ULTIMATE TIRAMISU LAYER CAKE

ULTIMATE TIRAMISU LAYER CAKE 🍰

If you love tiramisu, you are going to OBSESS over this cake! Think fluffy, delicate sponge layers brushed with rich coffee syrup, filled and frosted with a luscious, creamy mascarpone frosting, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. It looks like it came from a high-end bakery, but you can make it right at home! 

✨ INGREDIENTS:

For the Sponge Cake:

 * 4 large eggs (room temperature)

 * 1 cup granulated sugar

 * 1 tsp vanilla extract

 * 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

 * 1 ½ tsp baking powder

 * ¼ tsp salt

 * ½ cup milk (warmed slightly)

 * 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

For the Coffee Soak:

 * 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled)

 * 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, like Kahlúa)

 * 1 tbsp sugar

For the Mascarpone Cream & Assembly:

 * 16 oz mascarpone cheese (chilled)

 * 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)

 * ¾ cup powdered sugar

 * 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

 * Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS:

1️⃣ Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/line a couple of round cake pans (or bake in batches to slice into multiple thin layers, as pictured).

2️⃣ Whisk Eggs & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract together on high speed until pale, thick, and doubled in volume.

3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold this into the egg mixture just until combined.

4️⃣ Add Dairy: Mix the warm milk and melted butter together, then gently fold a portion of the batter into the milk mixture before folding it all back into the main bowl. Pour into your pan(s) and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

5️⃣ Make the Coffee Soak: Stir together the cooled brewed coffee, sugar, and coffee liqueur until dissolved.

6️⃣ Make the Cream: Whip the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, gently loosen the chilled mascarpone cheese, then fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until smooth and fluffy.

7️⃣ Assemble: Slice your cake into even layers. Place the first layer down, brush generously with the coffee soak, and spread an even layer of the mascarpone cream. Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the outside and top of the cake.

8️⃣ Finish & Chill: Chill the cake for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better!) to let the flavors meld. Right before serving, dust the top heavily with cocoa powder.

💖 Save this post for your next baking project, and let me know in the comments if you're trying this weekend!