Go Back
Tiramisu Cake

Tiramisu Cake

The ultimate Italian inspired dessert! Layers of delicate coffee soaked sponge cake are filled with a luscious mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa. A showstopping cake for any celebration.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12 slices

Ingredients
  

For the Sponge Cake:

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ⅓ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cream Filling:

  • 32 oz cream cheese 4 packages, softened
  • 16 oz mascarpone cheese
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup Kahlua
  • 1 cup pasteurized egg product such as Lucerne

For the Coffee Soak:

  • 1 cup freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee
  • 3 tablespoons Kahlua
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For Assembly:

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Make Sponge Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 10 inch round cake pans with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray.
  • In a stand mixer with whisk attachment, beat eggs on high until foamy (about 4 minutes). Slowly add 1 cup sugar and vanilla; continue beating until mixture is very thick, pale, and tripled in volume (another 4-5 minutes).
  • Sift flour, cornstarch, and baking powder over the egg mixture. Gently fold in with a whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make Cream Filling: In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese, mascarpone, 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, and ¼ cup Kahlua until smooth. If mascarpone is runny, refrigerate mixture for 40 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, beat egg product with an electric hand mixer until thick and creamy (5-7 minutes). Gently fold whipped egg product into the cream cheese mixture until just incorporated. Set aside.
  • Make Coffee Soak: In a small bowl, stir together espresso, 3 tablespoons Kahlua, and 1 tablespoon sugar until dissolved.
  • Assemble Cake: Slice each cooled cake layer in half horizontally to make 4 thin layers. Place one layer on a serving plate. Gently soak with coffee mixture using a soaker bottle or pastry brush.
  • Spread about 1 ¼ cups of cream over the soaked layer. Dust lightly with cocoa powder. Repeat layers with remaining cake, soak, cream, and cocoa, ending with a cream layer on top.
  • Use remaining cream to frost the sides if desired. Dust the top generously with cocoa powder.
  • Chill: Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold.

Notes

  • Egg Product: This recipe uses pasteurized egg product for safety. If you prefer fresh eggs, see blog post for instructions on making a cooked egg base.
  • Oversoaking: Use a soaker bottle or light hand when applying the coffee soak to prevent soggy cake.
  • Make Ahead: This cake is best made a day in advance! It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Freeze without cocoa topping, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.