I love exploring unique dessert ideas that combine classic flavors in new ways. One of my favorite creations is the tiramisu chocolate cake recipe.
This dessert brings together the rich taste of chocolate cake and the creamy, coffee-infused layers of traditional tiramisu.
I enjoy baking it when I want to impress guests or treat myself to something special. The balance of textures and flavors makes every bite memorable.
If you enjoy both chocolate and tiramisu, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Chocolate Cake
➤ Unique Flavor Combination: The boldness of espresso-soaked ladyfingers meets the richness of chocolate cake, creating a balanced, sophisticated taste.
➤ Creamy Mascarpone Layers: Silky mascarpone cheese with whipped cream adds the signature tiramisu texture.
➤ Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for celebrations, yet simple enough for a weekend treat.
➤ Impress Your Guests: This tiramisu chocolate cake looks gorgeous and tastes incredible, making it a perfect showpiece dessert.
How To Prepare Tiramisu Chocolate Cake?
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian-inspired fusion
Yield: 10 generous slices
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls (2 medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 8-inch round cake pans (2)
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick or skewer (for testing cake doneness)
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Tiramisu Cream:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For Coffee Soak:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, but highly recommended)
For Decoration:
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Chocolate shavings or curls
How To Make Tiramisu Chocolate Cake
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well. Finally, carefully stir in the boiling water—this makes the batter thin, but it helps create a moist cake.
3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
4. While the cakes cool, beat the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to create a fluffy tiramisu cream.
5. Mix the cooled brewed coffee and coffee liqueur in a shallow bowl. This soak will give the cake that authentic tiramisu coffee flavor.
6. Once the cakes are completely cool, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the surface of each cake layer. Brush generously with the coffee soak, allowing it to seep deep into the cake.
7. Spread half of the tiramisu cream over the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with the coffee soak and the remaining cream.
8. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings or curls for that extra wow factor.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugars | 32g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Tiramisu Chocolate Cake
➢ Strong, freshly brewed espresso gives the cake an authentic coffee flavor. Avoid instant coffee to keep the taste rich and bold.
➢ Dip the ladyfingers quickly in the espresso mixture. Over-soaking makes them soggy and affects the cake’s texture.
➢ Fold the whipped cream carefully into mascarpone. This keeps the cream light and fluffy without losing volume.
➢ Make sure your chocolate cake layers are fully cooled. Warm cake will melt the mascarpone cream and ruin the structure.
➢ Let the cake rest in the fridge overnight. This helps the flavors meld together and the texture to set beautifully.
Amazing Serving Ideas
For an extra special touch, serve your tiramisu chocolate cake with a dusting of cocoa powder and a few chocolate curls on top.
A scoop of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream pairs wonderfully alongside each slice. You can also add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and a hint of tartness.
A drizzle of espresso or chocolate sauce makes the presentation even more decadent. These simple additions take your dessert from delicious to unforgettable.
Optional Add-Ins And Variations
Optional Add-Ins
- Enhance the espresso soak with a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa for richer flavor.
- Stir mini dark or white chocolate chips into the mascarpone cream for extra texture.
- Add a crunchy layer with toasted almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts between cake layers.
- Sprinkle cocoa nibs on top for a subtle crunch and intense chocolate taste.
- Mix fresh vanilla bean seeds into the mascarpone for an aromatic boost.
Variations
- Add instant coffee granules to the chocolate cake batter for a mocha flavor twist.
- Incorporate fresh raspberries or strawberries between layers for a fruity surprise.
- Use white chocolate ganache and white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate.
- Spread a thin layer of Nutella on the cake layers before adding mascarpone cream.
- Substitute the flour and ladyfingers with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.
How To Make With More Delicious
To make this tiramisu chocolate cake even more delicious, try adding a layer of rich chocolate ganache between the cake and mascarpone cream.
You can also mix a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the mascarpone for a warm, spiced twist. For extra moisture, soak the ladyfingers in a blend of espresso and a splash of coffee liqueur.
Using high-quality cocoa powder and fresh mascarpone will boost flavor too. Small tweaks like these take the cake to the next level, making every bite richer and more unforgettable.
How To Store Leftovers
To keep your tiramisu chocolate cake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors.
The tiramisu chocolate cake tastes best when eaten within 3 to 4 days.
Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften the mascarpone cream for a perfect texture. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the cream’s smoothness.
FAQs About Tiramisu Chocolate Cake Recipe
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! I recommend making it the day before to let the flavors meld perfectly. Just cover and refrigerate overnight.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone isn’t available, cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream works as a substitute, though the texture may be slightly different.
Is it necessary to use coffee liqueur?
No, coffee liqueur is optional. You can skip it or replace it with a splash of vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
Can I freeze tiramisu chocolate cake?
Yes, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge before serving for best results.
How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?
Brush the coffee soak gently and evenly, and avoid soaking too much at once. This keeps the cake moist without becoming soggy.
Conclusion
This tiramisu chocolate cake recipe brings together the best of both worlds the deep, indulgent flavors of chocolate cake and the creamy, coffee-infused magic of tiramisu.
I love making it for special occasions, but it’s easy enough for a weekend treat, too. Once you try this tiramisu chocolate cake, I guarantee it’ll become a go-to dessert in your repertoire.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of heaven you deserve it!
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Tiramisu Chocolate Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2 medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 8-inch round cake pans (2)
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick or skewer (for testing cake doneness)
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Tiramisu Cream:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For Coffee Soak:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur optional, but highly recommended
For Decoration:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate shavings or curls
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well. Finally, carefully stir in the boiling water—this makes the batter thin, but it helps create a moist cake.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- While the cakes cool, beat the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to create a fluffy tiramisu cream.
- Mix the cooled brewed coffee and coffee liqueur in a shallow bowl. This soak will give the cake that authentic tiramisu coffee flavor.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the surface of each cake layer. Brush generously with the coffee soak, allowing it to seep deep into the cake.
- Spread half of the tiramisu cream over the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with the coffee soak and the remaining cream.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings or curls for that extra wow factor.