Tiramisu cake

Tiramisu cake is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the rich flavors of tiramisu with a light, fluffy cake. It typically features layers of coffee-soaked cake (often sponge cake or ladyfingers), mascarpone cheese filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder on top. Here’s a basic recipe for making Tiramisu Cake:

Ingredients:

For the cake layers:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup strong coffee or espresso (cooled)

For the mascarpone filling:

• 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese (room temperature)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For soaking:

• 1/2 cup strong coffee or espresso (cooled)

• 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)

To garnish:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the cake:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.

   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

   • In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   • Let the cakes cool completely in the pans, then remove from pans and set aside.

2. Prepare the mascarpone filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk the mascarpone until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped cream and vanilla extract gently until fully incorporated.

3. Soak the cakes:

   • In a shallow bowl, mix the cooled coffee with the coffee liqueur (if using).

   • Carefully slice each cake layer in half horizontally, creating four layers. Place one layer on a serving platter and drizzle with the coffee mixture.

4. Assemble the cake:

   • Spread a generous layer of the mascarpone filling on top of the soaked cake layer. Add another layer of cake, drizzle with coffee, and repeat the process until all the layers are stacked.

   • Top with a final layer of mascarpone filling and smooth it out.

5. Chill and serve:

   • Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up.

   • Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

Enjoy your homemade tiramisu cake!