The moment I whisk together the layers of rich mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers, my kitchen transforms into an Italian café filled with enticing aromas. The flavors meld so beautifully that even the most discerning dessert critics—my family—can’t resist diving in.

This Coffee Tiramisu Cake is not only a feast for the senses; it also brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter was as abundant as the coffee. Each bite of this luscious treat evokes nostalgia, making it ideal for celebrations or simply to brighten up a Tuesday afternoon.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Coffee Tiramisu Cake is surprisingly easy to make, ensuring you won’t spend hours in the kitchen
- It has a rich flavor profile that beautifully balances coffee and creaminess
- The visually stunning layers make it perfect for showcasing at gatherings
- Serve it chilled or at room temperature—this dessert fits any occasion seamlessly
I once made this decadent cake for my best friend’s birthday party, and everyone raved about it for weeks.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ladyfingers: Choose crisp ladyfingers; they serve as the perfect base, soaking up all that lovely coffee goodness.
- Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso adds depth; opt for dark roast to maximize flavor.
- Mascarpone Cheese: Use high-quality mascarpone; its creamy texture is vital for that authentic tiramisu taste.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works best to sweeten without altering the texture too much.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder provides a beautiful finish and a slight bitterness that complements the sweetness.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped heavy cream lightens the mascarpone mixture while adding richness to every bite.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor; skip imitation varieties for best results.
- Dark Rum (optional): A splash of dark rum can elevate flavors but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on your countertop for easy access during preparation. Brew your espresso and let it cool down slightly to avoid soggy ladyfingers.
Make the Coffee Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine cooled espresso with rum if using. Sweeten with sugar and stir until dissolved—a fragrant blend will awaken your senses.
Whip Mascarpone and Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese until smooth. Gradually fold in whipped heavy cream until combined without deflating—aim for airy fluffiness.
Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture one at a time—don’t soak them too long; they should be moist but not mushy.
Create Layers: In a serving dish or cake pan, layer dipped ladyfingers followed by half of the mascarpone mixture. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with remaining mascarpone.
Add Cocoa Powder: Sift cocoa powder generously over the final layer to create an elegant finish—this step is where you can impress your friends.
Chill Before Serving: Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible—the flavors deepen beautifully over time.
Enjoy making this delightful Coffee Tiramisu Cake. With its robust flavors and creamy textures, you’re sure to impress everyone who gets a slice—or two.
You Must Know
- This delightful Coffee Tiramisu Cake combines rich flavors and a creamy texture, making it an instant classic
- It’s perfect for coffee lovers and is surprisingly easy to make
- The wonderful aroma of espresso wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to indulge
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the ultimate Coffee Tiramisu Cake, start by brewing your espresso first. While it cools, prepare your cake batter. This way, you’ll have everything ready without any last-minute fuss.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with flavors. Swap out traditional cocoa powder for dark chocolate shavings or add a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult twist on this classic dessert.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Coffee Tiramisu Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For the best experience, enjoy it cold; no reheating needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect texture, let your cake layers soak up the coffee mixture but don’t overdo it
- Keep an eye on the consistency of your mascarpone for a smooth finish
- Always chill the cake before serving; it enhances the flavors beautifully
I remember the first time I made this Coffee Tiramisu Cake for my family gathering. Everyone raved about how light and flavorful it was; I felt like a culinary superstar that day.
FAQ
What type of coffee works best for this recipe?
Espresso provides the best flavor, but strong brewed coffee can work too.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. This cake tastes even better after chilling overnight in the fridge.
Is there a non-coffee version of Coffee Tiramisu Cake?
Yes. You can use herbal tea or milk with vanilla extract as a substitute for coffee.
Coffee Tiramisu Cake
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Coffee Tiramisu Cake, where rich espresso meets creamy mascarpone for a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any gathering or a cozy afternoon treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 19 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 24 ladyfingers
- 1 cup hot espresso (dark roast preferred)
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
Instructions
- Brew the espresso and let it cool slightly.
- In a shallow bowl, mix cooled espresso with dark rum (if using) and sugar until dissolved.
- In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone until smooth. Fold in whipped heavy cream and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture and layer them in a serving dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers, then repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone.
- Sift cocoa powder over the top layer, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider substituting cocoa powder with dark chocolate shavings or adding a splash of coffee liqueur. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days; no reheating necessary.