Luscious Layered Tiramisu Cake (Printable)

A luscious Italian dessert combining coffee-soaked sponge layers with creamy mascarpone filling and cocoa dusting.

# What You Need:

→ Cake Layers

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 4 large eggs
06 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Coffee Syrup

09 - 3/4 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
10 - 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ Mascarpone Filling

12 - 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, cold
13 - 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
14 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Assembly

16 - Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
17 - Dark chocolate shavings

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Add butter and vanilla extract; mix well.
03 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Stir together espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar until sugar dissolves.
08 - Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks in a chilled bowl. In another bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
09 - Slice each cake layer horizontally for a total of four layers.
10 - Place one layer on serving plate and brush generously with coffee syrup. Spread a quarter of mascarpone filling over cake. Repeat layering with remaining cake, syrup, and filling, ending with mascarpone layer on top.
11 - Cover and chill assembled cake at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
12 - Before serving, dust top with cocoa powder and optionally garnish with chocolate shavings.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The combination of coffee soaked sponge and cloudlike mascarpone cream creates an dessert that feels both familiar and entirely new
  • This cake actually improves overnight, making it the perfect makeahead dessert for dinner parties or celebrations
02 -
  • Room temperature mascarpone is crucial for smooth filling, but avoid overbeating or it may separate and become grainy
  • The cake needs at least 4 hours of chilling time for the flavors to meld and the layers to settle properly
03 -
  • Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the heavy cream for faster and more stable results
  • Brush the coffee syrup slowly and evenly, letting each layer absorb it before adding the next