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Decadent Espresso Tiramisu Layer Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Mascarpone Delight

espresso tiramisu layer cake - featured image

A rich and creamy espresso tiramisu layer cake featuring espresso-soaked sponge layers and velvety mascarpone cream, perfect for special occasions and coffee lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) strong brewed espresso, cooled
  • 2 tbsp dark rum or coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for espresso soak)
  • 16 oz (450 g) mascarpone cheese, chilled
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, cold
  • ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (for mascarpone cream)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding flour mixture and warmed milk in three parts, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth tops. Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare espresso soak by combining brewed espresso, 2 tbsp sugar, and rum or coffee liqueur if using. Stir until sugar dissolves and let cool.
  9. Make mascarpone cream: whisk egg yolks until pale and thickened. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  10. Add powdered sugar and vanilla to egg yolks, then fold in mascarpone until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream to keep airy.
  11. Slice cake layers horizontally if desired for extra layers.
  12. Place first cake layer on serving plate, brush generously with espresso soak, and spread one-third of mascarpone cream over it.
  13. Repeat layering with remaining cake layers, espresso soak, and mascarpone cream.
  14. Cover assembled cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  15. Before serving, dust top with unsweetened cocoa powder and scatter dark chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for better whipping. Do not overmix cake batter to keep it tender. Fold mascarpone gently with whipped cream to maintain texture. Brush espresso soak evenly without soaking cake layers too much. Chill cake overnight for best flavor and texture. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: espresso tiramisu cake, mascarpone cake, coffee dessert, layered cake, Italian dessert, easy tiramisu recipe