Tiramisu Cake

Experience the upcoming indulgence of tiramisu cake – a heavenly Italian creation that combines the subtle ladyfinger biscuits soaked in espresso with smooth mascarpone cheese. As it originated in the 1960s in Italy, tiramisu translates to “pick-me-up,” reflecting its coffee-infused essence. With its evolution, this dessert has become an emblem of Italian cuisine on the global stage. With every bite, you will relish a delightful blend of textures and flavors, embodying the essence of Italy’s culinary artistry. Tiramisu cake is not just a dessert; it is a prelude to savoring the rich heritage and passion woven into its layers.

Ingredients

For the cake layers:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled

For the mascarpone filling:

• 16 oz (450g) mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1 and 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For assembling and decorating:

• About 24-30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

For the cake layers:

1. To prepare for baking a cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Simply add the dry ingredients, milk, and some cooled coffee to the wet ingredients a little at a time. Remember to start and end with the dry ingredients and mix until everything is nicely combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake the cakes in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
9. Once you’ve finished baking your delicious cakes, it’s best to let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This will ensure they cool off wholly and evenly before you decorate or serve them.

For the mascarpone filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Wash the heavy whipping cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form.
3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream while continuously beating until the mixture forms stiff peaks.
4. Just gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the mascarpone until it’s well. Just be careful not to overdo it or anything!

Assembling the tiramisu cake:

1. Put a cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Apply a coat of brewed coffee onto the surface of the cake layer.
3. Spread a layer of the mascarpone filling over the coffee-soaked cake layer.
4. Place a layer of ladyfinger cookies on top of the mascarpone filling. Trim the ladyfingers to fit the cake as necessary.
5. Brush the ladyfinger layer with more brewed coffee.
6. Add another layer of the mascarpone filling on top of the ladyfinger layer.
7. Place the second cake layer on top.

Finishing touches:

1. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining mascarpone filling.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of unsweetened cocoa powder on top of the cake.
3. For best results, pop that cake in the fridge overnight for a few hours to let all the yummy flavors come together and the cake firm up nicely.

Tiramisu cake is a classic Italian dessert that consists of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream. It is a delicious and elegant treat that captures the flavors of Italy.