Name: Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed); 16 ounces mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional); 1 1/2 cups brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting; Chocolate shavings or espresso beans for garnish (optional)

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If you adore the classic flavors of Italian tiramisu but crave a bit of cake with your coffee, this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Luscious layers of fluffy vanilla cake are generously brushed with rich espresso, then stacked with clouds of pillowy mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa, and finished with an irresistibly elegant flourish of chocolate. The result? A dazzling dessert that feels both homey and show-stopping, perfect for any gathering or a well-deserved treat for yourself.

Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with simple but absolutely essential ingredients—the kind you might already have on hand. Each element brings something special, from the tender crumb of cake to the velvety richness of mascarpone and the bold kick of espresso.

Vanilla or yellow cake mix: The perfect base that bakes up light and fluffy, ready to soak in all that coffee goodness.
Eggs, oil, and water (as directed on cake mix): These bind your cake together, creating that tender crumb.
Brewed espresso or strong coffee (1 1/2 cups, cooled): Adds depth and unmistakable tiramisu flair—let it cool so it doesn’t melt your cream.
Mascarpone cheese (16 ounces): The star of traditional tiramisu, blending mild creaminess with a touch of tang.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped into the filling for a dreamy, pillowy texture.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling without any grittiness, blending beautifully with the cream.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and brings an extra touch of warmth.
Coffee liqueur (2 tablespoons, optional): Deepens the coffee flavor and adds a grown-up twist—skip it for an alcohol-free version.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup, for dusting): That signature tiramisu finish—dust it over the top for drama and flavor.
Chocolate shavings or espresso beans (optional garnish): The crowning touch for extra elegance and delicious crunch.

How to Make Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

Start by preparing your cake mix according to the instructions on the box, using two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans for perfectly even layers. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely—this is crucial, because you want your layers sturdy enough to soak up all that wonderful coffee without turning soggy.

Step 2: Whip Up the Mascarpone Cream

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur (if using). Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth, thick, and gloriously fluffy—this is the magic that brings your cake layers together with silky richness.

Step 3: Slice and Layer the Cake

Carefully slice each cooled cake round horizontally to create four thin layers in total. This means more room for espresso and cream, which means maximum tiramisu flavor in every bite! Take your time with this step for even, beautiful layers.

Step 4: Soak and Stack

Place your first cake layer on a serving plate and gently brush it with the cooled espresso or coffee, letting it soak in. Spread a generous layer of the mascarpone cream on top. Continue with the remaining cake layers, brushing each with coffee and stacking with cream. Finish with a swoopy, smooth crown of mascarpone cream on the very top.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

For the final flourish, dust the entire cake with a cloud of unsweetened cocoa powder—it’s both beautiful and classic. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a few espresso beans for a little extra wow factor. Chill your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe for at least 4 hours before serving; this lets all the flavors mingle and the cake set to sliceable perfection.

How to Serve Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish brings your creation to life! Try a dramatic dusting of cocoa powder, delicate chocolate shavings, or a scattering of espresso beans for that coffeehouse flair. Feeling fancy? Add a few maraschino cherries or a sprig of mint for color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe shines on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla gelato, a handful of juicy berries, or even a simple, crisp biscotti on the side. For coffee lovers, an extra shot of espresso makes dessert feel extra-special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, try slicing and stacking the cake in old-fashioned glass jars for parfait-style servings, or use cookie cutters to make individual mini-cakes. A drizzle of caramel or a quick zigzag of chocolate sauce adds a delicious twist and eye-catching drizzle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover slices of your Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, but it’s at its dreamy best within the first 48 hours.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to retain the beautiful creamy layers.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled, just like classic tiramisu, so no need to reheat! If you prefer the chill off, set out a slice at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?

If you can’t find mascarpone, softened cream cheese makes a decent substitute—just know the flavor will be a bit tangier and the texture slightly less silky, but it’s still delicious!

Can I make the Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, preparing it a day ahead is a fabulous idea. The flavors develop beautifully overnight, and the cake slices even more cleanly after a good chill in the fridge.

Is it okay to use decaf coffee?

Yes! Decaf works perfectly. You’ll get all the signature flavor without the caffeine—ideal for serving after dinner or for those sensitive to caffeine.

Do I have to include the coffee liqueur?

Not at all. You can completely skip the liqueur for an alcohol-free version of this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe. The coffee flavor and creamy texture will still shine brightly!

How do I keep the cake from getting soggy?

Use a pastry brush to lightly soak each layer with coffee; don’t overdo it. Allow the cake layers to cool fully before assembling, and always chill the finished cake so everything sets just right.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a truly special dessert, you can’t go wrong with this Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe. Whether you serve it up for a celebration or whip it together for your afternoon coffee break, it’s certain to delight with every luscious, coffee-splashed bite. Give it a try, and let this Italian-inspired cake become a new favorite in your home!

Coffee Tiramisu Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of espresso and creamy mascarpone with this delightful Coffee Tiramisu Cake. Layers of coffee-soaked cake and luscious mascarpone cream create a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed)

Mascarpone Cream:

16 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)

Other:

1 1/2 cups brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Chocolate shavings or espresso beans for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Follow the package instructions to make the cake in two round pans. Let them cool completely.
Make the Mascarpone Cream: Beat mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur until smooth and fluffy.
Layer the Cake: Slice each cake layer horizontally to create 4 thin layers. Place a layer on a plate, brush with coffee, spread cream, and repeat. Finish with cream on top, dust with cocoa, and garnish if desired.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.