Fluffy Tiramisu Cake with Mascarpone Cream

A heavenly dessert that combines the best of two worlds—light and airy sponge cake soaked in rich espresso, layered with velvety mascarpone cream, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. This Fluffy Tiramisu Cake takes the classic flavors of tiramisu and transforms them into a beautifully layered cake that’s perfect for any celebration! Every bite is moist, creamy, and full of coffee-infused goodness.

Whether you’re a tiramisu lover or just looking for an impressive yet surprisingly easy cake to make, this recipe will become a new favorite. Plus, the fluffy sponge soaks up just the right amount of coffee, keeping the cake light while still delivering that signature tiramisu flavor.

About The Recipe

Tiramisu is an iconic Italian dessert, known for its luscious layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. But what if we took those flavors and transformed them into a light, fluffy cake? That’s exactly what I set out to do with this recipe.

Unlike traditional tiramisu, which relies on store-bought ladyfingers, this cake is made from scratch using a delicate sponge cake. The airy texture ensures that every bite is soft and cloud-like, absorbing the coffee soak without becoming soggy. The mascarpone cream is rich yet light, creating a perfect balance with the cake layers.

After testing different methods, I found the best approach to achieve a cake that’s ultra-light yet rich in flavor. I made sure the sponge was just firm enough to hold its structure but tender enough to melt in your mouth. As for the mascarpone cream—it’s whipped to perfection, giving the cake that signature creamy finish.

The best part? This Fluffy Tiramisu Cake is not overly sweet. The bitterness of the espresso balances out the creaminess, making it a well-rounded dessert that’s sophisticated yet comforting.

Reasons You Will Love This Fluffy Tiramisu Cake

Light and airy texture – The sponge cake is soft yet structured, absorbing the coffee soak without getting too dense.
Authentic tiramisu flavors – Every bite is infused with espresso, mascarpone, and cocoa, just like the classic dessert.
Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or dinner party, this cake will impress your guests.
No store-bought ladyfingers needed – Everything is made from scratch for the freshest flavor and the best texture.
Not too sweet – The balance of coffee, mascarpone, and just a touch of sweetness makes this cake irresistible.

Equipment Needed

To create the perfect Fluffy Tiramisu Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools. Using the right equipment ensures that your cake bakes evenly, the mascarpone cream whips up flawlessly, and the layers come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – Essential for whipping egg whites to stiff peaks and for making the mascarpone cream.
Mixing Bowls – You’ll need separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients, as well as for whipping the mascarpone cream.
Sifter – Helps aerate the flour and prevents lumps in the cake batter.
9-Inch Round Cake Pans (4x) – This recipe makes four thin layers of sponge cake, which soak up the coffee without getting too dense.
Parchment Paper – For lining the cake pans to prevent sticking.
Cooling Rack – Allows the cake layers to cool evenly.
Offset Spatula – Helps spread the mascarpone cream smoothly between layers.
Pastry Brush – Ideal for evenly soaking the cake layers with the espresso mixture.

Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the signature tiramisu flavor while keeping the cake light and balanced. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sponge Cake:

12 large eggs (separated) – The key to a fluffy sponge. Egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks to create structure, while yolks add richness.
300g (1½ cups) granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and stabilizes the whipped egg whites.
2 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the cake’s flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
240g (2 cups) all-purpose flour – Creates a soft yet sturdy sponge cake.
¼ tsp fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
2 tsp baking powder – Adds lightness by helping the cake rise.

For the Coffee Soak:

480mL (2 cups) strong coffee – The heart of tiramisu flavor. Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee.
50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar – Slightly sweetens the coffee soak without overpowering it.
45mL (3 Tbsp) Amaretto liqueur (optional) – Adds a subtle almond flavor that complements the espresso.

For the Mascarpone Cream:

24 oz (3 small tubs) mascarpone cheese, cold – The rich and creamy base of the frosting.
300g (2½ cups) powdered sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the mascarpone cream.
16 oz (2 cups) heavy whipping cream, cold – Helps create a light, airy texture when whipped.
2 tsp vanilla bean paste – Infuses the mascarpone cream with deep vanilla flavor.
Tiny pinch of fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

For Dusting:

Cocoa powder – The classic finishing touch that gives tiramisu its signature look and slight bitterness.

How to Make Fluffy Tiramisu Cake

Now that we have all the ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to bake! This step-by-step process ensures you achieve a light and fluffy sponge cake, a perfectly balanced coffee soak, and a creamy mascarpone filling. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Step 1: Make the Sponge Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) convection or 325°F (163°C) conventional. Grease and line four 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer, add the egg whites and beat on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add sugar while mixing. Increase speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form. This will give the cake its airy texture.
Reduce the speed to medium and add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
Sift in the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold with a spatula or mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can deflate the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, about 10.5 ounces per pan.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and slightly pull away from the edges. The cakes should spring back when lightly pressed.
Carefully flip the cakes onto a tea towel (not a wire rack, as they might stick). Let them cool completely before assembling.

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Soak

Brew 2 cups of strong coffee or 4 shots of espresso diluted with water.
While the coffee is still hot, stir in granulated sugar until fully dissolved.
Allow the coffee to cool completely before adding the Amaretto liqueur (optional).

Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Cream

In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine cold mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low until smooth.
Increase the speed to medium-high and mix for 1-2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
Slowly add the vanilla bean paste and cold heavy cream in small increments, mixing well between each addition.
Once all the heavy cream is added, whip at high speed for 1-2 minutes until stiff peaks form. The cream should be light, fluffy, and stable.

How to Assemble and Decorate the Fluffy Tiramisu Cake

Now that we have our perfectly baked sponge cakes, rich coffee soak, and luscious mascarpone cream ready, it’s time to bring everything together! Assembling this cake is easy, but the key to achieving the best texture is allowing the flavors to meld as the cake rests. Follow these steps for a beautifully layered tiramisu cake.

Step 1: Soak the Cake Layers

Keep the sponge cakes upside down on the tea towel. Using a fork, poke small holes all over the surface of each layer. This helps the coffee soak penetrate evenly.
Using a pastry brush or spoon, gently soak each cake layer with ½ cup of the coffee mixture. Ensure an even distribution, but don’t oversaturate—too much liquid can make the cake soggy.
If you prefer a more intense tiramisu flavor, you can increase the soak to ¾ cup per layer (in this case, make an extra cup of coffee soak).

Step 2: Layer with Mascarpone Cream

Place the first cake layer (bottom side up) on a cake plate or stand.
Spread a generous layer of mascarpone cream over the cake, smoothing it out evenly with an offset spatula. Avoid spreading it all the way to the edges if you want a “naked cake” look.
Repeat this process with the remaining cake layers, making sure each layer is upside down for a flat, even surface.
Once all layers are stacked, refrigerate the cake for 30-60 minutes if it feels unstable. This helps firm up the structure before decorating.

Step 3: Frost the Cake and Decorate

Spread a final layer of mascarpone cream over the top of the cake. You can either leave the sides exposed (for a rustic, naked cake look) or cover them lightly with cream for a smooth finish.
Dust the top generously with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve. This classic tiramisu touch adds a subtle bitterness to balance the sweetness.
If desired, garnish with chocolate curls, coffee beans, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent look.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully develop and ensures a perfect texture.
When ready to serve, use a sharp knife to slice the cake cleanly. Enjoy each bite of fluffy sponge, rich coffee, and creamy mascarpone!

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld beautifully.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

Even with the best techniques, baking can sometimes be unpredictable. Here are some common questions and solutions to help you get the perfect Fluffy Tiramisu Cake every time.

FAQ’s

Can I use store-bought ladyfingers instead of sponge cake?

While traditional tiramisu is made with ladyfingers, this cake is designed to be fluffier and lighter. Using sponge cake ensures better coffee absorption without becoming too soggy. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can substitute the sponge cake with ladyfingers, but be mindful of the texture.

Can I make this cake alcohol-free?

Yes! Simply omit the Amaretto liqueur from the coffee soak. The cake will still be rich in flavor without the hint of almond liqueur.

What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone gives this cake its signature creamy texture, but if unavailable, you can mix cream cheese and heavy cream as a substitute. Use 16 ounces (2 cups) cream cheese and add ½ cup heavy cream to achieve a similar consistency.

Why is my cake too dry?

A dry sponge cake is often the result of overbaking or overmixing the batter. To avoid this:

Check for doneness early (at 15 minutes) to prevent overbaking.
Fold in dry ingredients gently to retain the airiness of the egg whites.

Why is my mascarpone cream too runny?

If the mascarpone cream turns out too loose, here are some fixes:

Make sure both the mascarpone cheese and heavy whipping cream are cold before whipping.
If the cream looks soft after mixing, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before assembling the cake.
Overmixing can cause the mascarpone to break down—stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form.

How to Achieve the Perfect Coffee-Soaked Cake

The key to a great tiramisu cake is achieving the right balance of moisture without making it too soggy.

Use a fork to poke small holes in the cake before soaking—this allows the coffee to absorb evenly.
If you prefer a more intense coffee flavor, use ¾ cup coffee per layer instead of ½ cup.
Allow the cake to rest for at least 4-6 hours in the fridge to let the flavors develop fully.

Creative Decorating Ideas

Looking to make your tiramisu cake stand out? Try these decoration tips:

Chocolate shavings or curls – Adds an elegant touch to the top of the cake.
Espresso beans – A simple but classic garnish that complements the coffee flavor.
Whipped cream rosettes – Pipe small swirls around the edges for a bakery-style look.
Drizzle with chocolate ganache – For an extra indulgent finish.

Final Thoughts

This Fluffy Tiramisu Cake with Mascarpone Cream is an absolute showstopper, combining the rich flavors of tiramisu with the lightness of a sponge cake. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

The combination of coffee-soaked sponge, velvety mascarpone cream, and cocoa dusting makes every bite melt in your mouth. Plus, with easy make-ahead options, it’s a stress-free dessert that tastes even better the next day.

Now it’s your turn to give this recipe a try! Let me know how it turns out or if you have any questions. Happy baking!