Indulgent Chocolate Tiramisu Cake: A Delectable Twist on a Timeless Classic

Growing up, dessert nights in our household were nothing short of legendary. My family’s dining table was always adorned with homemade delights, but nothing stirred my excitement quite like my mom’s Chocolate Tiramisu Cake – a gem inspired by Baran Bakery. The moment the cake was unveiled, rich cocoa aromas danced through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of espresso-soaked ladyfingers. It was more than just a treat; it was a comforting embrace, reminiscent of cozy family gatherings around the kitchen table.

What makes this Chocolate Tiramisu Cake stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures: the velvety mascarpone cream, the decadent chocolate layers, and the aromatic coffee finish create a symphony that sings with each decadent bite. Unlike other, often overly sweet, versions on the market, this recipe strikes that harmony between rich and refreshing, allowing you to savor every moment without feeling overwhelmed.

In this post, I’m excited to share my secrets to creating the perfect Chocolate Tiramisu Cake. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the assembly techniques, you’ll learn how to whip up this showstopper that’s sure to bring your loved ones together, just like it did for me. Get ready to create delicious memories in your kitchen!

What Are Chocolate Tiramisu Cake – Baran Bakery?

Tiramisu, meaning "pick me up" in Italian, is a beloved dessert that originated in the Veneto region, gracefully marrying layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers with luxurious mascarpone cream. But when we shift gears to Chocolate Tiramisu Cake, we’re diving into an elevated experience that encapsulates the essence of both worlds.

This irresistible dessert features an indulgent twist: rich layers of fudgy chocolate cake intertwined with velvety mascarpone filling. Imagine each forkful melting in your mouth, with hints of espresso and sweet cocoa enveloping your senses. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that are equally comforting and satisfying.

You’ll want to whip up this Chocolate Tiramisu Cake for special occasions, weekend gatherings, or when you just need a pick-me-up on a Tuesday evening. Trust me; once you try it, this recipe will find its way into your heart—and your recipe rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent and Unexpected: If you love traditional tiramisu, wait until you experience it in cake form! The rich chocolate flavor adds depth that takes the classic to new heights.

2. Cost-Effective: Compared to the price tag on store-bought gourmet cakes or ordering from a restaurant, making this at home is a fraction of the cost—and you can customize as you like!

3. Customizable Delight: Feel free to switch up flavors by adding a splash of whiskey or orange zest for a unique spin. You can even layer with fruit or nuts, creating a chocolate cherry tiramisu or hazelnut chocolate delight.

4. Easy to Prepare: Despite its elegant appearance, this cake is surprisingly straightforward to assemble. I promise that after a couple of tries, you’ll be a pro!

5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Birthdays, anniversaries, or cozy nights in, this cake is always a hit. Its layers create an impressive presentation that’ll leave your friends and family in awe.

Making this cake is a delightful journey. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!

Ingredients

To create the decadent Chocolate Tiramisu Cake, you’ll need the following:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1 cup): Choose a Dutch-processed variety for that deep chocolate flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Make sure it’s fresh; old flour can affect the cake’s rising.
• Baking Powder (1.5 teaspoons): Provides a lovely lift to your cake.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Works hand-in-hand with baking powder for that perfect rise.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors.
• Granulated Sugar (2 cups): Moderates the bitterness of cocoa.
• Eggs (3 large, room temperature): Vital for a lovely structure—room temp eggs blend more easily.
• Buttermilk (1 cup, room temperature): Adds moisture and richness.
• Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): For that delightful warmth.

For the Coffee Mixture:

• Strong Brewed Coffee (1 cup): Freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee will infuse the cake with robust flavor.
• Coffee Liquor (optional, 3 tablespoons): Enhance the coffee flavor with a dash of Kahlua or Tia Maria.

For the Mascarpone Filling:

• Mascarpone Cheese (2 cups): Always use the highest quality for the best taste.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Also at room temperature—this will whip beautifully.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Helps sweeten the filling without being grainy.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): To elevate flavor in the filling.

Chef’s Note:

• Do yourself a favor and choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. It really makes a difference in this indulgent dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Beat until frothy.
4. Combine: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, pouring in hot water until you achieve a smooth batter.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Coffee Mixture

6. Combine Coffee and Liquor: In a small bowl, mix together brewed coffee and coffee liquor (if using). Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling

7. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add in powdered sugar and whip until stiff peaks are reached.
8. Combine with Mascarpone: In another bowl, gently mix the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

9. First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Drizzle with the coffee mixture until soaked.
10. Add Filling: Spread a generous layer of mascarpone filling on top. Repeat with the second layer.
11. Top Layer: Place the final chocolate cake layer on top, soaking it with the coffee mixture. Use any remaining filling to frost around the sides and top of the cake.
12. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld and the textures set.

Chef’s Tips

• Visual Cues: The cake should be springy to the touch when done.
• Avoid Dry Cake: Do not overbake; keep a close eye on the baking time!
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Always measure your flour properly; it’s best to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. This prevents a dry cake.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Ingredient Quality: Using high-quality chocolate or cocoa powder elevates the overall taste.
• Make-Ahead: This cake is perfect to make ahead of time. The flavors deepen and develop over a day in the fridge.
• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to a month.
• Troubleshooting: If your filling is too runny, ensure your mascarpone is at room temperature and not over-mixed. Conversely, whip cream too long will turn grainy, so keep an eye on it.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Tiramisu Cake shines all on its own but can be enhanced with a few thoughtful touches. Consider serving it with a rich dollop of whipped cream, dark chocolate shavings, or fresh raspberries for a pop of color. For special occasions, a splash of cocoa powder or espresso powder sprinkled atop can create an elegant presentation. Perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet surprise on a rainy day!

Variations & Substitutions

• Different Flavors: Swap in flavored coffee or espresso for different notes, or try almond or hazelnut liqueur for a nutty twist.
• Dietary Adjustments: For gluten-free diets, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Seasonal Variations: Add pumpkin spice for a fall twist or peppermint extract during the holiday season for a refreshing hint.

Nutrition & Storage Info

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 4 hours (includes refrigeration time)
• Yield: 12 servings
• Estimated Calories: 450 calories per serving
• Storage Instructions: Cover leftovers in the fridge (will last for about 5 days). You can also freeze for up to a month—thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use coffee instead of espresso?
   Yes, strong coffee works well; just ensure it’s rich and flavorful.

2. Can I omit the alcohol?
   Absolutely! The coffee gives plenty of flavor on its own.

3. What if my cake layers are too dry?
   You might have overbaked them. Keep an eye on baking time, and use a toothpick for doneness.

4. How long can the cake sit out before going bad?
   It’s best kept refrigerated but can stay at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

5. Can I layer more than three cakes?
   Yes! Just ensure you adjust the filling accordingly to maintain stability.

6. Is there a vegan version?
   You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based cream and milk alternatives.

7. How can I make the cake more chocolatey?
   By adding chocolate chips or using chocolate ganache as a filling or topping.

8. Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
   Definitely! Adjust the baking time to about 20 minutes to accommodate smaller portions.

9. Does it need to be refrigerated?
   Yes, keep it chilled, especially due to the mascarpone filling.

10. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
    A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Tiramisu Cake – Baran Bakery is not just another dessert; it’s a heartwarming treat that holds the power to create unforgettable memories. I invite you to dive into this recipe and experience the delightful richness that unites family and friends. Whether you choose to enjoy it on a special occasion or just when you need a sweet lift, this cake is sure to impress. I’d love to hear your feedback or any changes you made! And be sure to check out the other delicious recipes on my blog to inspire your next baking adventure. Happy baking!

Chocolate Tiramisu Cake

A decadent twist on the classic tiramisu, featuring rich chocolate layers and velvety mascarpone filling.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Course Cake, Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Choose a Dutch-processed variety for deep flavor.
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Use fresh flour for better rising.
• 1.5 teaspoons Baking Powder Provides lift to the cake.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Works with baking powder for rise.
• 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavors.
• 2 cups Granulated Sugar Balances cocoa's bitterness.
• 3 large Eggs, room temperature Helps with cake structure.
• 1 cup Buttermilk, room temperature Adds moisture.
• 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil Keeps the cake moist.
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract For warmth.

For the Coffee Mixture

• 1 cup Strong Brewed Coffee Use espresso or strong coffee.
• 3 tablespoons Coffee Liquor (optional) Enhances the coffee flavor.

For the Mascarpone Filling

• 2 cups Mascarpone Cheese Use high quality for best results.
• 1 cup Heavy Cream, room temperature Whips beautifully.
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens without graininess.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances the filling's flavor.

Instructions

 

Prepare the Chocolate Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, combine sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Beat until frothy.
• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, pouring in hot water until you achieve a smooth batter.
• Divide the batter among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Coffee Mixture

• In a small bowl, mix together brewed coffee and coffee liquor (if using). Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Mascarpone Filling

• In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add in powdered sugar and whip until stiff peaks are reached.
• In another bowl, gently mix the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream until well combined.

Assemble the Cake

• Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Drizzle with the coffee mixture until soaked.
• Spread a generous layer of mascarpone filling on top. Repeat with the second layer.
• Place the final chocolate cake layer on top, soaking it with the coffee mixture. Use any remaining filling to frost the sides and top.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let flavors meld and textures set.

Notes

Visual cues: the cake should be springy to the touch when done. Avoid overbaking to prevent a dry cake. Always measure flour properly.

Keyword Chocolate Tiramisu Cake, Decadent Cake, Dessert, Homemade Tiramisu