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As the sun dipped below the horizon, the unmistakable aroma of cocoa wafted through my kitchen, reminiscent of sweet indulgence. I had been yearning for a dessert that harmoniously bridged the elegance of Italian tiramisu with the rich, decadent charm of chocolate cake. The flavors of velvety mascarpone and bittersweet cocoa danced in my mind, leading me to the creation of this delectable Chocolate Tiramisu Cake.

With multiple layers that entice the senses, each bite reveals a luscious balance of sweet and slightly bitter notes. The beautiful, creamy texture melts on the tongue, while the slight crunch from the lady fingers adds an exciting contrast. Perfect for sophisticated gatherings or a cozy night in, this cake is bound to impress anyone who crosses your threshold.

Ready to elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe that will turn any moment into a celebration of exquisite flavor.

Why is Chocolate Tiramisu Cake a Must-Try?

Irresistible Layers: The combination of fluffy chocolate cake and creamy mascarpone filling creates a sumptuous taste and texture that your guests will rave about.
Elegant Presentation: Each slice offers a stunning visual appeal, making it a showstopper at any gathering.
Versatile Flavor: Customize your dessert with flavored liqueurs or fresh berries to give it a personal twist!
Easily Adjustable: Whether you prefer it richer or lighter, this recipe allows you to fine-tune sweetness with ease.
Time-Saving Delight: Prepping ahead can make hosting effortless, allowing you to enjoy the celebration alongside your guests.
Crowd-Pleaser: This cake combines two beloved desserts into one, ensuring its universal appeal—who can resist chocolate and tiramisu?

Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake
• Cake Flour – Use spooned and leveled to avoid excess flour for the lightest texture.
• Black Cocoa Powder – Provides a deep, rich flavor; substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa for a milder taste.
• Fine Sea Salt – Enhances the flavor; ensure it’s finely ground for even distribution.
• Baking Powder – A fresh leavening agent is essential for that perfect rise.
• Granulated Sugar – Adjust to taste, contributing both sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Canola Oil – A neutral-flavored oil that adds moisture; vegetable oil works as a substitute.
• Large Eggs – At room temperature, they bind and provide structure to your beautiful cake.
• Sour Cream – Ensures moisture with a tangy twist; Greek yogurt can substitute with a similar texture.
• Hot Coffee – Intensifies the chocolate flavor; use Americano or decaf if needed.

For the Mascarpone Cream
• Mascarpone Cheese – Choose Belgioioso for the best taste and texture; avoid wet mascarpone for stability.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the cream; sift before mixing to prevent lumps.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Must be cold to achieve perfect aeration for a luscious texture.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – A lovely flavor addition; vanilla extract can be used if paste is unavailable.

For Assembly
• Espresso – Adds flavor when soaking the cake; strong brewed coffee works if you don’t have espresso.
• Granulated Sugar (for espresso) – Sweetens the espresso mix for balanced flavor.
• Lady Fingers – These provide structure; use homemade or store-bought, trimmed to fit the cake layers.
• Cocoa Powder for Dusting – Enhances both aesthetics and flavor; Dutch-processed is preferred for smoothness.

With these carefully selected Chocolate Tiramisu Cake ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a dessert that will leave your guests utterly delighted. Get ready to impress!

How to Make Chocolate Tiramisu Cake

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, canola oil, eggs, and sour cream until creamy. This mixture should be smooth and slightly fluffy, giving your cake a lovely texture.
Incorporate Hot Coffee: Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Then add the hot coffee and mix until smooth. The hot coffee amplifies the rich chocolate flavor.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes, until the center springs back when pressed. Your cake should rise beautifully!
Cool and Slice: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a towel or cooling rack. Once cooled completely, slice the cake in half horizontally with a serrated knife.
Prepare Espresso Soak: Brew a strong espresso and mix it with some granulated sugar. Taste and adjust sweetness. Let it cool, then chill in the fridge if desired.
Make Mascarpone Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Gradually add the cold heavy whipping cream and vanilla bean paste, beating until stiff peaks form.
Assemble Cake: Use acetate around the base of one half of the cake for stability. Soak the bottom layer with the espresso mix, then spread a generous layer of mascarpone cream on top. Place soaked lady fingers around the edges, then add another layer of cream.
Add Second Layer: Place the second cake half upside down on top of the first layer. Spread any remaining mascarpone cream over the top and refrigerate for at least 8 hours to set.
Finish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder. Carefully remove the acetate and slice into pieces.

Optional: Garnish with chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Tiramisu Cake

Fridge: Store the cake airtight in the fridge for up to one week. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to keep the flavors intact and prevent it from drying out.

Freezer: Wrap slices of Chocolate Tiramisu Cake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Thawing: To serve frozen slices, simply move them to the fridge and let them thaw overnight. This will help retain the lovely creamy texture when you enjoy your delicious dessert.

Reheating: For added warmth, you can microwave each slice for about 10-15 seconds; this will slightly soften the mascarpone and bring out the chocolate flavor.

What to Serve with Chocolate Tiramisu Cake?

Indulge in the delight of hosting by creating a full meal that harmonizes beautifully with this decadent dessert.

Espresso: A classic pairing, the bold flavors of a freshly brewed espresso perfectly complement the rich chocolate and creamy mascarpone layers.
Mixed Berry Compote: The tartness of fresh berries drizzled over each slice adds brightness, contrasting beautifully against the cake’s richness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream brings a delightful cold element that enhances the decadent chocolate experience in each bite.
Moscato Wine: This sweet, fruity wine wraps your palate in a gentle embrace, making every morsel of cake even more enjoyable and indulgent.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm chocolate ganache over slices elevates the dessert experience, intensifying the chocolate flavors while adding a silky texture.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy, sweet coconut treats provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft cake layers, creating a symphony of textures.

Remember, these pairings can transform your dessert experience into an exquisite celebration of flavors and sensations, leaving your guests craving more!

Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on your Chocolate Tiramisu Cake, adding your personal touch to this decadent treat!

Liqueur Infusion: Add a splash of your favorite liqueur, like Kahlúa, to the espresso soak for an adult twist. The warm, rich flavors will take your cake to new heights.
Berry Layers: Incorporate fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, between the layers for a bright, fruity contrast. Their tartness complements the cake’s rich chocolate beautifully.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in finely chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, into the mascarpone cream for a delightful texture. This addition brings a nutty depth and satisfying crunch to every bite.
Layered Chocolate: Use chocolate ganache between the layers instead of or alongside the mascarpone for an ultra-rich experience. This variation adds extra decadence that chocolate lovers will adore!
Decaf Delight: For a caffeine-free version, use decaf coffee or even chicory coffee in the batter and espresso soak. The flavor remains rich without the buzz!
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy this cake without gluten. Just be sure to check your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Spicy Kick: For something bold, add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper in the mascarpone cream. This little kick enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully, enticing the palate.
Fruity Cream: Instead of plain mascarpone, use lemon or orange zest in the cream for a bright citrus note that refreshes the palate with every bite. This takes the flavors to a zingy, floral level!

Expert Tips for Chocolate Tiramisu Cake

Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, enhancing the structure of your Chocolate Tiramisu Cake.
Proper Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; this prevents a dense cake. Stir until just combined for a fluffy texture.
Cooling Time: Allow your cake to cool completely before slicing. This will help prevent the layers from breaking apart during assembly.
Layering Technique: When assembling, ensure the first layer is soaked lightly with espresso. Too much moisture can lead to soggy layers.
Chill the Mascarpone: Keep mascarpone and heavy cream cold before whipping to achieve light, airy peaks in your filling for the Chocolate Tiramisu Cake.
Dust Before Serving: Finally, dust the finished cake with cocoa powder right before serving for a beautiful presentation that adds a touch of elegance.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Chocolate Tiramisu Cakes are perfect for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to save time for their next gathering! You can bake the chocolate cake up to 24 hours in advance; simply let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate. The mascarpone cream can also be made a day ahead; store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the cake following the final steps—layering the espresso-soaked cake, mascarpone cream, and lady fingers—then refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This way, you’ll have an indulgent dessert ready to impress, without the last-minute rush!

Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of cocoa powder should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! I recommend using black cocoa powder for a deep, rich flavor that truly elevates your Chocolate Tiramisu Cake. However, if you prefer a milder taste, Dutch-processed cocoa can be used, but keep in mind it won’t have the same intensity.

How long can I store the Chocolate Tiramisu Cake?
Store your cake airtight in the fridge for up to one week. It’s best to wrap it well to maintain its flavor and moisture. If you’re planning to keep it longer, freezing is the way to go!

Can I freeze the Chocolate Tiramisu Cake?
Yes, you can! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container to preserve freshness. They will stay good for up to 3 months. To enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Why is my cake too dense or not rising?
Very! If your cake turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. When blending the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Additionally, ensure that your baking powder is fresh—an expired leavening agent can affect the rise and texture of your cake.

Are there any dietary concerns with this Chocolate Tiramisu Cake?
Certainly! This recipe contains common allergens like gluten and dairy, which may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re serving guests with allergies, I recommend checking for dairy-free mascarpone substitutes or gluten-free flour options. Always consult your guests regarding their dietary needs.

Can I add flavor variations to the cake?
Absolutely! You can customize your Chocolate Tiramisu Cake by incorporating flavored liqueurs, like Kahlúa, into the espresso soak for a delightful twist. Alternatively, fresh berries or shaved chocolate can complement the creamy layers beautifully, giving your dessert a refreshing touch!