, I never used it before does it come in certain sizes? Is there a brand I can look for?
Thanks,
Zeina
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Zeina, it depends on where you’re located. Here in the states, pretty much all grocery stores carry it. I like to buy “Lucerne” brand. They typically come in a 16 oz carton. They’re usually located on the shelves with all the eggs. I hope that helps and you give this Tiramisu cake recipe a try 🙂
Ellen Blosser says
Your recipe list says baking powder but it doesn’t say in your recipe when to use it. I assume it’s with the flour and cornstach. Just wanted to let you know if you wanna change that. Great recipe!!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you for catching that Ellen. I have just updated that 🙂
Galina says
I had this cake at a recent party and it was AMAZING!!!! Thanks for sharing!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you Galina! I’m so glad to hear that it was a hit at the party! 🙂 Thanks for the feedback.
Olga Migashkin says
My sister made this for our Thanksgiving gathering (I think it was 4 portions) and it was so delirious! Thank you for sharing the recipe
simplyhomecooked says
Olga, I’m so glad to hear you all enjoyed the tiramisu cake! 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to write such kind words!
Ella says
Hi Dina, quick question – does the cake mixture require 8 or 6 eggs? In the recipe list it says 8 eggs but then in the directions it says 6. Thanks!
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Ella, the recipe does require 8 eggs. Thanks for catching that, I will fix that.
Chelsea says
Is egg product raw egg whites?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Chelsea, egg product is safer than raw eggs because it was been pasteurized.
Diane day says
Can you tell me how to make egg product as we don’t have here really want to make this thks xx
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Diane, you can make this recipe with real eggs. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar to 4 eggs instead of the egg product.
Bring a pot of water (about 2 cups) to a simmer. Place the sugar and eggs into a bowl and place the bowl over the simmering pot. Using an electric mixer beat the eggs and sugar until they double in size and remove from heat. Once the eggs are cooled completely continue to step 7.
Hope that helps!
irina khoma says
This cake is really soft and delicious!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you for the kind review!
vania says
Hello Dina, is it possible to substitute the eggs product with white eggs powder? but I was wondering how much it needs? hehehe
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Vania, I’ve need tried this recipe with egg powder so I’m not too sure.