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Tiramisu-ish Layer Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 69 reviews

A delicious vegetarian Tiramisu-inspired layer cake combining moist vanilla cake soaked in coffee syrup with creamy mascarpone frosting and a dusting of dark cocoa powder. Perfect for celebrations and dessert lovers looking for a rich yet tender treat.

Ingredients

Vanilla Cake

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 150g (3/4 cup) castor sugar
  • 80g extra virgin olive oil
  • 250g (1 cup) thick unsweetened full-fat Greek yoghurt
  • 185g (1 1/2 cups) plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon bi-carb soda
  • Pinch of sea salt

Coffee Soak

  • 150ml strong espresso (3 espresso shots, topped up with boiling water if needed)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons castor sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Mascarpone Frosting

  • 500g cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 130g (1 cup) pure icing sugar
  • 500g mascarpone

To Assemble

  • 3 tablespoons dark Dutch-process cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vanilla Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla bean paste or extract, and castor sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually add the olive oil and then fold in the Greek yoghurt, ensuring a smooth mixture.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, bi-carb soda, and sea salt. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to over-mix to maintain tenderness.
  3. Bake the Cake Layers: Pour the batter evenly into two greased or lined 8-inch cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  4. Prepare the Coffee Soak: Combine the strong espresso, castor sugar, and vanilla bean paste in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside to cool if still warm.
  5. Make the Mascarpone Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla bean paste or extract and icing sugar, then continue to beat. Gently fold in the mascarpone until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
  6. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled, brush each layer generously with the coffee soak to moisten the cake. Place one layer on your serving plate, spread a layer of mascarpone frosting evenly over it, then place the second layer on top. Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
  7. Finish with Cocoa Powder: Using a fine sieve, dust the top of the cake with the dark Dutch-process cocoa powder to give that classic tiramisu look and flavor.
  8. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up. For best results, chill overnight before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use full-fat Greek yoghurt for a tender, moist cake texture.
  • Ensure the coffee soak is cooled before brushing to prevent melting the frosting.
  • For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso shots or add a splash of coffee liqueur to the soak.
  • Let the cake chill sufficiently to allow easy slicing and better flavor development.
  • You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone only if desired, but the combination adds balance to the frosting texture.

Find it online: https://sweetworldtastes.com/tiramisu-ish-layer-cake-recipe/