This Tiramisu Cake turns your favourite Italian dessert into a delicious and decadent layer cake. Coffee soaked layers paired with mascarpone buttercream.
Hiiiii everyone! Sorry for the lack of posts over the past couple weeks. Ryan and I were in London for the last week of June, then it was Canada Day/4th of July, and things just kinda got away from me (read: I did as little as possible and loved every minute of it). I hope the lack of dessert in your inbox wasn’t too much of a disappointment!
This is going to be another one of those posts where you will hopefully learn something from my mistakes. It’s no secret that I have fails in the kitchen more often than I’d like to admit. I figure most normal people do though, so why not just lay all the cards out on the table? Things don’t always go how you expect. And this time, with this Tiramisu Cake, it was due to a rookie mistake on my part.
I am usually really good at making sure all of my ingredients are at room temperature. This is important so that all of the ingredients emulsify together and yield proper results when baking. I never mess around with this when it comes to cookie dough or cake batter, but I tend to be a bit more lax when it comes to buttercream. Even still, I usually check the ingredients to make sure they’re not rock hard. But I actually broke my favourite KitchenAid beater blade a couple of weeks ago because I tried to whip a large chunk of butter when it was still too hard. Sad times.
So this time, with this mascarpone buttercream, I actually cut my butter up into cubes so it would come to room temperature faster. What I failed to do though, and ultimately what caused the issue (I think), is that I didn’t properly bring the tub of mascarpone to room temp. I didn’t even check it!
I don’t know why I didn’t check it. I guess I thought it would be fine (cream cheese usually is) or that even if it was a bit stiff, it would soften up while it was whipping. What I didn’t anticipate is that the butter and mascarpone would completely curdle and separate when whipped together.
Minor panic set in when I looked into the bowl. I though that surely more whipping would fix it, so I added in the sugar and whipped it to oblivion. No dice. Honestly, I almost considered using it in this state (wtf Olivia?). If we still had a grocery store close by, I would have ran out and bought new ingredients, but that wasn’t really an option here. Thankfully, I came to my senses and tried a trick to see if I could save it.
A few years ago, I remember ages ago dealing with a curdled/separated meringue buttercream. I had frozen some leftover buttercream, thawed it, and started to rewhip it (which is what you should do after thawing). I guess it was still a bit too cold, because what was in my mixer looked like cottage cheese soup. I’m not even kidding you. This mascarpone frosting didn’t look quite that bad, but it just didn’t look right (or taste right).
What I remembered from last time is that you just needed to warm the frosting up a bit so that it can emulsify properly. So I grabbed my trusty hair dryer and started heating up the sides of the bowl while the mascarpone buttercream was whipping. The hair dryer has saved me from more than one baking disaster. Sure enough, after heating it a bit and letting it whip some more, it came together perfectly. You can also heat the buttercream in bursts over a double boiler — whipping between heating — if you’d rather try something more professional, lol.
So learn from my mistakes, people. Make sure all of your ingredients are actually at room temperature, or you’ll have some ugly curdled buttercream on your hands. But if that happens, now you know how to save it, right??
I’m not in love with how this Tiramisu Cake looks (shocker). I should have done something, anything, with the frosting on the sides. It’s too flat and boring. Ryan says it looks very art deco, which makes me like it a little bit more. Oh well, it’s the taste that matters and it tastes ridiculously delicious!
Really, it tastes just like a tiramisu. You could just have tiramisu, but this way is better because it’s a cake. Those coffee soaked layers are some of the best I’ve ever had. And the mascarpone buttercream has just the perfect balance of flavours. It’s a bit heavier than what you’d see in a traditional tiramisu, but I wanted the cake to have more structural integrity. Plus, I love a good buttercream.
If you love tiramisu and are looking for something a little different, then this Tiramisu Cake is for you!
Tips for this Tiramisu Cake:
- Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature. Especially for the frosting, as it can curdle! See post for details.
- For added crunch/flavour, you can crush up some lady fingers and spread them between the layers. They will soften the longer they sit in the cake, though.
- I was a little too generous with the frosting between the layers (I used about 1 cup per layer). A thinner layer between each would have balanced the cake better. This would also leave enough frosting to do some piping on top.
- The coffee liqueur is optional – you can leave it out, and it will still taste delicious!
- To help ensure your cake layers bake up nice and flat, see my Flat Top Cakes post.
Tiramisu Cake
Ingredients
Coffee Syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp espresso powder
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur or dark rum optional
Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
Mascarpone Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 cups mascarpone softened but still chilled
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
Assembly:
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- chocolate shavings
- lady fingers
Instructions
Coffee Syrup:
- Bring sugar, water, and espresso powder to a boil in a small pot over med-high heat. Simmer for 1min. Remove from heat and stir in coffee liqueur or rum if desired. Set aside to cool.
Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour two 8" cake rounds and line with parchment.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on med-high until pale and fluffy (approx 3mins). Reduce speed and add eggs one at a time fully incorporating after each addition. Add vanilla.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour (3 additions of flour and 2 of milk). Fully incorporating after each addition.
- Bake for 30-35mins or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Place cakes on wire rack to cool for 10mins then turn out onto wire rack. Cool completely.
Mascarpone Frosting:
- Beat butter and mascarpone until fluffy (2 mins). Add powdered sugar one cup at a time. Add vanilla and beat until fluffy (3 mins).
Assembly:
- Cut each cake layer in half horizontally.
- Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or serving plate. Brush generously with about 4 Tbsp coffee syrup. Dust with cocoa powder if desired (I did).
- Top with approximately 3/4 cup of mascarpone buttercream and spread evenly.
- Repeat with remaining layers and crumb coat the cake. Chill for 20mins.
- Frost the cake with the remainder of the buttercream and smooth the sides and top.
- Dust top with cocoa powder and/or sprinkle with chocolate shavings, and press lady fingers into the sides if desired.
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Jeanette Rooney says
I have been making tiramisu for years–a requested family favorite–and thought I’d switch it up and use this recipe. The marscapone buttercream was stable, then started to separate–an unfortunate waste of money. There is no reason to deviate from the traditional recipe. Do it right or don’t do it at all. I should have taken caution about the marscapone and butter separation from other bakers. A real shame.
Olivia says
Hi Jeanette! Sorry to hear you had trouble with this one. Mascarpone can separate if it’s not completely at room temperature (same with the butter) or if it gets overwhipped. The original recipe for tiramisu calls for a very soft cream that would not work at all as a frosting — hence the tiramisu inspired cake recipe.
Kat says
Hi,
I’m going to be making this cake in a month, but I have a quick question. Do you think it would be possible to use marscapone cream for the inside layers and the buttercream frosting only on the outside? I wonder if you think the cake would hold up well and how you think it would affect the taste?
Thank you
Olivia says
Hi Kat! I would do a buttercream dam to hold in the mascarpone cream, just because it’s sofer. But it should be totally fine and delicious otherwise!
Gena H says
Just made the vanilla cakes(freezing them overnight and putting together tomorrow). These turned out great! Consistency was good and the cooked well! I was scared at first because the cake batter seemed thick and I realized I forgot to leave the buttermilk out to get this chill off. So, at the end I mixed for a minute with the bowl over my stove which was warm from dinner and warm from the oven on and that seemed to get it flowing a little more. So far so good! Now for the icing! BTW I’m no baker whatsoever, I can throw anything together for a meal, but baking, I’m not so great. I read the reviews and tried to learn from others issues. Also, I’m making two of these (one for my boss and one for my mother birthdays this Tuesday and Wednesday). I doubled the recipe and cooked 4 8 inch round pans at the same time, and had zero issues.
Olivia says
Hi Gena! I hope you love this one. For the buttercream, be sure not to overmix it as the mascarpone has a tendency to split. Let me know how they turn out!
Sarah says
I love how this cake looks! I want to make a cake to celebrate running the Chicago marathon and the lady fingers totally look like a skyline to me. I was thinking of making a chocolate collar replica of the Chicago skyline and wrapping that around the cake. Do you think that would work? Is the cake sturdy enough to hold something like that? I know tiramisu can be quite soft. Also, do you think 14 servings is realistic? Thanks so much!
Olivia says
Hi Sarah! I think a chocolate collar should work fine! Especially on a well chilled cake. The frosting is softer than a normal frosting, but not as soft as an actual Tiramisu. Be sure not to overwhip the mascarpone as it can split!
Steph says
I can’t find where to add my own comment so I’m just replying here. Please tell me WHY This icing turned out so runny for me ? There is no way this would stay on a cake, let alone be pipeable. I followed instructions to a 2 and it was so soupy. I’ve tried adding more sugar, merengue powder, and corn startch at this point and it’s still too soft. The mascarpone alone cost $10 and I feel like I have no choice but To throw it out and figure something else out 😭 so disappointed
Olivia says
Hi Steph! Sorry to hear you had issues with this one. The frosting is on the softer side due to the mascarpone, but should not be runny. Is it possible the buttercream was overmixed? Or the butter and mascarpone were too soft/warm? Some time in the fridge might help bring it back together.
Rachel says
In your post you say all the ingredients, especially for the frosting, should be at room temperature but in the ingredient list it says the mascarpone should still be chilled. I’m worried about getting it wrong… could you confirm that you recommend the mascarpone should be completely at room temp? Thank you!
Olivia says
Hi Rachel! Good catch. Mascarpone can be tricky to work with (it can split if overmixed) and lately I’ve been using it slightly chilled vs totally at room temp. When I used it here it was still way too cold. Softened, but still a bit cold is idea, and be sure not to overmix. I hope you love it!
Mit says
Hi,
Would you suggest sifting the flour before combining it with other ingredients.
Thanks
Olivia says
Hi Mit! I don’t often sift my flour unless it’s cake flour, but it is good practice to sift all of the ingredients together in general (I’m just lazy). 🙂
Mit Patel says
Thank you. Also will this be okay in 9″ pans
Olivia says
Hi Mit! The recipe as-is will be too think in 9″ pans I think. I would 1.5x it.
Rouba says
Thank you for the recipe, Olivia. However, i was a little bit disappointed, i made the cake for my friends birthday, but it turned out to be really hard! not fluffy or soft as i was hoping. My friends agreed that they prefer my vanilla cake recipe which i usually make. The taste of the cake was good though.
Olivia says
Hi Rouba! I’m sorry to hear you had trouble with this one. It should not be dense and hard at all!! Is it possible your baking powder is expired? Or what the batter was overmixed?
Liza says
How much buttercream does this recipe yield in cups?
Olivia says
Hi Liza! I haven’t measured it myself but probably about 5 cups?
maureen says
I know people are raving about this cake, but I think it tastes terrible. Tastes like flour and water. Not sure what I might have done wrong, but the sponge cake is just awful.
Olivia says
Hi Maureen! I’m sorry to hear you didn’t love the recipe. It should definitely not taste like that!! Did the cakes rise? Is your baking powder fresh (not expired?). Also I recommend spoon and levelling your flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping it up — the latter can cause dense and flour heavy cakes. I hope that helps!
Annie says
Hi Liv,
Just tried the recipe and the sponge cake is amazing! The mascapone though did curdle despite leaving it to room temp! I suggest when making the mascapone buttercream to only mix it 2 mins max and low speed as it has a high fat content which makes it more prone to split.
Olivia says
Hi Annie! Thanks for your tips! Mascarpone does have a tendency to curdle so it’s important not to overwhip it. I watch the buttercream like a hawk while it’s whipping.
Allison says
Can I use dutch processed cocoa powder? would it make a difference in taste? my kitchen is always stocked up on dutch processed. thank you.
Olivia says
Hi Allison! You can use any cocoa powder you like!
Nat says
I tried your recipe as the cake looked great but it didn’t rise and the cream is much too sweet.
Olivia says
Hi Nat! The cake doesn’t rise a ton, but it should rise. Did you check to make sure your baking powder is not expired?
Kathy says
This is the best vanilla cake ever!!! I’ve tried about five-six different vanilla cake recipes before and have not found one that I looooveeeee. Now I have. Thank you for sharing!
I haven’t made the rest of the steps but I look forward to trying tiramisu cake for the first time 🙂
Olivia says
Hi Kathy! I am so happy to hear that!! You totally made my day 🙂 I hope you love the Tiramisu Cake!
Monica says
Hi Olivia, this cake looks amazing! I want to make it for a birthday but it would be more convenient to take to dinner as cupcakes. Any suggestions for using the recipe for cupcakes instead?
Olivia says
Hi Monica! The recipe will work fine as cupcakes. It should make 18-24 depending on size. All you need to do is reduce the baking time — start checking at 15mins or so.
Cindy says
Hello Olivia,
I Just pulled this cake out of the oven, using the cake wraps (first time ever), and my cake is perfectly flat and evenly baked. I also noticed the cooking time was less than ecpected, and the top of my cake is soft, not crusted. I prefer the soft cake like top. Needless to say, I just ordered 6 more cake strips on amazon (I bake multiple cakes at a time) I LOVE THESE CAKE STRIPS.
Also, this is my first try at your tirimisu cake, so far its coming out good. For the coffee syrup I added Kahlua and simmered some of the alchohol out. Ca’nt wait to taste tjis cake.
I have a question, since my cake is still cooling, too soon for me to tell how dense this cake is, specifically, would it work for a sculpted cake? Im thinking this would be good for a cake im doing for my nieces sweet 16 cake. Its a 3 tiered cake, the top tier is a replica Chanel handbag with a Peony sugar flower rested next to the handbag. So the handbag is the sculpted portion, which is nothing to intricate, pretty basic as far as the cake portion goes. Anyways, your opinion would be much appreciated.
Thank you! Cindy 🙂
Olivia says
Hi Cindy! Yay for the cake wraps! They are a total lifesaver. This cake uses my standard vanilla cake as a base for it and I think it would work well sculpted. I wouldn’t torte it to 4 total layers like this tiramisu version but should work fine otherwise!
Cindy says
Olivia, This is my “go to” Vanilla cake from this day forward. The cake baked perfectly, perfect density,, not too dense, but not too light, and best of all…. not too sweet! It tastes like a buttery vanilla cake. perfectly moist. I have a baking business, and I bake everyday. I have been trying Vanilla cake recipes for over a year, Experimenting on my own, but no success…. until today.
Thank you. Oh, btw – it works fine for sculpting cakes too.
Cindy 🙂
Olivia says
Awesome, so happy to hear that!! Seriously high praise, thank you!
Barb says
Does this cake have to be refrigerated?
Olivia says
Hi Barb! I would refrigerate it, yes.
Jesse says
Hi! If I wanted to use espresso from my espresso maker, how much would you recommend (vs water and espresso powder)? Same amounts of sugar and liqueur for the coffee syrup?
Olivia says
Hi Jesse! I would just use a shot of espresso and reduce the water by about the same amount.
Ellen says
I soooo badly wanted to make this cake! But alas, every time I try to make the frosting, no matter what, it either curdles or goes too runny…then curdles when I try to thicken it. I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong…then my mum suggested it might not be me, it might be the ingredients. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve discovered that an ingredient down here in Australia is made differently to the rest of the world. And sure enough, there it is…Australian mascarpone is so different that it’s actually classified as a different kind of cheese! The fat content is 20-35% lower than the rest of the world. Combine that with the fact the humidity here is currently 85%…it looks like the frosting’s off the table…
That being said, the rest of the recipe worked wonderfully. I found the cake was wonderfully light and fluffy, and the espresso syrup is seriously addictive. I ended up turning it into a latte cake, which I took to work and disappeared in a day!
Olivia says
Hi Ellen! So interesting, thank you for sharing that info!! I’m sorry it caused you so much trouble. I had no idea mascarpone was made differently in other parts of the world — especially so drastically that it would affect a recipe. I’m so glad the rest of the recipe worked well and that you liked it. Thank you for sharing your tips!
Eliza says
Hi Liv! I only have 1 eight inch pan. Can I bake them in two batches? If so, how long would I need to bake each batch?
Olivia says
Hi Eliza! I wouldn’t bake them in two batches as the cake should ideally be baked right away. I mean, you can try, it might work, the second layer might just not be as good as the first :). Alternatively you can halve the recipe and make it twice. Baking time would be relatively the same, maybe slightly shorter if baking one at a time.
Eliza says
Oh, okay! Also, your cake here seems to be the same as your basic vanilla cake recipe. Everything else is the same, but here, it says to use 2 tsp baking powder. It says 2 1/4 tsp over on the basic vanilla recipe. Which one should I use????
Olivia says
Hi Eliza! Use the recipe here as listed. I experiment with my cakes so they’re not always the same each time. Using and extra 1/4 tsp won’t hurt though.
Ginny says
Hi Liv! I’m really excited to make this cake. My only question is- is it possible to make buttermilk at home? Which type did you use?
Olivia says
Hi Ginny! You can make it at home, I do all the time! Add 1 Tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk and let it sit for 10mins.
Sonya Kreger says
I made this for Christmas last year. The recipe was pretty easy to follow but I must say temperature is everything when it comes to this cake. You really need to make sure EVERYTHING is room temperature before you use it.
I had a little trouble keeping the frosting from curdling, but I used some of the helpful tips to keep it perfect! Overall, I got a lot of compliments and requests to make it again!
Olivia says
Hi Sonya! Totally agree about the room temp ingredients, especially the mascarpone! So glad everyone liked it 🙂
Tiffany says
Hi Olivia! So this is the second time I’ve tried one of your cake recipes. They are amazing, but I’ve been having problems with the cake being very dense STILL! ARGH!
It becomes very tacky when eaten and sticks to the roof of your mouth.
For this cake, I made sure to get new baking powder and was so sure I did not over mix. Just until each addition of whatever is called for was incorporated. And made sure everything that had to be at room temp, was at room temp.
The first pan I put in the oven(30 min) baked a little more that half way up the pan. Took it out and it did not seem dense at first. (Forgot to put on the bake even strip but didn’t think it’d matter since it baked up relatively flat)
Second pan, (I put on the bake even strip soaked in water for 5 min and baked for 35 min since the moisture probably caused the cake to take longer to bake? Took it out of the oven a couple times to test for done-ness) Took it out, and this one rose even less than the first one, less than half. After cooling, the center also slightly deflated(which was weird since I tested for done-ness all over the cake, shouldn’t have been undercooked) and caused a small dip/crater.(although it wasn’t a big deal since I was able to fill it in with frosting)
Overall, I was not able to determine dense ness until completely assembling the cake and cutting into it. Ended up having to do two layers since I did not think either was thick enough to torte.
The first pan ended up dense, while the second did not, which made no sense to me, unless it was just because the second pan was thinner and was able to absorb more of the coffee syrup?? Or maybe it had something to do with the bake even strips and the evaporating water made it less dense? Or maybe it was because I took the second one out of the oven multiple times?
But to recap on my questions, I have no idea why the first pan came out so dense or why the second had a slight crater. Olivia please help😖 am at the end of my wits! So sorry for the book😞 I appreciate any advice you have, and thanks for your time!
Olivia says
Hi Tiffany! Sorry to hear about your cake troubles, I hope I can help!
First — the moisture of the baking strips will make the cakes take longer to bake, so that’s nothing to worry about. The center being deflated leads me to believe the cake was take out too early which could cause it to collapse. My first test when checking for done-ness is to give the pans a very slight nudge in the oven. If there is any jiggle at all, I leave them in there another 5 mins. I never actually take the pans OUT until I’m sure they are 100% done. This could also have contributed to it being shorter than the first.
Was each of the pans baked from a separate batch of batter? If not, they should be baked at the same time (one should not be sitting out while the other bakes). I’m not sure that’s what you did, but I thought I’d call that out.
Finally, for this recipe, my cake layers were not very tall — about 1.5″ or so — you can see the torted layers are quite thin, but I wanted it that way to more emulate the tiramisu.
I wonder if the gummy texture is due to too much of the syrup being added on top of the layers? That would cause them to get more dense and potentially a bit soggy.
I’m not sure if any of this was helpful, but I hope so! Please keep me posted on how things go next time.
Zunaira Naz Quraishi says
Hi! i wanted to make a sample of this cake. if i cut the recipe in half would it better fit in a 6 inch or a 4 inch round pan thats 3 inches deep?
Olivia says
Hi Zunaira! Converting pan sizes is always tricky. Here’s a site I use as a guideline: http://www.joyofbaking.com/PanSizes.html I think a 4″ would be too small.
Zunaira Naz Quraishi says
I made half the cake, and it was perfect for one 6″ – 3″ deep round pan! it came out to approximately 1.5 lbs (which is how much i usually put in a 6″ pan).
Olivia says
Awesome, thanks for the update!
Hannah Memory says
Hello!
I’m planning on making this cake soon but could only find instant coffee at my grocery store. Do I need to use espresso powder or could I use instant coffee?
Olivia says
Hi Hannah! Instant coffee won’t be as strong as espresso powder, so I would use more of it (maybe 3x more). Otherwise it should work fine!
Cassandra Pantano says
Hello,
I am planning on making this cake for my family’s thanksgiving, however I am short on time the days prior due to work. If I were to bake the cakes on a Tuesday night, and then make the icing and assemble on a Wednesday night to severe Thursday, do you think I will have a problem keeping everything fresh? Any recommendations on ways to make and store this cake for 1-2 days?
Thank you!
Olivia says
Hi Cassandra! I think you will be fine, especially since the layers will be soaked in the coffee syrup — that will help prevent the cake from being dry. I would wrap the layers in plastic wrap and freeze overnight (the freezer helps lock in moisture). Take out 1-2 hours before you plan to assemble, then store the assembled cake in the fridge.
Nina says
Awesome cake, Olivia!!!!!
Just omitted sugar in brewed coffe, just perfect. Made it for my friend’s bday party, everyone loved it.
And I think it will hold dondant.
Thanks
Olivia says
So happy to hear that you liked it Nina!
Brandy says
Hi Olivia!
So I’m looking to make this cake into a 2 layer 9”X 13”
Cake for a college graduation. I’m thinking I’m. Going to need to at least double it. What’s your suggesting on doubling or possible tripling the recipe? Also do you think I should be adjust mint the temperature and bake time as well? It’s been awhile since I have done a sheet cake so I don’t want it to come out dry.
Thanks in advance for any assistance!
B
Olivia says
Hi Brandy! Converting pan sizes is always tricky. Here’s a site I use as a guideline: http://www.joyofbaking.com/PanSizes.html I would not adjust the temperature but baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the layers! The syrup will help counteract any dryness too, if that happens 🙂
Brandy Crassweller says
thank you so much!
I will let you know the outcome!
Aly says
Hi, Liv! I was wondering how I would make this recipe (cake mixture) for high altitude..if you know how to!
I just recently moved from sea level to the mountains, so baking is still tricky for me 🙁 I would love to make this for work!
Thanks!
Olivia says
Hi Aly! High altitude baking can be tricky and require some experimentation :\ Here’s a site that I recommend to people with tips! https://www.kingarthurflour.com/learn/high-altitude-baking.html
Jo Blair says
Absolutely agree with Ryan. Very art deco and very beautiful. Sometimes simplicity is the best strategy for presentation and this works to perfection. Now to make it for myself – presentation is very much my thing, cake baking isn’t… yet!
Olivia says
Hah, thanks Jo! I hope you like this one 🙂
Anastasia says
I’ve made this cake twice now, its a wonderful recipe and gets great feedback. For this cake, I would strongly suggest to add the mascarpone cheese (cold) at the end for the icing, once all other ingredients are mixed well, to prevent the mascarpone from splitting. I am having trouble getting the cake to rise, I keep getting very flat layers, minimal rise, any suggestions? I’m using correct temperatures and fresh ingredients, the only thing I can think is I’m using an electric hand mixer….
Olivia says
The cold mascarpone is what caused mine to split actually, I had to heat it up for it to come together. For the flatter layers — is it possible you’re overmixing the cake batter? That can cause cakes to bake flat and dense. Only mix until the flour is just incorporated.
Brandy says
Hi Olivia, I was thinking her cake isn’t rising her baking powder could be off. Once baking powder goes off, no rise will happen.
Olivia says
Yes good point! That could be a culprit too.
Alyssa says
Hi! Do you know how to make this for a 10 inch cake? If I doubled the recipe, would that give me enough batter for 1 or 2 layers? Thanks!
Olivia says
Hi Alyssa! I’m not 100% sure, but according to this site (http://www.joyofbaking.com/PanSizes.html) it looks like if you double it it should work for two 10″ layers.
Alyssa says
Thanks so much! One more question, sorry! How is the texture of the cake? Is it on the denser or lighter side? I just want to make sure it isn’t like a pound cake texture? The person I’m making it for isn’t a fan of that lol. Do you think the layers would stay moist if refrigerated wrapped in plastic wrap overnight? I guess that’s two questions haha.
Thanks!
Olivia says
I found it nice and light, definitely NOT a pound cake texture. But be sure not to overmix the batter as that can lead to a dense cake. Also spoon and level your flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping it. The layers would definitely stay moist overnight! Let me know how it turns out 🙂
katherine hernandez says
How deep should the 8″ round cake pan be? I have two but they are only about 1″ 3/4 deep.
Olivia says
Hi Katherine! Mine are 2″ tall and the cakes bake almost to the top. I suspect 1 3/4″ would be close, you can give it a try!
Elizabeth says
Hello! I am making this cake 2 days in advance. Can I make the buttercream 2 days in advance as well? With 2 days in between baking and eating, should I refrigerate the cake layers or freeze?
Or could I assemble the cake 2 days in advance and refrigerate the whole thing?
Thanks!
Olivia says
Hi Elizabeth! Yes you can make everything in advance. Ideally freeze the cake layers as the fridge tends to dry them out. Buttercream can be refrigerated but will need to be rewhipped once it’s at room temp again. You could also assemble all 2 days in advance, and refrigerate or freeze. The syrup helps keep the layers moist, so drying out shouldnt be as much of an issue with this one.
Ilona Alkins says
What a fantastic cake! My fiancee loves tiramisu and was very excited when he saw the cake. Your steps are easy to follow – will certainly be reading your blog for new ideas and tips on baking! x
Olivia says
Hi Ilona! So happy to hear that you both liked it 🙂
Katherine says
This turned out really well, thanks for the recipe!
Olivia says
So happy to hear that you liked it Katherine!
Rachel says
Hi… I want to make this in a 12″ x 3″ round pan. What would be the new measurements?
Stephanie says
Hi! I am a new baker so though ur receipt is looking great mine turn out a disaster 🙁 The mixture turns into an oil flood and theres barely enough flour. I’m sure i follow the measurements step by step, do you think it would be problems related to me using the metric system or over-whisking?
Olivia says
Hi Stephanie! Sorry to hear you had trouble with this one. I have not verified the metric measurements as they are automatically calculated. They seem correct though… But the cake mixture should be quite thick, so something must have been off. What do you mean by oil flood? There is no oil in the cake.
Kat says
I really want to make this recipe, it looks amazing!! However, I only have 6- inch pans. Can I use the same batter in 3 6-inch pans instead of 2 8-inch pans and would the cooking time be different?
Thank you !!
Olivia says
Hi Kat! Yes, it should work fine in three 6″ pans. Baking time would be relatively the same. Let me know how it turns out!
Ase says
Thank you so much for wonderful recipe!!
Will try.
The pan you suggested is 8inch by 2inch?
Then you cut in half making layers of 1 inch?
Which tool you use to cut the cakes?
Thanks!
Olivia says
Hi Ase! Yes, I cut each layer in half horizontally to get 4 layers total. This is the tool I use: http://amzn.to/2GkRfLS
Amber says
I know I’m a bit late on this, but after searching for tiramisu layer cake recipes online, I’m so glad one of my favourite bloggers has come up with the goods–it looks perfect.
I’ve also fallen victim to the cottage-cheese-SMB 🙁
I’ve also brought mine back to life by warming… taking a big scoop out, melting it, and beating it into the curdled mess. Definitely trying the hairdryer trick next time!
Olivia says
Hi Amber! Glad to know I’m not alone. The hair dryer has saved me in the kitchen more than once 😂
Maylen Ramirez says
Question: I am going to make this cake today & serve it tomorrow, where should I store it?
Olivia says
Hi Maylen! Store it in the fridge and take it out 2 hours or so before serving so it can come to room temperature.
Jessica says
Hi Olivia, I was curious if I could make the cake a day before and assemble the day of the party. It is my step dads birthday this week and we will be too busy setting up the party the day of to make the entire cake.
Olivia says
Hi Jessica! Totally! You could actually make the entire cake the day before and just store it in the fridge. Take out about 2-3 hours before serving. For sure though, the cake layers themselves can be baked a day ahead. Just cover them well in plastic wrap once cooled.
Debbie says
Question? When you put the syrup on top and then frost with the buttercream …isnt the top wet from the syrup causing he buttercream to not adhere? Could you poke through the cake and soak it that way with the flavor, maybe easier to frost
Olivia says
Hi Debbie! Since the cake layers are cut in half, the syrup soaks right into them so the buttercream adhere’s just fine 🙂
Kim Noggin says
Thank you so much Olivia for this delicious recipe. I made this cake for my cousin’s 21st b’day. It was a huge hit! Since I am also a lover of Baileys Irish cream I just had to make your coffee buttercream also from ‘Coffee and Baileys cake’. Best decision ever.
Olivia says
Hi Kim! I’m so glad you liked it! That coffee/baileys buttercream is one of my faves ever! As is this cake 🙂
Marsha says
Looks delicious! Will have to try.
Olivia says
I hope you like it Marsha!
Hakima says
I should probably invest in some 8 inch cake rounds. I have every other size. For some reason every time I am ready to buy an 8 inch round cake pan, they seem super flimsy. People love Wilton, but they’re just so cheaply made. My favorite pans that I’ve purchased are some brand I’ve never heard of from Tuesday Morning (a cute shop that sells things pretty cheap).
Anyway, that being said, I wanted to see if you’ve tried this in 9inch cake pans. I’ve done this before with different recipes, but wasn’t sure if this particular one will work?
Olivia says
Hi Hakima! Have you tried Fat Daddio’s pans? They are very sturdy and are a favourite of mine 🙂 http://amzn.to/2wXzyMp
This recipe will work in 9″ cake pans, but the layers will be a bit thinner so you may not be able to cut them in half. I would suggest maybe baking it in three 9″ cake pans (if you have 3), and making a 3 layer cake instead. Let me know how it turns out!
Hakima says
Yes! I do have 3 pans. Will definitely try that out instead of making it with 2 and cutting. And this way enough frosting to go around.
Also, I’ve already bought the lady fingers off Amazon and they arrived this weekend. I am making this for my husband’s 29th birthday on Wednesday. So excited!! Will definitely let you know how well it turns out.
Olivia says
Yay!! Good luck and let me know how you like it 🙂
Hakima says
Making it in 9inch pans turned out GREAT! It was absolutely delish and my husband LOVED it. We’re only 2 people, and we won’t finish an entire cake, so I took the rest to work and shared with my co-workers. They’re quite in love with it.
My only question is how do you make your cakes SO smooth?
Olivia says
Yay! So glad you guys liked it!! I use this tool on the sides of the cake to make the frosting smooth: http://amzn.to/2wYpymK. It works amazingly well!
Katya says
Is there any chance this cake would freeze? I’m needing/wanting a cake that will freeze for a couple of weeks and this one looks so delicious!
Olivia says
Hi Katya! This cake should freeze pretty well. Let me know how it turns out!
Kirsten says
Hello Olivia! I am also going to refrigerate my cake for a few days before I ice and decorate it and am wondering if you would suggest I put the coffee syrup on before or after?
Olivia says
Hi Kristen! I would put the coffee syrup on the layers just before you frost the whole cake. Since you’re not assembling the cake right away, I’d recommend freezing the cake layers (refrigerating will dry them out). I wrap mine tightly in plastic wrap and freeze until I’m ready to use them. Then just thaw for an hour or so. I hope that helps!
Suhail says
Hi,this cake look tasty . Can you write the measurmant in gr/ml .thank
Olivia says
Hi Suhail, it should be available now.
Cindy Rodriguez says
Gorgeous! It definitely has an art deco, old Hollywood look to it. Love the tip with the hair dryer and totally get the having your ingredients at room temperature. Who has the time, though, sometimes?!? I’m sure it tastes amazing!
Olivia says
I know! Seriously. I am notorious for forgetting to take my eggs out, but those can be quickly brought to room temp in some hot water. Butter though? Ugh.
Kathy says
Great recipe! I used 2-6 inch round pans and 2-6 inch square pans, in order to make 2 smaller cakes for 2 couples. There was plenty of batter to do this without having to double. The only tip I would pass on is, make sure you are VERY generous with the coffee syrup when you brush it on, mine was a little skimpy, but it was still a wonderful ! I made some quick ganache to add a little more flair to the top and I also brushed the ladyfingers with coffee syrup. Delicious. Thanks!
Olivia says
Hi Kathy! Thanks so much for your tips. I’m so glad you liked it!! 🙂
Courtney says
How long did the cakes bake using the 6 inch round pans? I am new to baking and wanted to use smaller pans, but am not sure about the “conversion” required. Thanks!
Olivia says
Hi Courtney! They will take about 35-40mins to bake or so. I hope you like it!
Tessa says
Wow! This is definitely on my list to try. Thank you! I too have had the cottage cheese curdled buttercream, I took a bowl full out, heated it briefly in the microwave and reincorporated it. Perfect end result!
Olivia says
Right?! It’s amazing that it can be saved. It’s a really easy buttercream to work with 🙂
Thea says
This looks delish! I’m not a cake baker so sorry for this question, does one brush the syrup on the cut side of the cakes or on the smoother side or does it matter? Thanks in advance!
Olivia says
Hi Thea! That’s a great question actually. It’s best to brush it on the cut side of the cake so that the coffee syrup can soak into the cake better.
Mindy says
Looks beautiful! I didn’t know that about warming the icing to save it- really appreciate the tip!
Olivia says
Thanks Mindy! Glad you found it helpful 🙂
Martha Rodriguez says
Gracias por compartir recetas tan espectaculares.
Me encantan y las disfruto muchísimo. Hice la torta moca y fue éxito total. Lo que sí he hecho es bajar la cantidad de azúcar. Aquí en Colombia nos piden bajar el dulce en las recetas de tortas. Esta de tiramisú si la hago creo que sólo le dajaria una taza de azúcar.
Feliz con sus recetas y vonsrjos. Gracias
Olivia says
Thank you Martha! I’m so glad you liked the Mocha Cake. I hope you like this one too! 🙂
Oksana says
Hi Olivia. I have a question about liquor or rum. I don’t have any of these at home. How can I substitute or omit them? Thank you
Olivia says
Hi Oksana! You can leave that out 🙂
Jerri Martin says
Hi Olivia,
This cake looks fantastic! My question is, do these cake layers rise to the top of the pans? I always use Fat Daddio’s 8×2 pans. My cakes never seem to rise the full 2″ so my layers look so skimpy when I torte them. Any advice?
Olivia says
Hi Jerri! Those are the exact pans I used! Fat Daddios 8×2. The cakes rose to the top for me, maybe a teeensy bit under, but enough to torte into what you see here 🙂
Jerri Martin says
Thank you Olivia for such a quick response, I gotta give this beauty a try!
Tam says
Hi Olivia, I am having trouble with the cakes rising. Do the pans need to be lined up the sides as well, or just the bottom?
Olivia says
Hi Tam! I only line the bottoms. The cakes don’t rise a huge amount, but they should rise. Is it possible that your baking powder is expired?
Rick Rodriguez says
Thanks for this version of Tiramisu Cake. I’ll have to give this a try. Love your blog and photos. It would be helpful if you also gave metric measurements because some of us, like me, are a little lazy to do the converting. 🙂
Olivia says
Hi Rick! Thanks so much. I’m actually working on getting a converter put in place for metric measurements! Stay tuned 🙂
Donna @ What the Dog Ate says
My first thought, before I read you post was, “I really like what she did with the ladyfingers. So creative.”
Olivia says
Hah! Thank you for that, Donna 🙂 I think the look has grown on me over time 🙂