Tiramisu Cake

Tiramisu cake is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the rich flavors of coffee, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder into a decadent cake form. This recipe offers a sumptuous treat for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration or simply indulging your sweet tooth.

Tasting Notes:

The Tiramisu Cake features layers of moist sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup, sandwiched between creamy layers of mascarpone filling. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and the robust flavor of espresso, topped with a dusting of cocoa powder for added decadence.

Ingredients:

For the Sponge Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Coffee Syrup:

• 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)

For the Mascarpone Filling:

• 16 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

For Assembly:

• Cocoa powder, for dusting

Kitchen Equipment:

• 2 round 9-inch cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• Saucepan

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sponge Cake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
   • In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Coffee Syrup:
   • In a saucepan, combine brewed espresso or coffee with granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
   • Remove from heat and stir in coffee liqueur, if using. Allow the syrup to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Mascarpone Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese until smooth.
   • Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
   • In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
   • Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cooled sponge cake layer on a serving platter. Brush the top generously with coffee syrup.
   • Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the soaked cake layer.
   • Place the second sponge cake layer on top and repeat the process, brushing with coffee syrup and spreading the remaining mascarpone filling over the top.
   • Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Before serving, dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder.
   • Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Pro Tips:

• For a stronger coffee flavor, add more coffee liqueur to the syrup.
• Be sure to chill the cake for several hours before serving to allow it to set properly and enhance the flavors.

Variations:

• Substitute ladyfingers for the sponge cake layers for a more traditional Tiramisu flavor.
• Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the sponge cake layers for an extra indulgent treat.

FAQs: