If you love the rich, creamy flavors of traditional tiramisu but want something a little more festive, this Tiramisu Cake is the perfect solution. With moist layers of coffee-kissed cake, a luscious mascarpone filling, and a whipped cream frosting that melts in your mouth, this cake takes the elegance of tiramisu and transforms it into a show-stopping dessert. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special celebration, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests.
“This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.”
What is Tiramisu Cake?
Tiramisu Cake is a delightful variation of the classic Italian dessert. Instead of using ladyfingers, the cake is made with layers of moist white cake infused with coffee syrup, then filled with a creamy mascarpone mixture, and frosted with fluffy whipped cream flavored with coffee liqueur. Finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate shavings, it’s indulgent, elegant, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love It
This cake isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Coffee + Cake Fusion – The bold espresso notes perfectly balance the sweetness.
- Elegant Presentation – A beautiful centerpiece for any dessert table.
- Creamy & Moist – Every bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Serves 12, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
- Tiramisu with a Twist – A modern spin on the Italian favorite that feels both familiar and new.
Tips for the BEST Tiramisu Cake
✔️ Use high-quality coffee or espresso for the syrup—it makes all the difference.
✔️ Don’t overmix your cake batter, mix until just combined for a fluffy texture.
✔️ Chill the mascarpone filling slightly before spreading for easier assembly.
✔️ Whip the cream to stiff peaks for a stable, luxurious frosting.
✔️ Dust cocoa powder just before serving to maintain a fresh, elegant look.
Serving Suggestions
Tiramisu Cake pairs wonderfully with:
- A cup of freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino.
- A side of fresh berries for a refreshing balance.
- Presentation on a cake stand for that extra “wow” factor at parties.
- All-in-One Cake Decorating Supplies Kit: Are you ready to start baking but wondering what tools you need? Don’t worry; w…
- 360° Spinning Cake Turntable: This essential baking supplies tool features a cake stand with an 11-inch diameter that sp…
- Piping Bags and Tips Set: Includes 12 numbered icing piping tips, 50 disposable & 2 reusable 12” frosting pasty bags. Al…
Ingredients
(Yields 12 Servings)
Cake:
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package moist white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 3 large egg whites
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
Coffee Syrup:
- ¼ cup brewed coffee
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp instant coffee granules
- ½ tsp cocoa powder
Filling:
- 1 (8 ounce) container mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tsp espresso or very strong coffee, room temperature
Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tsp espresso or very strong coffee, room temperature
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 (1 ounce) square semisweet chocolate, grated
How to Make Tiramisu Cake (Step-by-Step)
- Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven according to cake mix instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, egg whites, vegetable oil.
- Beat until smooth, then pour into prepared pans.
- Divide 2/3 of the batter between 2 prepared pans. Stir instant coffee into remaining batter, pour into the remaining prepared pan.
- Bake as directed on the package until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Coffee Syrup
- In a saucepan, dissolve brown sugar in the brewed coffee over medium heat.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, add instant coffee granules and cocoa powder to the mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15–20 minutes.
- Make the Mascarpone Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and espresso or very strong coffee until smooth.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to keep cool.
- Whip the Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and espresso or very strong coffee until soft peaks form.
- Fold 1/2 cup frosting into chilled filling until combined.
- Store frosting and filling, covered, in the refrigerator to keep cool.
- Assemble the Cake
- Place 1 plain cake layer on a serving plate.
- Using a thin skewer, poke holes in the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Pour ⅓ of the coffee syrup over the cake, then cover with ½ of the filling.
- Top with the coffee-flavored cake layer, poke holes in the cake.
- Pour another ⅓ of the coffee syrup over the cake and cover with the remaining filling.
- Top with the remaining cake layer, poke holes in the cake.
- Pour the remaining coffee syrup on top.
- Spread frosting over the sides and top of the cake.
- Frost & Garnish
- Cover the entire cake with whipped cream frosting.
- Place cocoa powder in a sieve and lightly dust top of cake.
- Run a vegetable peeler down the edge of chocolate square to form curls.
- Scatter chocolate curls over cake.
- Chill cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- #1 MIXER BRAND IN THE WORLD* *Source: Euromonitor International Ltd. for retail sales revenue, USD, all retail channels….
- This hand mixer has the right speed for the task at hand, from mixing in nuts & chocolate chips at speed 1, to whipping …
- Pro whisk attachment for light and fluffy mixtures – easily whip egg whites to fluffy peaks or heavy cream to whipping c…
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Tiramisu Cake tastes even better after chilling overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Option: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition per Serving
- Calories: 465
- Protein: 4g
- Total Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Total Carbohydrate: 46g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 34g
- Sodium: 309mg
- Potassium: 101mg
- Calcium: 136mg
- Iron: 1mg
Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
- Well Design: Thickened and widened handle, smooth and rounded edges, elegant and modern silver appearance, brings better…
- Premium Material: Made of high quality stainless steel, no rust, no corrosion, no bending; the standard material can be …
- Good Practicality: The extended knife head and the uniform serrated blades make cutting larger cakes faster. The widened…
Final Thoughts
- This Tiramisu Cake Recipe is a showstopper that blends the best of two worlds: the comforting familiarity of cake with the luxurious flair of tiramisu. With moist coffee-infused layers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a light whipped cream frosting, it’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
- Don’t forget to check out our recommended kitchen tools and recipes on our website, myhomewish.com, to streamline prep and elevate your cooking game.
