What is tiramisu cake made of?

Tiramisu cake is crafted with layers of espresso-soaked sponge cake, a creamy mascarpone-based filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder. The main ingredients typically include mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, strong brewed coffee or espresso, and optionally a touch of liqueur like Marsala or rum. Some variations also include whipped cream to lighten the filling or chocolate shavings for added texture.

What is the difference between tiramisu and tiramisu cake?

The key difference lies in the structure and ingredients used. Traditional tiramisu is a no-bake dessert made with ladyfingers, while tiramisu cake uses sponge cake layers. Both include the same essential flavors—espresso, mascarpone, and cocoa—but the cake version is firmer, sliceable, and often used for more formal occasions.

Does all tiramisu cake have alcohol?

No, not all versions contain alcohol. While many recipes include Marsala wine, rum, or a coffee liqueur like Kahlúa for added depth, these can be omitted or replaced with extracts for a non-alcoholic option. This makes tiramisu cake suitable for kids, pregnant individuals, or those avoiding alcohol for dietary reasons.

What is tiramisu made of?

Classic tiramisu consists of espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with a mixture of mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, and sugar. It's finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and often includes a liqueur for extra flavor. Tiramisu cake uses similar components but in a layered cake format.

What liquor goes in tiramisu?

Popular choices include Marsala wine, dark rum, and coffee-flavored liqueurs like Kahlúa or Tia Maria. Each type offers its own unique flavor profile, but all contribute warmth and complexity to the dessert. You can adjust the quantity or skip it altogether depending on your preference.

Is mascarpone cream cheese?

Mascarpone is a type of Italian cream cheese, but it’s much richer and creamier than the American version. It has a higher fat content and a more delicate, buttery flavor, making it ideal for desserts like tiramisu. While some recipes substitute it with regular cream cheese, the texture and taste won't be quite the same.

Tiramisu Cake: 7 Best Tips & Recipe for a Perfect Italian Dessert

Name: Tiramisu Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 large eggs, room temperature; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; 1 lb mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee; 2 tbsp liqueur (optional); Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Ingredients

6 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 lb mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
2 tbsp liqueur (optional)
Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Beat eggs and sugar until pale, thick, and tripled in volume (8–10 minutes).
Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt; fold gently to keep the batter airy.
Divide the batter evenly into pans and bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool cakes completely and slice each horizontally to make four layers.
Beat mascarpone with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Whip cream to stiff peaks and fold into mascarpone mixture.
Place one sponge layer on a serving plate, brush with espresso (and liqueur if using), and spread mascarpone filling over it. Repeat for all layers.
Top the final layer with remaining cream. Refrigerate for several hours to set.
Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Notes

For best results, let the cake chill overnight. To make it alcohol-free, skip the liqueur and add vanilla or almond extract to the coffee soak.

Author: Easy Meals
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Layered
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 400
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: tiramisu, cake, mascarpone, espresso, Italian dessert