Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Tiramisu cake is a light coffee layer cake made with fluffy genoise sponge, espresso soak, mascarpone whipped cream, and cocoa powder, inspired by the classic Italian tiramisu.

This tiramisu layer cake combines fluffy genoise sponge, espresso-soaked layers, and mascarpone whipped cream for all the flavors of a classic tiramisu in an elegant celebration cake.

It's light, creamy, easy to make ahead, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Made with homemade genoise – Light sponge cake soaked with strong espresso.
• Creamy mascarpone frosting – Stable, fluffy, and not overly sweet.
• Classic Italian tiramisu in cake form – All the flavors of the traditional dessert in an elegant layer cake.

Ingredients You Need

This tiramisu cake comes together with simple baking staples, rich mascarpone cheese, and strong espresso for the classic flavors of Italian tiramisu.

• Eggs – Room-temperature large eggs for a light and fluffy genoise sponge.
• Cake flour – Creates a soft, tender sponge cake. All-purpose flour also works.
• Granulated sugar and powdered sugar – Granulated sugar for the sponge and coffee soak, powdered sugar for the mascarpone frosting.
• Mascarpone cheese – Use full-fat, cold mascarpone for the best texture.
• Heavy whipping cream – Cold heavy cream whips into a light and stable frosting.
• Espresso or strong coffee – Cooled coffee for soaking the sponge and creating the classic tiramisu flavor.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – For dusting the top just before serving.
• Marsala wine or coffee liqueur(optional) – Adds an authentic Italian touch to the coffee soak.

Tips before you start

• Don't oversoak the sponge – Brush the espresso over each cake layer until moist but not soggy.
• Whip the eggs until thick – Beat the eggs and sugar until pale and tripled in volume for a light, fluffy genoise sponge.
• Use cold mascarpone and heavy cream – Cold ingredients whip into a smooth, stable mascarpone frosting.
• Cool the espresso first – Let the coffee cool completely before soaking the cake to keep the frosting stable.
• Chill the cake layers – Cold sponge cake is easier to soak, stack, and frost without breaking.

How To Make Tiramisu Cake

This tiramisu cake is made with my vanilla genoise sponge for light, airy layers.

Whip the eggs, sugar, and vanilla on high speed until pale, thick, and tripled in volume.

Fold in the cake flour and salt gently with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Bake for about 30 minutes, until the sponge is lightly golden and springs back when gently pressed.

Cool completely on a wire rack, then wrap the cake layers and chill before assembling.

The filling and frosting use my mascarpone whipped cream for a smooth and creamy texture.

Beat the cold mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and thick enough to hold stiff peaks.

Assemble the cake by soaking each layer with coffee, spreading mascarpone cream, and dusting with cocoa.

Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining mascarpone cream, dust generously with cocoa powder, and chill before serving.

Storage

Store the tiramisu cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Dust with fresh cocoa powder before serving if needed.

Recipe variations

• Classic tiramisu cake – Use Marsala wine or coffee liqueur in the espresso soak for a more authentic flavor.
• Chocolate tiramisu cake – Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache between each cake layer.
• Mocha tiramisu cake – Mix a little cocoa powder into the espresso.
• Nutella tiramisu cake – Spread a thin layer of Nutella between the mascarpone frosting.
• Berry tiramisu cake – Add fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries between the layers.

If you love this cake, you can also try my tiramisu cupcakes for an easy individual version of this classic dessert.

Recipe Questions

Can I make tiramisu cake ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

Can I freeze tiramisu cake?

Freeze the sponge cake layers for up to 2 months. I don't recommend freezing the assembled cake with mascarpone frosting.

Can I make tiramisu cake without alcohol?

Yes, simply use coffee for the soak without adding liqueur.

Why is my mascarpone frosting runny?

This usually happens when the mascarpone or cream is too warm, or the frosting has been overmixed. Always use cold ingredients and stop mixing as soon as stiff peaks form.

What coffee is best for tiramisu cake?

Espresso gives the richest flavor, but any strong brewed coffee works well.

Can I use store-bought sponge cake?

Yes, but homemade genoise sponge gives the lightest texture and the best tiramisu flavor.

More Cake Recipes

• Vanilla cake
• Chocolate cake
• Vanilla birthday cake

I hope you’ll love this recipe. If you try it, feel free to leave a comment. Happy baking!

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