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Decadent Espresso Tiramisu Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Classic Indulgence

espresso tiramisu cake - featured image

A rich and elegant espresso tiramisu cake with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, perfect for gatherings and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 ladyfingers (Savoiardi), crisp and dry
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) freshly brewed espresso, cooled
  • 3 tablespoons Marsala wine or coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 16 oz (450 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Brew 1 ½ cups (360 ml) of strong espresso and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in 3 tablespoons of Marsala wine or coffee liqueur if using. Set aside.
  2. In a chilled bowl, whip 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream with ¼ cup (50 g) of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat 16 oz (450 g) of room temperature mascarpone with ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined but still light and airy.
  4. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture (about 1-2 seconds each side) and arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) pan. Ladyfingers should be moist but still hold shape.
  5. Spoon half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers and smooth the top gently.
  6. Repeat the dipping and layering process with the remaining ladyfingers, then spread the remaining mascarpone cream over this second layer.
  7. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. Just before serving, sift a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top.

Notes

Do not soak ladyfingers for more than 1-2 seconds to avoid sogginess. Use room temperature mascarpone for smooth mixing. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slicing. Variations include adding chocolate shavings or fruit layers, and substitutions for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: tiramisu, espresso tiramisu, tiramisu cake, Italian dessert, mascarpone, easy tiramisu, classic tiramisu, coffee dessert