Tiramisu Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of both tiramisu and chocolate cake, you’re absolutely going to love this Tiramisu Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe. It’s like the best of both worlds, where rich chocolate layers meet that luscious coffee-infused cream, creating a dessert that’s indulgent yet light enough to keep you coming back for more. I’ve found it’s perfect for celebrations or just when you want to treat your family and friends to something truly special.

What makes this Tiramisu Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe so worth trying is how the coffee milk soak beautifully softens the sponge, while the mascarpone cream brings that signature tiramisu flavor without being overpowering. Plus, the glossy chocolate ganache on top adds a finish that’s both impressive and utterly delicious. When you make it, it feels like you’re bringing a little Italian café right into your home kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each element in this cake works together to build layers of flavor and texture that complement each other wonderfully. When shopping, I like to grab good quality mascarpone and dark chocolate — they really elevate the final result.

• Plain flour: The base for the cake layers – don’t skimp here for structure.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering flavors.
• Buttermilk: Adds a slight tanginess and tender crumb to the cake.
• Boiling water: Dissolves the coffee and cocoa for that deep chocolate flavor.
• Instant coffee: Amplifies the mocha notes beautifully.
• Vanilla bean paste: Provides a richer vanilla flavor than extract.
• Eggs: Bind everything together perfectly.
• Cocoa powder: Make sure it’s unsweetened for that true chocolate hit.
• Caster and brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a subtle molasses depth to sweeten the cake.
• Milk (for soak): Combined with sugar and coffee to soften the layers.
• Instant coffee powder (for soak): Infuses the sponge with authentic coffee flavor.
• Dark chocolate (for ganache): Use a quality 70% cocoa for richness.
• Thickened cream: The base for both ganache and mascarpone cream, whipped to perfection.
• Mascarpone cheese: Keeps the cream feeling indulgent but light.
• Icing sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone cream without graininess.
• Cocoa powder (optional, for dusting): For that classic tiramisu look.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Tiramisu Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe depending on the occasion. You can easily make it your own by tweaking the coffee intensity or switching up the chocolate percentage in the ganache. Don’t be afraid to personalize!

• For a lighter version: I’ve swapped out half the thickened cream in the mascarpone cream for whipped egg whites, which adds airiness without losing richness.
• Nutty twist: Adding finely chopped toasted hazelnuts between the layers creates delightful texture and complements the coffee flavor.
• Alcohol added: Sometimes I stir in a splash of coffee liqueur or Marsala wine into the coffee milk soak to give it that boozy tiramisu vibe.
• Seasonal fruits: Fresh raspberries or cherries on top add a pop of color and a tart contrast that pairs surprisingly well.

How to Make Tiramisu Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Chocolate Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven and prepping your pans – I like to grease and line two 8-inch cake pans for easy release. In a large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder to avoid any lumps. Then, in another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, instant coffee dissolved in boiling water, vanilla bean paste, eggs, caster sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet gently, making sure not to overmix so your cake stays tender. Pour the batter evenly into your pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before moving on. Trust me, rushing this step could cause your layers to crumble when you soak them.

Step 2: Make the Coffee Milk Soak

While the cakes are cooling, make the coffee milk soak by gently warming milk with caster sugar and instant coffee powder. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved and let it cool. This soak is the secret that takes your cake from delicious to unforgettable by adding moisture and that classic tiramisu coffee kick.

Step 3: Whip up the Chocolate Ganache

Chop your dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the thickened cream in a saucepan until it’s just about to boil, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for about 2 minutes before stirring gently until smooth and glossy. This ganache will add a rich, shiny finish on top of your cake layers, so patience here is key to getting that perfect silky texture.

Step 4: Create the Espresso Mascarpone Cream

In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone with vanilla bean paste, cooled brewed coffee, and icing sugar. In a separate bowl, whip thickened cream until soft peaks form, then fold it gently into the mascarpone mixture. This cream is light yet decadent — the coffee adds a subtle depth that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create four thin layers. Using a pastry brush, generously soak each cake layer with your coffee milk soak — this helps make the cake super moist. Spread a thick layer of espresso mascarpone cream on each soaked layer, stacking carefully as you go. Once assembled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top and spread evenly. A final dusting of cocoa powder completes the look and gives that authentic tiramisu touch.

How to Serve Tiramisu Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder on the top, but sometimes I add chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of finely ground coffee beans for texture. It not only looks fabulous but enhances the layers of flavor with every bite — simple yet so elegant.

Side Dishes

This cake is dessert enough on its own, but pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream really balances the richness. I’ve also served it alongside a strong espresso or a glass of dessert wine for a full café-style experience at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I like to decorate the top with edible flowers or coffee beans arranged in a neat circle. Another fun idea is to pipe some extra mascarpone cream around the edges with a star tip—a little extra effort that makes it look professionally done and impresses everyone every single time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the mascarpone cream and coffee soak, the cake stays moist and fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing this cake works well if you wrap it carefully in multiple layers of cling film and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you thaw it overnight in the fridge, the flavors meld beautifully, though I recommend skipping the cocoa dusting until after thawing to keep it looking fresh.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary — just let it sit out for 20 minutes to soften slightly if straight from the fridge. Reheating can cause the mascarpone cream to lose its texture, so I avoid warming it to keep that signature light and creamy mouthfeel intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or a cozy night in, it’s a dessert that hits all the right notes — rich but balanced, creamy but not heavy, with that unmistakable coffee-chocolate combo everyone loves. I hope you give it a try and find it as delightful to make and eat as I do!

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