Tiramisu Layer Cake (2024)

In this tiramisu layer cake recipe, coffee-flavored vanilla sponge cake is layered with a creamy mascarpone filling and topped with chocolate garnishes.

What Is Tiramisu Cake?

Tiramisu cake is a fun twist on classic Italian tiramisu. It consists of cake layers soaked in coffee syrup layered with a mascarpone filling and creamy icing. This easy recipe calls for a package of white cake mix.

Tiramisu Cake Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this decadent tiramisu cake recipe:

  • For the cake: white cake mix, water, egg whites, vegetable oil, and instant coffee powder
  • For the coffee syrup: coffee and coffee-flavored liqueur
  • For the filling: mascarpone cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and coffee-flavored liqueur
  • Garnishes: unsweetened cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate

How to Make Tiramisu Cake

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade tiramisu layer cake:

  1. Make the cake batter and pour ⅔ of the batter into two prepared cake pans.
  2. Stir instant coffee into the remaining batter and pour it into the remaining pan.
  3. Bake the cake layers and let them cool.
  4. Make the filling.
  5. Make the frosting.
  6. Assemble the tiramisu cake according to the detailed instructions in Step 7.
  7. Garnish the cake and chill before serving.

How to Store Tiramisu Cake

Store your leftover tiramisu cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“This is my new party cake,” says Barbara L. Mcmahon. “It’s relatively easy, not too expensive, and really really tasty. I’ve also layered it in a trifle dish and it looks really pretty that way as well!!”

“Elegant and delicious,” raves Gladys. “I have made this cake twice and everyone loved it both times. I followed the recipe exactly. I was a bit concerned about how long the frosting would hold up, but I found that it will last for at least two days when refrigerated.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Tiramisu Layer Cake (2024)

FAQs

What is a tiramisu cake made of? ›

Tiramisu Cake Ingredients

For the cake: white cake mix, water, egg whites, vegetable oil, and instant coffee powder. For the coffee syrup: coffee and coffee-flavored liqueur. For the filling: mascarpone cheese, confectioners' sugar, and coffee-flavored liqueur. Garnishes: unsweetened cocoa powder and semisweet ...

What is the difference between tiramisu and tiramisu cake? ›

Tiramisu offers a more robust coffee flavor, as the ladyfingers retain a concentrated espresso hit. Tiramisu cake, however, tends to have a milder coffee taste, with the sponge distributing the flavor more evenly.

Is the bottom of tiramisu supposed to be soggy? ›

The perfect tiramisu is a balance between soft elements and fluffy elements, but be careful. The base must be wet but the biscuits must not crush for too much coffee; place the cold coffee in a small bowl and pass the ladyfingers for 2 seconds, the right time for them to get wet without getting too soaked and crushed.

Does tiramisu cake need to be refrigerated? ›

Can I make tiramisu in advance? Once made, tiramisù can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Tiramisù should not be left out, so once served, leftovers should be refrigerated immediately.

Why is tiramisu cake so expensive? ›

The inventor begs to differ. Roberto Linguanotto, a Venetian pastry chef who is often credited with the invention of tiramisu back in the 1960s, says that his creation is expensive because of the espresso used in another essential component to the dessert: espresso-soaked ladyfingers (via The Straits Times).

Why does tiramisu taste so good? ›

Each part is really important to make the whole flavor – strong coffee, creamy mascarpone, and a small touch of cocoa all create its unique flavor. This idea matches with what today's sweet treat fans want, which is a mixture of flavors in their desserts.

Can you use cake instead of ladyfingers for tiramisu? ›

Pound Cake: Pound cake is another suitable substitute for ladyfingers. Its dense and moist texture can hold up well in the tiramisu. Cut the pound cake into finger-sized pieces and use them as a substitute for ladyfingers [1].

What not to do when making tiramisu? ›

Roberto Lestani, who for the occasion revealed to us the 3 mistakes not to make to prepare a stunning tiramisu!
  1. 1: excessively whipping the mascarpone! ...
  2. 2: once together, don't immediately mix the yolks and sugar! ...
  3. 3: Neglect stratification!
Jun 16, 2020

Is it better to use soft or hard ladyfingers for tiramisu? ›

Wondering if you should use soft or hard ladyfingers for tiramisu? They come in both forms, but we tend to use the soft variety. Espresso powder: We use instant espresso coffee powder found in the coffee aisle at your grocery store.

What is the best liquor for tiramisu? ›

Tiramisu can have a variety of different types of alcohol inside, however the most common alcohol in tiramisu is dark rum. Other common types of alcohol used in tiramisu is marsala wine, amaretto, or coffee liquor.

Can I eat 5 day old tiramisu? ›

How to Store Tiramisu. Leftovers should be refrigerated immediately and will last 4 days. You can either transfer it to an airtight container or wrap the dish well with plastic. If you plan on making this recipe ahead of time, it's best served after 1-2 days.

Why is my tiramisu watery? ›

The other main reasons the mixture would be runny is if other liquid ingredients have been added first, or if the mascarpone has been beaten so much that it has curdled (then you will get water separating out from the cheese curds).

How long should tiramisu sit before serving? ›

Chill the tiramisu: Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours to give the tiramisu time to firm up and for the ladyfingers to soften. Serve: Dust with cocoa before serving.

What is traditional tiramisu made of? ›

Traditional tiramisu contains ladyfingers (savoiardi), egg yolks, sugar, coffee, mascarpone and cocoa powder. A common variant involves soaking the savoiardi in alcohol, such as Marsala wine, amaretto or a coffee-based liqueur.

Is tiramisu a cake or pudding? ›

If you haven't had the pleasure of trying Tiramisu, think of it as a light coffee/chocolate pudding with lady finger pastries soaked with strong espresso coffee and a tantalizing hint of the liquor. The recipe is very simple and an easy task for first timers.

Why is it called tiramisu cake? ›

The word Tiramisù literally means “pick me up”. It comes from the Treviso dialect, “Tireme su”, Italianised into Tiramisù in the latter half of the 20th century. Historical records state that Tiramisù originated in Treviso in 1800.

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