Classic Tiramisu Cake

Deliciously indulgent and irresistibly creamy, this Classic Tiramisu Cake brings together the bold flavors of coffee, the richness of mascarpone, and the delicate sweetness of ladyfingers in perfect harmony. This Italian dessert is the epitome of elegance, perfect for any special occasion or simply to treat yourself. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving behind a delightful combination of coffee, cream, and cocoa. Bonus? It’s simpler to make than you might think!

About the Recipe

If there’s one dessert that embodies indulgence, it’s tiramisu. For years, I’ve loved this dessert for its balance of flavors – it’s sweet but not cloying, rich but not heavy, and always satisfying.

While I’ve tried many variations of tiramisu, I wanted to create a recipe that keeps it classic but still easy to prepare at home. This Classic Tiramisu Cake is just that. By using readily available ingredients like mascarpone, eggs, coffee, and a touch of rum, this dessert is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

What makes this recipe truly shine is the combination of silky mascarpone layers with coffee-soaked ladyfingers. It’s an experience of flavor and texture in every bite. Plus, the cocoa powder dusting gives it a decadent finishing touch.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a milestone, or just craving something delicious, this tiramisu cake is guaranteed to be a hit. Trust me, your guests will ask for seconds – and the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic flavors: Rich mascarpone, bold coffee, and a hint of cocoa.
Simple ingredients: No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients required.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Customizable: Can be made alcohol-free or adjusted for sweetness.
No baking needed: A convenient and stress-free dessert option!

Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to gather the right tools to ensure smooth preparation. Luckily, this Classic Tiramisu Cake doesn’t require any complicated equipment, making it perfect for any kitchen setup.

Essential Equipment:

10-inch round pan or 9×13-inch pan – Choose your preferred shape for layering the tiramisu.
Mixing bowls – You’ll need separate bowls for the egg whites, yolks, and mascarpone mixture.
Stand mixer or hand mixer – For whipping the egg whites and yolks to perfection.
Rubber spatula – Perfect for folding mixtures gently without deflating them.
Fine mesh sieve – For dusting the cocoa powder evenly.
Shallow dish – Ideal for soaking the ladyfingers in coffee.

With these tools ready, assembling your tiramisu will be a breeze. Now let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dessert so irresistible!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 package ladyfingers – These soft, airy biscuits form the base of the tiramisu.
4 large eggs, separated – Essential for creating the creamy mascarpone layers.
1 cup granulated sugar (divided) – For the perfect balance of sweetness.
1/4 cup rum (divided) – Adds depth of flavor to the dessert. (Optional but recommended!)
16 ounces mascarpone cheese – The star ingredient that gives tiramisu its creamy texture.
1 cup strong coffee – Freshly brewed and cooled, it’s the flavor foundation for the ladyfingers.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall taste.
Cocoa powder – For a classic dusting on top.

Ingredient Notes:

Ladyfingers: Look for the crisp variety as they hold up better when soaked.
Mascarpone Cheese: Keep it chilled until ready to use for optimal texture.
Coffee: Use a robust brew like espresso or dark roast for the best flavor.
Rum Substitute: If you prefer alcohol-free, simply omit the rum and increase the vanilla extract to 1 tablespoon.

How to Make Classic Tiramisu Cake

Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the process of creating this luscious dessert. Don’t worry – it’s simpler than you might think!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Soak

Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee.
Pour the coffee into a shallow dish and stir in 2 tablespoons of rum. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Separate and Whip the Eggs

Separate the eggs, placing the egg whites in the bowl of your stand mixer and the egg yolks in a separate mixing bowl.
Using the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on high speed, gradually adding 1/2 cup of sugar, until stiff peaks form (about 3 minutes). Transfer to a clean bowl.
In the same stand mixer bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

Step 3: Combine the Mascarpone Mixture

To the whipped egg yolks, add mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of rum. Beat until smooth and well combined.
Gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped egg whites in two batches. Use a rubber spatula to fold, being careful not to deflate the airy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu Layers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for 1-2 seconds on each side. (Don’t let them soak too long, or they’ll fall apart.)
Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of your chosen pan.
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.

Step 5: Repeat and Finish

Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the mascarpone layer.
Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over the second layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.

The Finishing Touches

Step 6: Dust and Chill

Use a fine mesh sieve to generously dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder, covering the surface evenly for that classic look.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste and better texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

When ready to serve, cut the tiramisu into slices using a clean knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for neat slices.
Optionally, garnish with chocolate curls, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an added touch of elegance.

FAQ’s and Troubleshooting

Can I omit the rum in this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! If you’d prefer an alcohol-free version, simply skip the rum and increase the vanilla extract to 1 tablespoon for added flavor. You can also substitute rum with other non-alcoholic options like coffee liqueur syrup.

Why is my mascarpone mixture too runny?
This usually happens if the mascarpone is over-mixed or not chilled before use. Always use mascarpone directly from the fridge and avoid over-beating it.

Can I make tiramisu in advance?
Definitely! In fact, tiramisu tastes even better when made a day ahead. This allows the flavors to fully develop. It can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days.

Why did my ladyfingers turn soggy?
Make sure you dip the ladyfingers into the coffee quickly – just 1-2 seconds per side. Over-soaking can cause them to fall apart.

How to Store

Refrigeration: Keep the tiramisu covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen with time, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing: Tiramisu can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

This Classic Tiramisu Cake is a dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a slice after a long day, its luxurious texture and bold flavors will leave everyone coming back for more. Try it today, and let me know how it turns out!