Tiramisu Cake

SERVES: 12

CHILL TIME: 4 Hr

COOK TIME: 25 Min

Did you know Tiramisu means "pick me up" in Italian? Makes sense considering the delicious coffee flavor that comes through in each bite of this cake. Everyone'll be begging you for this recipe!

What You'll Need

1 (18.5-ounce) package yellow cake mix, batter prepared according to package directions
1/2 cup strong black coffee
1/2 cup coffee-flavored liqueur
1 (8-ounce) container mascarpone cheese (see Tip)
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (3-ounce) package ladyfingers, split
1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa

What to Do

Bake cake batter according to package directions for two 9-inch round cakes; let cool.
In a small bowl, combine coffee and liqueur; set aside.
In a medium bowl, beat mascarpone cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth.
Place one cake layer upside down on a serving platter and prick top several times with a fork. Pour half of coffee mixture slowly over top, allowing it to absorb into cake. Spread cheese mixture evenly over layer, then place second cake layer right side up over cheese mixture. Prick top of second cake layer several times with a fork and pour remaining coffee mixture over top. Frost side and top of cake with whipped topping. Place split ladyfingers around side of cake, with flat sides pressing into frosting, then sprinkle top with cocoa.
Cover loosely and chill at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

Mascarpone cheese is a soft, sweet Italian cheese, similar in consistency to soft cream cheese. It's commonly used in dips and in sweet dishes like tiramisu and can generally be found in the cheese section of your supermarket.
Tiramisu is a huge favorite in our Test Kitchen! If you love it as much as we do, you'll also want to try our Tiramisu Pancakes and Tiramisu Trifle!
Love this Tiramisu Cake recipe? Then you'll wanna check out our collection of 8 Easy Italian Dessert Recipes!

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Mahalia

Oct 26, 2016

This Tiramisu Cake recipe is very good. It is easy to prepare and the filling does not require eggs, which allows the cake to have a longer shelf life in the refrigerator. I substituted 2 c. sweetened whipped cream for the whipped topping. It took my husband and me five days to consume this delicious cake. The whipped cream held up nicely and the flavors improved with each passing day. The lady fingers are a nice visual touch, but not required. I will definitely make this cake on a regular basis! One tip when using mascarpone cheese--it needs to be room temperature or it may curdle when beating in the powdered sugar. If it curdles an immersion blender does a great job of bringing it to a nice smooth consistency--just be patient.

nonaloya 5940850

Apr 25, 2015

this is my go to cake for any special occasions..everyone loves it..the only thing is i leave out the ladyfingers, mostly cause i can never find them. the cake still comes out delish..i have also used the cream cheese instead of the mascarpone cheese, works well too. to answer other post, yes, ive even made it with the chocolate cake mix...both were a hit...5 stars rating.

Member 9276179

Nov 20, 2014

Could chocolate cake mix be used instead of yellow cake mix?

nccares1

Mar 07, 2014

where do you find lady fingers??

Test Kitchen Team

Mar 12, 2014

You'd likely find them in the cookie aisle or an end-cap of an aisle in your supermarket.

nonaloya 5940850

Nov 27, 2013

i've seen subsitution for mascarpone cheese; how to make ... any one have a recipe for it?

lburnett 4826275

Nov 16, 2013

What is a good substitute for the coffee flavorings?

Bellerophon

Nov 19, 2013

In my humble opinion, there is no substitute for the coffee flavorings. Coffee flavor is what makes it tiramisu! You could sub more strong coffee for the coffee liqueur (That would be Kahlua.), but the cake would still taste like coffee. If it's the coffee taste that you don't like or want, then just substitute some other flavoring agent for the coffee and Kahlua. Mix up some strawberry Jello and pour that over the cake layers, and make it a strawberry cake! Or just whatever appeals to you. Like chocolate? Pour some strong cocoa over it.

psibley29 6052704

Sep 21, 2013

My comment and question is, when an alcoholic beverage is part of he recipe, could you include a substitute another beverage? I for one, and I am sure there are others who do not purchase alcoholic beverages. If no substitute is available, then I will not copy the recipe.

draew

Nov 15, 2013

When Khalua is called for in a recipe, strong coffee may be substituted. Cakes calling for rum - rum extract.

Member 0489245

Dec 25, 2010

This cake was really good, I used cream cheese instead of mascarpone