Tiramisu Layer Cake

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Description:
Tiramisu Layer Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. This cake layers light and fluffy sponge cake soaked in espresso, layered with creamy mascarpone filling, and topped with cocoa powder for that unmistakable tiramisu flavor. With every bite, you get the perfect balance of rich coffee, smooth mascarpone, and a touch of cocoa, all in a beautifully stacked cake form.

Origin:
Tiramisu is a traditional Italian dessert known for its coffee and mascarpone filling. This version takes the beloved flavors of tiramisu and reimagines them as a layered cake, combining the best elements of both cake and tiramisu into one indulgent treat.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional, or substitute with espresso)

For the espresso soak:

  • 1 ¼ cups strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled to room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)

For the mascarpone filling:

  • 16 oz mascarpone cheese (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon rum or coffee liqueur (optional)

For the topping:

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Shaved chocolate (optional, for garnish)
  • Dark chocolate curls (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the cake:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper.
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    • Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
    • Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
    • Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Prepare the espresso soak:
    • While the cakes are cooling, prepare the espresso soak. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the cooled brewed espresso and coffee liqueur (if using).
    • Set aside.
  3. Make the mascarpone filling:
    • In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
    • In a separate large bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy. If you like, you can add a tablespoon of rum or coffee liqueur for extra flavor.
    • Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese until combined, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
  4. Assemble the Tiramisu Layer Cake:
    • Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to slice each cake in half horizontally, creating four layers.
    • Place the first layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Using a pastry brush or spoon, drizzle the espresso soak evenly over the cake layer.
    • Spread a generous layer of the mascarpone filling over the soaked cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
    • Repeat this process with the second and third layers of cake, soaking each layer with espresso and topping it with mascarpone filling.
    • For the top layer, place the final cake layer on top, drizzle it with the remaining espresso soak, and top with a thick layer of mascarpone filling.
  5. Chill the cake:
    • Once the cake is fully assembled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
  6. Finish and serve:
    • Before serving, dust the top of the cake with unsweetened cocoa powder. If desired, garnish with shaved chocolate or dark chocolate curls for extra decoration.
    • Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

  • Layering: Make sure to soak the cake layers thoroughly with the espresso mixture, but be careful not to make the cake too soggy.
  • Chill well: Refrigerating the cake allows the mascarpone filling to firm up and makes it easier to slice and serve.
  • Flavored filling: You can add a bit of coffee liqueur or rum to the mascarpone filling for a deeper flavor, but it’s optional.
  • Cake texture: For a lighter cake, you can separate the eggs and beat the egg whites to soft peaks before folding them into the batter.

Recommendations:

  • For extra coffee flavor: You can serve the cake with extra espresso or coffee on the side, allowing guests to drizzle more if they want a stronger coffee flavor.
  • Serve with whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side will complement the rich flavors of this cake.
  • Garnishes: Try garnishing with some dark chocolate shavings or even a few espresso beans for added flair.

Nutrition (per serving):
Note: The nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and portions.

  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sodium: 150mg

Enjoy this Tiramisu Layer Cake—a sophisticated dessert that combines the best of tiramisu and cake for a truly indulgent experience! Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or any time you crave a rich, creamy dessert.

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