Tiramisu is the dessert that feels like a hug in a cup, only now, it’s a cake. With layers of delicate sponge soaked in coffee, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa, tiramisu is the perfect balance of bold, sweet, and slightly bitter. Originating from Italy, this dessert has won hearts worldwide for its elegance, flavor, and effortless charm.
Making tiramisu cake at home isn’t just a treat, it’s an experience. The process allows you to customize the coffee strength, sweetness, and creaminess, so every slice is exactly how you like it. Whether it’s a dinner party, birthday, or a quiet self-indulgent evening, tiramisu cake delivers that “wow” factor without stepping foot outside your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coffee Soak
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2–3 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp sugar (optional, if you like it sweeter)
For the Mascarpone Cream
- 1 ½ cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
How to Make Tiramisu Cake Step by Step
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F
- Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper
2. Make the Sponge Cake
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy
- Gradually add oil, milk, and vanilla, mixing until smooth
- Fold in dry ingredients gently, don’t overmix
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes
- Let cool completely, then slice horizontally into two layers
3. Prepare the Coffee Soak
- Combine brewed coffee, sugar, and coffee liqueur (if using)
- Adjust sweetness and strength to your taste
- Brush the coffee mixture generously over each sponge layer, making sure it’s moist but not soggy
4. Make the Mascarpone Cream
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form
- Gently fold in mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy
- Chill until ready to assemble
5. Assemble the Cake
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate
- Spread a generous layer of mascarpone cream over the soaked sponge
- Add the second cake layer and repeat with cream
- Smooth the top and sides with remaining mascarpone cream
- Dust unsweetened cocoa powder over the top and add chocolate shavings if desired
- Chill in the fridge for at least 2–3 hours — overnight is ideal for flavors to meld
Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Cake
Coffee Strength: Brew strong coffee; weak coffee will flatten the flavor
Mascarpone: Use high-quality mascarpone for creamy, luscious layers
Don’t Over-soak: The sponge should be moist but not soggy; too much liquid will make the cake fall apart
Chill Thoroughly: Let the cake rest in the fridge to allow flavors to fully develop
Fun Variations
- Chocolate Tiramisu Cake – Add cocoa to the sponge for a deeper chocolate flavor
- Berry Tiramisu Cake – Layer fresh raspberries or strawberries between layers for fruity freshness
- Caramel Coffee Tiramisu – Drizzle caramel over the mascarpone for a sweet, nutty twist
- Mini Tiramisu Cups – Make individual tiramisu cups for portion-controlled treats
Tiramisu cake is a showstopper dessert that feels elegant yet is surprisingly easy to make at home. Its rich layers, creamy texture, and coffee-kissed sponge make it perfect for celebrations, romantic dinners, or anytime you want to impress. Unlike store-bought tiramisu, homemade allows you to control sweetness, coffee strength, and creaminess, making it a truly personalized indulgence.
Once you’ve mastered this tiramisu cake, you’ll realize it’s more than dessert, it’s a moment of joy, flavor, and sophistication in every slice.
