Decadent Tiramisu Layer Cake
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Decadent Tiramisu Layer Cake, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. With layers of soft, coffee-infused cake and luscious mascarpone filling, this cake delivers an exquisite taste sensation that's perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself. Easy to assemble and utterly delicious, your guests will be amazed by the creamy frosting and subtle cocoa dusting. Despite its elegant appearance, this cake comes together effortlessly, making it a perfect dessert for both novice and experienced bakers. Elevate your celebrations with this stunning and sumptuous cake!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
white cake mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce) package (as per package directions)
egg whites
3 (if required by cake mix)
oil
1/3 cup (as per package directions)
water
1 1/3 cups (as per package directions)
instant coffee powder
2 teaspoons (for mixing into batter)
brewed coffee
1/2 cup (mixed with Kahlua for soaking)
Kahlua
3 tablespoons (for soaking and filling)
mascarpone cheese
1 (8 ounce) container (for filling)
powdered sugar
1/2 cup (for filling)
heavy cream
2 cups (for frosting)
confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup (for frosting)
unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (for dusting the top)
semisweet chocolate
1 (1 ounce) square (for making chocolate curls)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions, incorporating the required egg whites, oil, and water.
3
Divide two-thirds of the batter evenly between two of the prepared pans. Stir the instant coffee into the remaining batter, then pour it into the last pan.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
5
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6
While the cakes are cooling, blend the brewed coffee with 3 tablespoons of Kahlua in a measuring cup and set it aside.
7
For the mascarpone filling, in a small bowl, mix together the mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of Kahlua using an electric mixer on low speed until just smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
8
To prepare the frosting, in a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and the remaining 2 tablespoons of Kahlua using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
9
Gently fold 1/2 cup of the whipped cream into the mascarpone filling to lighten it.
10
To assemble the cake, place one plain cake layer on a serving plate. Use a thin skewer to poke holes all over the top, about 1 inch apart.
11
Spoon one-third of the coffee mixture over this layer, followed by half of the mascarpone filling. Spread it out evenly.
12
Add the second coffee-flavored cake layer and repeat the process: poke holes, drizzle with another third of the coffee mixture, and top with the remaining mascarpone filling.
13
Finish with the last plain cake layer on top, poke holes in it, and pour the remaining coffee mixture over the cake.
14
Spread the whipped cream frosting over the sides and top of the entire cake, smoothing it out as desired.
15
Using a sieve, lightly dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder.
16
For an elegant touch, create chocolate curls by shaving a semisweet chocolate square with a vegetable peeler and scatter them on top.
17
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Decadent Tiramisu Layer Cake?
It is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert featuring three layers of soft cake, coffee-infused soaking liquid, and a rich mascarpone filling.
What type of cake mix is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 18 1/4 ounce package of white cake mix prepared according to package directions.
How many cake layers does this recipe produce?
This recipe produces three 9-inch round cake layers: two plain layers and one coffee-flavored layer.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do you create the coffee-flavored cake layer?
By stirring 2 teaspoons of instant coffee powder into one-third of the white cake batter before baking.
How long should the cakes bake?
The cakes should bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the soaking liquid made of?
The soaking liquid is a mixture of 1/2 cup brewed coffee and 3 tablespoons of Kahlua.
What are the ingredients for the mascarpone filling?
The filling consists of 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of Kahlua, and 1/2 cup of whipped cream.
How is the frosting prepared?
The frosting is made by whipping 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of Kahlua until stiff peaks form.
Why do you poke holes in the cake layers during assembly?
Holes are poked into the layers using a thin skewer to allow the coffee and Kahlua mixture to soak deep into the cake.
What is the order of assembly for the cake layers?
The assembly starts with a plain layer, followed by the coffee-flavored layer in the middle, and is topped with the final plain layer.
What kind of chocolate is used for the topping?
One square (1 ounce) of semisweet chocolate is used to create decorative chocolate curls.
How do you make the chocolate curls?
You can create chocolate curls by shaving a semisweet chocolate square with a vegetable peeler.
Does the cake need to be refrigerated before serving?
Yes, the cake should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld properly.
How much cocoa powder is needed for the garnish?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting the top of the cake.
Can I use an electric mixer for the filling?
Yes, an electric mixer on low speed is recommended to blend the mascarpone, sugar, and Kahlua until smooth.
How many ingredients are in this Tiramisu cake recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What size cake pans should I use?
You should use three 9-inch round cake pans that have been greased and floured.
Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
No, despite its elegant appearance, it is designed to be easy to assemble for both novice and experienced bakers.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
The cakes should cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before being turned out onto a wire rack.
What can be used to dust the cocoa powder evenly?
A sieve should be used to lightly and evenly dust the cocoa powder over the top of the cake.
How much oil is required for the cake mix?
The recipe specifies 1/3 cup of oil, or as required by the specific cake mix directions.
How many egg whites are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 egg whites, typically required by the white cake mix.
What is the purpose of the Kahlua in the frosting?
The Kahlua adds a subtle coffee liqueur flavor to the whipped cream frosting.
How much heavy cream is needed for the frosting?
The recipe requires 2 cups of heavy cream.
Can I use instant coffee in the soaking liquid?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of brewed coffee for the soaking liquid.
What speed should the mixer be on for the frosting?
The heavy cream should be whipped on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
How do you lighten the mascarpone filling?
The filling is lightened by gently folding in 1/2 cup of the prepared whipped cream.
What is the total amount of Kahlua used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 7 tablespoons of Kahlua (3 for soaking, 2 for filling, and 2 for frosting).
Is this a traditional Italian Tiramisu?
It is a cake-based twist on the traditional dessert, using cake layers instead of ladyfingers.