Tiramisu Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
If you want to add a deeper coffee flavor, mix in the coffee liqueur. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form.

Once the cakes have cooled, slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers.
In a small bowl, mix the cooled coffee with the coffee liqueur (if using).
Place the first layer of cake on a serving platter and lightly brush with the coffee mixture.
Spread a layer of the mascarpone cream on top of the cake.
Repeat the process for the next three layers, brushing each cake layer with the coffee mixture and spreading the mascarpone cream between each one.
Finish with a generous layer of mascarpone cream on top of the final cake layer.

Once assembled, dust the top of the cake generously with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.

Slice the cake and serve chilled. Enjoy the rich, creamy layers and the delightful coffee flavor that make this Tiramisu Cake a standout dessert!

For a boozy kick: Add more coffee liqueur or even a splash of rum or brandy to the cake layers for an extra adult twist.
For a lighter texture: You can separate the eggs and beat the egg whites to soft peaks, then fold them into the batter for a fluffier cake.
No need for coffee liqueur? You can simply soak the cake layers in brewed coffee alone if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

This Tiramisu Cake is an indulgent twist on the classic tiramisu, bringing all of those signature flavors into a beautiful layered cake form! 🍰