Description
A luxurious fusion of tiramisu and chocolate cake, this Tiramisu Chocolate Layer Cake features rich chocolate sponge layers soaked with espresso syrup, a cloud-like mascarpone cream filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
½ cup strong brewed espresso (or coffee)
2 tbsp sugar (for syrup)
2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water; the batter will be thin. Divide evenly between prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
- To make espresso syrup, mix hot espresso with sugar until dissolved. Stir in coffee liqueur if using. Let cool.
- For mascarpone filling, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream.
- If needed, level cake layers. Place one layer on a serving plate and brush with espresso syrup.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream on the cake. Add second cake layer, brush with syrup, and spread remaining cream on top.
- Dust with cocoa powder. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Let slices sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Do not freeze, as mascarpone texture may change.
Substitute mascarpone with cream cheese mixed with a bit of cream if needed.
Use instant coffee as a substitute for brewed espresso.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg