Layered Tiramisu Cake with Espresso Soak
An elegant layered tiramisu cake featuring espresso-soaked sponge cake with mascarpone cream and dusted cocoa powder. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour, mixing until just combined.
- Step 4: Pour batter evenly into two 8-inch round cake pans lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Step 5: While cakes cool, whisk 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese with 3/4 cup powdered sugar until smooth.
- Step 6: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the mascarpone mixture.
- Step 7: Once cakes are cooled, slice each cake horizontally to create four thin layers total.
- Step 8: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and brush generously with 3 tbsp cooled espresso. Spread one-quarter of the mascarpone cream over the soaked cake layer.
- Step 9: Repeat layering with remaining cake layers, espresso, and mascarpone cream, finishing with cream on top.
- Step 10: Dust the top layer evenly with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Step 11: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Layered Tiramisu Cake with Espresso Soak take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Layered Tiramisu Cake with Espresso Soak?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Layered Tiramisu Cake with Espresso Soak?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Layered Tiramisu Cake with Espresso Soak for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Layered Tiramisu Cake with Espresso Soak?
Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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