6-Inch Tiramisu Layer Cake (Print)
Espresso-soaked sponge, mascarpone cream, and cocoa deliver a rich tiramisu-inspired dessert for small gatherings.
# Ingredients:
→ Sponge Cake
01 -
190 g all-purpose flour or cake flour
02 -
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
03 -
0.25 teaspoon salt
04 -
170 g unsalted butter, softened
05 -
200 g granulated sugar
06 -
3 large eggs, room temperature
07 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 -
120 ml whole milk, room temperature
→ Coffee Soak
09 -
240 ml strong espresso, cooled
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2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
11 -
36 g granulated sugar
→ Mascarpone Filling
12 -
450 g mascarpone cheese, room temperature
13 -
360 ml heavy cream, cold
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85 g powdered sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Topping
16 -
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
17 -
Chocolate shavings or coffee beans (optional)
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease and line two 15-cm cake pans with parchment paper.
02 -
In a bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then blend in vanilla. Alternately mix in the dry ingredients and milk until just combined.
03 -
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
04 -
Combine cooled espresso, sugar, and coffee liqueur (if using) in a bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
05 -
In a large bowl, whisk mascarpone and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add cold heavy cream and vanilla, whipping until stiff peaks form. Do not overbeat.
06 -
Level cooled cakes with a knife. Slice each cake horizontally to create four even layers. Place one layer on a serving plate. Using a pastry brush, generously soak with coffee mixture. Spread a portion of mascarpone cream over the soaked layer. Repeat the process for remaining layers, finishing with a layer of cream on top.
07 -
Cover and refrigerate cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set and develop flavour.
08 -
Just before serving, sift unsweetened cocoa over the top using a fine-mesh sieve. Garnish with chocolate shavings or coffee beans if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For best results, use room temperature mascarpone and eggs, and ensure cake layers are completely cool before assembly.