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Easy Tiramisu Cake with coffee-soaked layers and creamy mascarpone filling.

Easy Tiramisu Cake — Espresso Layered Italian

This elegant and easy tiramisu cake features layers of vanilla cake soaked in espresso and a rich mascarpone cream, perfect for impressing guests.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Cake Layers
  • 1 each One baked vanilla cake sliced into 2 or 3 layers, or two 8 inch round cakes Use a fluffy sponge or a simple vanilla cake.
Cream Filling
  • 8 oz Mascarpone cheese Let sit at room temperature to soften if too cold.
  • 1 cup Heavy whipping cream Whipped to soft peaks.
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
Soaking Coffee
  • 1 cup Strong espresso or very strong coffee, cooled Warm coffee will melt the filling.
Toppings
  • 1 tbsp Cocoa powder for dusting Unsweetened cocoa recommended.
  • Optional Coffee liqueur or rum, and chocolate shavings Optional for added flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Brew your espresso and let it cool.
  2. In a bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks.
  3. Fold in mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla.
Layering
  1. Place your first cake layer on a plate or cake stand.
  2. Brush or spoon cooled espresso over the cake layer - do not soak.
  3. Spread a thick layer of the mascarpone cream over the soaked layer.
  4. Repeat with the next cake layer and finish with cream on top.
Chill
  1. Chill the assembled cake for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Serving
  1. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and add chocolate curls if desired.

Notes

Use a pastry brush to control espresso soaking. The balance of flavors is crucial; avoid over-sweetening.