Tiramisu Layer Cake – The Best Festive Dessert with Coffee & Mascarpone

Hello friends, Chef James here, welcoming you back to my kitchen at Tiramisucake.com. Today, we’re diving into one of the most show-stopping desserts I’ve ever baked: the tiramisu layer cake. Imagine everything you love about classic Italian tiramisu—espresso-soaked sponge, mascarpone cream, a dusting of cocoa—reimagined into a tall, elegant celebration cake.

This recipe has a special place in my heart. Growing up, my mother would always prepare tiramisu for family birthdays, but when I started hosting my own dinner parties, I wanted something more striking. That’s when the idea of layering those signature flavors into a cake was born. It’s now my go-to dessert for holidays, birthdays, and cozy family gatherings.

If you’re a fan of creative spins on tiramisu, you’ll love exploring our Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try. For even more inspiration, don’t miss recipes like Chocolate Tiramisu and Tiramisu Cupcakes—two crowd-pleasing twists on the original classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tiramisu layer cake is more than a dessert—it’s a centerpiece. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• ⭐ Elegant and festive – Tall layers make it perfect for birthdays, holidays, and weddings.
• ☕ Coffee-soaked perfection – Moist vanilla sponge infused with rich espresso syrup.
• 🍫 Chocolate lover’s dream – Finished with cocoa powder dusting for that signature tiramisu look.
• 🥛 Mascarpone frosting – Creamy, light, and just sweet enough to balance the coffee.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly & versatile – Can be made alcohol-free for kids or turned into cupcakes.
• ⏱️ Make-ahead friendly – Layers can be baked and frozen in advance.

If you’re looking for a simpler alternative, you might also enjoy our No-Bake Tiramisu Cake—perfect when you’re short on time but still want a decadent treat.

👉 Tell me, would you serve this cake for a special occasion, or simply to treat yourself on a cozy weekend?

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for your tiramisu layer cake, plus some Chef James tips:

• Cake flour – Produces a tender crumb. If you can’t find it, mix all-purpose flour with cornstarch. (Costco often carries bulk cake flour).
• Eggs – Essential for a fluffy genoise sponge cake. Whip them until pale and airy.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and structure.
• Espresso or strong coffee – The soul of tiramisu! Brew fresh or use instant espresso powder. (Trader Joe’s has a great option).
• Coffee liqueur (optional) – Adds depth of flavor; skip for a kid-friendly version.
• Mascarpone cheese – Creamy and authentic. If unavailable, use a cream cheese substitute for mascarpone (Aldi stocks both).
• Heavy cream – Whipped into the mascarpone for frosting.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream without making it gritty.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors.
• Cocoa powder – For that iconic tiramisu dusting.

💡 Chef James Tip: For a high-protein twist, swap part of the frosting with Greek yogurt cream like in our Protein Tiramisu.

And don’t forget, our Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try collection is full of ingredient substitutions and creative spins!

How to Make (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Follow these steps to create a stunning tiramisu layer cake:

1. Bake the sponge cake – Prepare your genoise sponge cake by whipping eggs and sugar until tripled in volume, then gently folding in flour. Bake in round pans until golden.
   • 🍳 Chef James Extra Tip: Wrap your cake pans with baking strips to ensure flat, even layers.
2. Prepare the espresso syrup – Mix freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee) with a little sugar and coffee liqueur if using.
3. Whip the mascarpone frosting – In a chilled bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cold heavy cream until smooth and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Assemble the cake – Place one cake layer on a stand. Brush generously with espresso syrup, then spread mascarpone frosting evenly. Repeat with all layers.
5. Frost the outside – For a rustic “naked style tiramisu cake,” apply a thin coat of frosting so the sponge peeks through. For a more polished look, add a thicker layer.
6. Decorate – Dust with cocoa powder, pipe swirls of mascarpone cream, and garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans if desired.

If you enjoy pairing desserts with cocktails, this cake pairs beautifully with a creamy Tiramisu Martini.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Making a tiramisu layer cake is straightforward, but these tips and variations will help you customize it to your taste:

• 🥛 Eggless mascarpone frosting – For a sturdier texture, whip mascarpone with heavy cream and sugar only. Perfect if you’re worried about splitting.
• 🎄 Holiday twist – Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the espresso syrup for festive warmth.
• 🍷 Alcohol-free version – Swap the coffee liqueur for vanilla syrup or extra espresso, making it kid-friendly.

✨ Chef James Suggestion: Try giving your cake a colorful upgrade by taking inspiration from our Ube Tiramisu. The purple tones make for a visually stunning centerpiece.

For even more ideas, don’t miss our Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try.

Storage & Reheating

A tiramisu layer cake tastes best fresh, but here’s how you can store it safely without losing flavor or texture:

• Fridge – Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The mascarpone frosting remains stable and delicious.
• Freezer – Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating – This cake is best served chilled. If you prefer it slightly softened, leave at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.

💡 According to the USDA, dairy-based desserts should always be refrigerated within two hours of preparation to ensure food safety.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Here are answers to the most common questions about tiramisu layer cake:

1. What makes tiramisu cake different from traditional tiramisu?
A tiramisu cake uses sponge cake layers soaked in espresso instead of ladyfingers, but keeps the classic mascarpone frosting and cocoa dusting.

2. Can I make tiramisu layer cake without mascarpone?
Yes! Use a cream cheese substitute for mascarpone. Blend cream cheese with a bit of heavy cream for a similar texture.

3. How long can tiramisu layer cake stay fresh?
Stored in the fridge, it lasts 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices for up to 2 months.

4. Can I make this cake alcohol-free?
Absolutely. Replace coffee liqueur with vanilla syrup or simply use strong brewed coffee.

5. Why does my mascarpone frosting split?
Overmixing or using warm ingredients causes curdling. Always use chilled mascarpone and heavy cream.

6. Can tiramisu layer cake be made ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the sponge layers up to a month in advance, freeze them, and assemble the cake the day before serving.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This indulgent tiramisu layer cake pairs beautifully with lighter desserts and warm drinks. Here are my favorite pairings:

☕ Tiramisu Latte – The ultimate beverage pairing for coffee lovers.

🍰 Mango Tiramisu – A fruity, refreshing option to balance the richness.

🍓 Raspberry Tiramisu – Adds a tart, berry twist that complements coffee flavors.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If this tiramisu layer cake impressed you, I’ve got more delicious tiramisu-inspired recipes you’ll want to try:

• 🫐 Blueberry Tiramisu – A fruity variation with layers of berries.
• 🍓 Mixed Berry Tiramisu – A colorful dessert perfect for summer gatherings.
• 🍦 Ice Cream Tiramisu Cake – A frozen twist on the classic, ideal for warm days.

Each recipe is part of our larger collection of Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try, so you’ll never run out of sweet inspiration.

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Tiramisu Layer Cake

Conclusion

And there you have it, friends—my tiramisu layer cake, the ultimate fusion of Italian tiramisu and an elegant celebration cake. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a family dinner, or just to surprise yourself on a Sunday afternoon, it’s guaranteed to delight.

Don’t forget to check out our full guide on Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try for more inspiration.

Try it, share it with loved ones, and be sure to leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how your version turns out.

For more trusted guidance on food safety and baking techniques, visit the USDA and Serious Eats.