Tiramisu Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic tiramisu but want to enjoy it in cake form, this Tiramisu Cake Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s like the best of both worlds—moist cake layers swirled with espresso flavor, soaked in a coffee syrup, and topped with a luscious cream that’s light, tangy, and just a little indulgent. I love this recipe because it captures all the deliciousness of traditional tiramisu but is easier to slice, serve, and share, making it perfect for gatherings or a special treat after dinner.

When I first tried this Tiramisu Cake Recipe, I was amazed at how the layers came together so beautifully without the complicated layering of ladyfingers and mascarpone. It’s a forgiving recipe that still feels elegant and decadent, and you’ll find that the coffee and vanilla flavors balance perfectly. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, which is perfect when you want dessert without hours of fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Tiramisu Cake Recipe works together to create that classic tiramisu taste in cake form. When shopping, opting for fresh eggs and good-quality espresso powder really makes a difference in the depth of flavor.

• Unsalted butter: Softening it to room temperature helps it cream smoothly with the sugar.
• Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar balances the coffee bitterness and sweetens the cake nicely.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the coffee flavor perfectly.
• Eggs: Using large, room temperature eggs ensures your batter mixes evenly and rises well.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, sifted with other dry ingredients for lightness.
• Cornstarch: Helps keep the cake tender by softening the flour’s protein.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Give the cake lift and fluffiness.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
• Full-fat sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to the batter and cream topping.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake soft and prevents it from drying out.
• Whole milk: Helps thin the batter for a perfect texture.
• Instant espresso powder: The secret ingredient for that rich coffee flavor in the batter and syrup.
• Boiling water: To make the coffee soak that infuses flavor and moisture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream topping gently without grit.
• Heavy whipping cream (35% fat): Whipped to just the right stiffness for a light, creamy topping.
• Cocoa powder: For dusting on top to finish with that signature tiramisu look and slight bitterness.

Variations

I love how flexible this Tiramisu Cake Recipe is. Feel free to play around with the coffee intensity or the cream topping to match your preferences. I often tweak it depending on the time of year or who I’m serving it to.

• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add mini chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the topping—my family absolutely adores this twist!
• Decaf Alternative: Use decaffeinated espresso powder if you want all the flavor without the caffeine kick—it’s perfect for an evening dessert.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Substitute sour cream with a high-quality coconut yogurt and use coconut cream for the topping to keep that creamy tang.
• Extra Boozy: Splash a tablespoon of coffee liqueur in the coffee soak for an adult-friendly cake; just be sure to let it cool completely before soaking.

How to Make Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Batter and Get Your Oven Ready

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave overhang on the sides for easy cake removal later. Sifting the dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) together in a bowl ensures you don’t get any lumps and that everything is evenly mixed.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Eggs

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This aeration helps your cake stay light. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to prevent curdling and ensure smooth batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Gradually

Add one-third of your sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir on low just until combined. Next, mix in the sour cream for moisture, followed by half of the remaining dry ingredients, then vegetable oil and milk. Fold in the rest of the dry ingredients carefully, scraping the bowl to avoid pockets of flour—this step is key to a tender crumb.

Step 4: Make the Coffee Batter and Create Marble Swirls

Take about half of this batter and sprinkle the instant espresso powder over it. Fold gently until the coffee flavor is evenly distributed—you’ll love how aromatic it gets! Using a cookie scoop or spoon, alternate spoonfuls of the vanilla and coffee batters into your pan. Then, use the blunt side of a knife to swirl them together to create that pretty marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake, Cool, and Prepare the Coffee Soak

Bake for 20-23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. While the cake cools in the pan for 10 minutes, prepare the coffee soak by mixing hot water with espresso powder and sugar until dissolved. Let it cool completely—this soak is what keeps your cake moist and infused with coffee goodness.

Step 6: Level, Soak, and Top with Cream

Once the cake is fully cooled (transfer it to a wire rack for faster cooling), trim the domed top with a serrated knife to create a flat surface. Brush the coffee soak evenly all over the cake—don’t be shy here; this is where much of that tiramisu magic happens! Finish by whipping the cream topping until almost stiff peaks form, gently folding in sour cream and vanilla for extra richness, then spread it over the cake evenly. Dust heavily with cocoa powder just before serving.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with a generous dusting of cocoa powder because it keeps the classic feel, but sometimes I add chocolate shavings or a few coffee beans on top for an extra fancy flair. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake with a cup of espresso or cappuccino to echo those coffee flavors. A light berry salad or some candied nuts on the side can also balance the richness with some fresh and crunchy textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to slice this Tiramisu Cake Recipe into small squares and place each on a decorative plate with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. You can also make it in mini pans or even large muffin tins to create individual servings—super cute and easy for guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always make sure to cover the cream topping gently with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cake both un-iced and fully frosted. If freezing the whole cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. Defrost overnight in the fridge and refresh the cocoa dusting before serving for best results.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer a softer cream topping, leaving slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving does the trick beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu Cake Recipe has truly become one of my go-to desserts when I want to impress without stress. Its richness, coffee kick, and creamy topping always win over my family and guests. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s one of those feel-good desserts that turns an ordinary day into a little celebration. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!

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