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The moment my spoon glides through layers of fluffy mascarpone and rich chocolate, I can’t help but feel a wave of bliss. This Chocolate Tiramisu Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining the elegance of tiramisu with the decadence of chocolate. It all started during a rainy afternoon, when I craved something indulgent yet easy to make. With a few simple ingredients, I created a crowd-pleasing dessert that has since become my go-to for gatherings and cozy nights at home.

Perfect for those who are tired of the monotonous fast food routine, this cake offers a burst of flavor and an elegant presentation that never fails to impress. While it looks fancy enough for a festive dinner, it’s surprisingly simple to put together, making it a stellar choice for any home cook. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the delicious world of chocolate and coffee in this irresistible Chocolate Tiramisu Cake!

Why will you love this Chocolate Tiramisu Cake?

Elevated Elegance: This cake transforms a beloved classic into something extraordinary, delivering a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Rich, Layered Flavor: With the perfect fusion of chocolate and coffee, every bite offers deep, robust flavors that will satisfy even the sweetest tooth.

Easy Assembly: Don’t worry about advanced skills! The straightforward process makes it accessible to every home cook, perfect for a cozy night in or an extravagant dinner.

Impressive Presentation: Your friends and family will marvel at the stunning layers and dusting of cocoa powder—it’s sure to steal the show at any gathering.

Make-Ahead Magic: With a chill time of at least 8 hours, this cake is not just delicious but also practical for planning ahead. When you’re ready, slice into the decadence of this delightful treat! If you love creative desserts, check out more ideas in my dessert collection.

Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Ingredients

• Discover the perfect blend of rich chocolate and coffee!

For the Cake Batter

Cake flour – 240 grams adds structure for a light, fluffy cake.
Black cocoa powder – 80 grams gives a deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
Fine sea salt – 1/2 tsp enhances the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
Baking powder – 1 tbsp helps the cake rise to perfection.
Granulated sugar – 350 grams sweetens the cake and creates a moist crumb.
Canola oil – 160 mL keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
Large eggs – 2 eggs add richness and stability to the batter.
Sour cream – 150 grams contributes creaminess and a slight tang for depth.
Hot coffee – 240 mL intensifies the chocolate flavor and helps the cake stay moist.

For the Mascarpone Cream

Mascarpone cheese – 680 grams creates a luxurious, creamy layer.
Powdered sugar – 300 grams sweetens the cream without grittiness.
Fine sea salt – a pinch balances the sweetness in the mascarpone.
Heavy whipping cream – 480 mL whipped into the mascarpone for airy, silky texture.
Vanilla bean paste – 2 teaspoons enhances the cream with a lovely vanilla aroma.

For the Espresso Mixture

Fresh brewed espresso – 180 mL offers the quintessential coffee flavor for dipping.
Granulated sugar – 50 grams sweetens the espresso for a delightful punch.

For Assembly

Lady fingers – 12 pieces create delicious layers that soak in espresso flavor.
Cocoa powder – for dusting adds a finishing touch of elegance to the cake.

Embrace the joy of creating this Chocolate Tiramisu Cake that will have everyone craving more!

How to Make Chocolate Tiramisu Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease and line a 9-inch cake pan. This first step ensures your cake has a perfect, non-stick surface to rise beautifully.
Whisk together the cake flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a large bowl. Mix until combined, creating a rich, chocolatey base for your cake.
Combine sugar, canola oil, eggs, and sour cream in a separate large bowl. Whisk until smooth, ensuring all the ingredients meld beautifully for a moist cake.
Sift the dry ingredients over the wet mixture and gently whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Pour in the hot coffee, whisking until the batter is completely smooth. The hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake tender.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and carefully pour the batter into your prepared cake tin. The rich color of the batter is simply irresistible!
Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the center springs back when pressed gently. The cake should look set and slightly cracked on top—a sign of perfection!
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then flip it out onto a tea towel to cool upside down for 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cake from doming, ensuring even layers.
Slice the cooled cake in half horizontally. Patience here allows for beautiful, even layers that will showcase the creamy mascarpone later on.
Brew fresh espresso and mix it with the granulated sugar. Cool it in the fridge if you prefer a chilled espresso to dip the lady fingers.
Combine the cold mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and a pinch of sea salt in a stand mixer. Mix on low until just combined, setting the stage for a creamy filling.
Increase the mixer speed to medium-high for 1-2 minutes, scraping the bowl halfway through to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Add the vanilla bean paste and cold heavy whipping cream in increments, mixing well after each addition until combined. This builds a luscious cream that is rich in flavor.
Mix at full speed for 1-2 more minutes until the mascarpone cream is thick and airy, ready for layering.
Assemble the cake by placing the first layer on a serving platter and wrapping acetate around the edges for a clean finish.
Spread 2-3 tablespoons of cooled espresso over the first layer of cake. This soak will make the cake bursting with coffee flavor!
Layer one-third of the mascarpone cream on top, spreading evenly to cover the soaked layer. The contrast between cake and cream is heavenly!
Dip lady fingers in the espresso for 1-2 seconds, then arrange them on top of the cream, trimming if necessary. This adds lovely texture and flavor to the cake!
Add another one-third of the mascarpone cream on top of the lady fingers, smoothing it out for the next layer of cake.
Spread 2-3 tablespoons of espresso on the sliced side of the second layer and carefully place it sliced side down on top of the cream.
Finish with the remaining mascarpone cream on top and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. This chilling time allows all flavors to meld beautifully!
Dust the top with cocoa powder and carefully remove the acetate before serving. This final touch not only looks stunning but adds an extra chocolatey kick!

Optional: Garnish with chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Chocolate Tiramisu Cake?

Creating the perfect meal is a delightful journey, especially when paired with comfort and rich flavors.

Espresso Martini: This cocktail captures the essence of coffee, pairing beautifully with the cake’s rich mocha notes. It elevates a cozy dessert into a chic experience.
Fresh Berries: A vibrant mix of raspberries and strawberries adds a burst of freshness, balancing the cake’s richness with their juicy tartness. These berries can also serve as a lovely garnish.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the cake’s dense layers, enhancing its luxurious feel without overpowering the chocolate.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm ganache over each slice intensifies the chocolate flavor while adding a luscious, silky texture that’s simply irresistible.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the cake’s warm coffee undertones, creating a delightful sensory experience.
Nutty Biscotti: This crunchy treat makes the perfect crunchy contrast to the soft, creamy cake. Dip it in your espresso for an extra layer of flavor.

With these delightful pairings, your Chocolate Tiramisu Cake becomes a centerpiece for memorable gatherings and sweet indulgences!

Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will make your Chocolate Tiramisu Cake truly your own!

Gluten-Free: Swap cake flour for a gluten-free blend to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive friends. Just ensure the blend includes a binding agent for the perfect texture!
Nutty Flavor: Add a handful of finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds into the mascarpone cream for added crunch and depth. This will add a lovely, toasted flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Minty Fresh: Mix a few drops of peppermint extract into the mascarpone cream for a refreshing twist. The mint will awaken your taste buds and elevate the rich layers perfectly!
Decadent Dark: Use dark chocolate instead of black cocoa powder. This swap will intensify the chocolate flavor, creating a rich, dark dessert that chocolate lovers won’t resist.
Coffee Alternatives: Replace the brewed espresso with strong brewed chai tea for a unique flavor. The spices in chai will create an enchanting taste experience that will leave everyone curious!
Plant-Based: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use almond milk or coconut cream instead of mascarpone and heavy cream. This will keep the richness intact while catering to vegan preferences.
Layered Delight: Consider adding a layer of your favorite fruit jam or fresh berries between the mascarpone cream layers. The fruity brightness will contrast nicely with the rich chocolate.
Chili Kick: For an unexpected heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mascarpone cream. The subtle warmth adds an exciting dimension that is sure to delight adventurous eaters!

Expert Tips for Chocolate Tiramisu Cake

Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and fresh mascarpone cheese. This ensures your Chocolate Tiramisu Cake has the best flavor.
Gentle Mixing: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stop when just combined.
Perfect Espresso Dip: Dip lady fingers in espresso for just 1-2 seconds; too long and they’ll become soggy, too short and they won’t absorb enough flavor.
Chilling is Key: Allow the cake to chill for at least 8 hours. Skipping this step might mean your flavors don’t meld as well as they could.
Presentation Matters: When dusting the cocoa powder, use a fine mesh sieve for an even distribution. It adds that perfect finishing touch to your beautiful cake!

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Tiramisu Cake layers are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save valuable time! You can prepare the cake base up to 24 hours in advance by baking it, cooling it completely, and then wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. The mascarpone cream can be made up to 3 days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and whip it just before assembling. Additionally, the espresso mixture can be prepped and chilled ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the cake by layering the soaked lady fingers with the mascarpone cream. This makes the dessert just as delicious while freeing up your day for other tasks!

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Tiramisu Cake

Fridge: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered helps maintain the cake’s luscious texture and fresh flavor.

Freezer: This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.

Thawing: To enjoy frozen slices, transfer them to the fridge overnight or leave at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this cake; serve it chilled for the best experience! The creamy mascarpone and soaked lady fingers shine at their best when cool.

Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Recipe FAQs

What kind of cocoa powder should I use for the Chocolate Tiramisu Cake?
Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality black cocoa powder. This type of cocoa gives the cake its deep color and robust chocolate flavor that really shines through. Make sure it’s unsweetened to balance out the sugar in the recipe.

How long can I store the Chocolate Tiramisu Cake in the fridge?
You can store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the cake covered will help maintain its luscious texture and fresh flavor. I often find that it improves a bit after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully!

Can I freeze the Chocolate Tiramisu Cake? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months! To do this, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag or an airtight container. This step is crucial to prevent freezer burn and ensure that your cake stays delicious even after freezing.

What if my cake layers turn out uneven or domed?
If your cake layers end up uneven or domed, don’t worry! To create a more level layer, simply use a serrated knife to trim the tops of the cakes once they’ve cooled. This step is great for achieving that perfect flat surface for all your beautiful layering of mascarpone and lady fingers.

Are there any dietary considerations for the Chocolate Tiramisu Cake?
Great question! If you’re serving this cake to guests with dietary restrictions, consider using dairy-free mascarpone to accommodate lactose intolerance. Additionally, ensure that the cocoa powder and lady fingers are free from common allergens based on your needs. For a gluten-free version, you might experiment with gluten-free cake flour, but the texture may vary.

Can I make this cake ahead of time, and how should I serve it?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s best to make the Chocolate Tiramisu Cake at least 8 hours ahead of time, as this allows the layers to set and the flavors to develop. Once it’s chilled, just dust it with cocoa powder before serving, and slice it while it’s cold for neat portions. Enjoy the indulgence with your loved ones!