Tiramisu Cake from Tous les Jours features layers of moist coffee-soaked sponge cake and creamy mascarpone cheese, dusted with rich cocoa powder, delivering a luscious blend of bold espresso flavor and smooth sweetness.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Spatula
- 8-inch round cake pans (2)
- Baking parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush
- Serrated knife
- Offset spatula
- Cake turntable (optional)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
- Shallow dish (for soaking sponge)
- Cake stand or serving plate
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) strong brewed espresso or coffee
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 1 1/2 cups (350g) mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better volume when whipped, which is essential for the light texture of the sponge cake. Using strong brewed espresso enhances the authentic coffee flavor, but you can adjust the coffee liqueur to suit your taste or omit it if preferred. Mascarpone cheese should be fresh and well-chilled to achieve the creamy consistency crucial for the filling. When dusting the cake, sift cocoa powder finely to avoid clumps and achieve an even, elegant finish. Your Tiramisu Cake from Tous les Jours copycat will capture the luscious blend of bold espresso and smooth sweetness that makes this dessert a beloved classic.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until pale and thick.
- Sift flour and salt; gently fold into egg mixture.
- Heat milk and butter in a saucepan until butter melts; stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold warm milk mixture into the batter.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Smooth tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until cakes are springy and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes; turn out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.
- Brew espresso/coffee; mix with coffee liqueur. Pour into shallow dish and cool.
- Beat mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone until fully combined.
- Level cooled cakes with serrated knife if needed.
- Place one cake layer on a cake stand. Brush espresso mixture generously over top.
- Spread half of mascarpone cream over soaked layer with offset spatula.
- Place second cake layer on top. Brush with remaining espresso mixture.
- Spread remaining mascarpone cream over top and sides of cake.
- Sift cocoa powder evenly over the top using a fine mesh sieve.
- Chill cake for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
- Slice and serve.
Substitution
This Tiramisu Cake copycat recipe from Tous les Jours faithfully recreates the iconic Italian dessert with layers of coffee-soaked sponge cake and creamy mascarpone frosting. If you don't have espresso on hand, strong brewed coffee or instant coffee dissolved in hot water works well as a substitute. Mascarpone cheese can be replaced with a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream for a similar creamy texture if mascarpone is unavailable. Use almond extract sparingly if vanilla extract is missing to maintain a nuanced flavor. When soaking the sponge, avoid oversaturating to prevent sogginess and preserve the cake's structural integrity.
Tips
Make sure to gently fold the sifted flour into the egg mixture to avoid deflating the batter, maintaining its light and airy texture. When brushing the espresso mixture onto the cake layers, use a pastry brush to evenly soak without oversaturating and causing sogginess. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks for a stable mascarpone filling and fold carefully to retain volume and smoothness. Chill your tiramisu cake for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up before slicing and serving.
Nutritions
Tiramisu Cake from Tous les Jours combines ingredients rich in protein and healthy fats, primarily from eggs, mascarpone cheese, and heavy cream, supporting muscle health and satiety. The coffee-soaked sponge cake provides carbohydrates from all-purpose flour and sugar, offering quick energy, while the espresso adds antioxidants beneficial for metabolism. Your serving includes moderate calories from butter and sugar, so consuming in moderation fits well into a balanced diet. Cocoa powder on top also contributes small amounts of minerals like iron and magnesium, enhancing the nutritional profile.
Storage
Your Tiramisu Cake from Tous les Jours should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve its delicate layers and creamy mascarpone texture. Keep it chilled for up to 2-3 days to enjoy the rich espresso flavor and smooth sweetness at their best. Avoid freezing as it may alter the cake's texture and moisture balance.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the brewed espresso with strong matcha tea for a green tea tiramisu variation, complementing the mascarpone cream for a subtle earthy flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, replace coffee liqueur with a coffee extract or vanilla syrup to maintain a rich aroma without the alcohol content. Consider folding in crushed amaretti cookies into the mascarpone mixture to add a crunchy texture contrast. If you prefer a lighter dessert, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt to reduce fat while preserving creaminess.
Allergies
Tiramisu Cake contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, butter, and milk), and gluten from all-purpose flour. The presence of coffee liqueur may also pose risks for individuals sensitive to alcohol or specific additives. If you have food allergies or intolerances, carefully check the ingredient list and consult with your healthcare provider before consuming this dessert.
Why this recipe?
Tous les Jours' Tiramisu Cake features layers of rich espresso-soaked sponge cake and creamy mascarpone, delivering an authentic Italian dessert experience that coffee lovers crave. The balance of sweetness and bitterness, combined with a light dusting of cocoa powder, offers a sophisticated flavor profile that stands out among typical cakes. If you enjoy replicating gourmet desserts, making this cake at home allows you to customize the ingredients and freshness to your taste, ensuring a perfect treat every time. Your efforts will be rewarded with a decadent dessert that impresses both visually and gastronomically.