Name: Tiramisu Cake with Ladyfingers, Mascarpone, and Coffee Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 86g all-purpose flour; 40g potato starch; 4 large eggs, separated; Pinch cream of tartar; 100g granulated sugar, divided; 13g (2 1/2 tsp) milk; Icing sugar, for dusting; 2 large egg yolks; 1 tbsp + 1 tsp sweet marsala or rum (substitute milk for non-alcoholic version); 30g sugar; 350g mascarpone cheese; 240g whipping cream; 1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee; Sweet marsala (additional, for dipping coffee); Cocoa powder, for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 86 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamt of a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this Tiramisu Cake with Ladyfingers, Mascarpone, and Coffee Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Combining the light, airy texture of homemade ladyfinger rounds with the rich creaminess of mascarpone and that irresistible coffee-soaked sweetness, it’s a classic Italian delight reimagined as a stunning cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to spoil yourself, this recipe delivers on flavor, elegance, and comfort all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows one round yellow cake layer with a spiral texture inside a white springform pan, being brushed with a light brown liquid by a wooden brush held by a woman's hand. Above it is a clear glass bowl filled with creamy off-white frosting holding a red spatula. Below the pan, on a white chopping board, there are two more yellow cake layers stacked, also with a spiral pattern. On the left side, a small dark glass cup, likely coffee, casts a shadow on the white marbled countertop. A knife with a dark handle lies to the right of the chopping board photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Tiramisu Cake with Ladyfingers, Mascarpone, and Coffee Recipe calls for simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in bringing the dessert to life. From the delicate ladyfinger base to the luscious mascarpone filling and robust coffee soak, every component builds layers of texture and flavor you’ll adore.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure with a tender crumb for the ladyfinger rounds.
Potato starch: Keeps the ladyfingers light and fluffy, balancing the flour’s density.
Eggs (separated): The egg whites create lift in the ladyfingers, while yolks add richness to the filling.
Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the whipped egg whites so your ladyfingers bake perfectly.
Granulated sugar (divided): Sweetens both the ladyfingers and the creamy filling just right.
Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake base.
Icing sugar: Perfect for a delicate dusting that enhances the appearance and adds a touch of sweetness.
Sweet marsala or rum: Adds a classic, warm flavor note to the filling and coffee soak; a non-alcoholic twist uses milk instead.
Mascarpone cheese: The star ingredient for that luscious, creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor.
Whipping cream: Lightly whipped to fold into the mascarpone, creating a rich and silky filling.
Strongly brewed coffee: Provides the bold soaking liquid that balances sweetness with deep coffee flavor.
Cocoa powder: Essential for dusting the top and adding a bittersweet finish.

How to Make Tiramisu Cake with Ladyfingers, Mascarpone, and Coffee Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ladyfinger Rounds

Start by making the delicate ladyfinger rounds, the sturdy yet airy base of your tiramisu cake. Gently whip the egg whites with a pinch of cream of tartar until stiff peaks form, then gradually add half the sugar to stabilize. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining sugar, milk, flour, and potato starch until smooth. Carefully fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, ensuring you keep as much air in the batter as possible for that signature lightness. Pipe round discs onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake until just golden — this part gives the cake its perfect tender bite.

Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Filling

While your ladyfinger rounds cool, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and sweet marsala or rum until pale and creamy. Then, fold in the mascarpone cheese gently to avoid breaking down its luscious texture. Whip the cream separately until soft peaks form, and carefully fold that into the mascarpone mixture. This creates an irresistibly smooth, rich filling that contrasts beautifully with the cake layers.

Step 3: Brew the Coffee Soak

Brew a strong coffee and mix it with a splash of sweet marsala for a classic flavor boost. This soak gives the ladyfinger rounds their signature coffee-soaked goodness that makes tiramisu so addicting. If you prefer no alcohol, simply use the strong coffee on its own or add a little milk for smoothness.

Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu Cake

Now comes the fun part — layering! Dip each ladyfinger round briefly into the coffee mixture, just enough to soak but not soggy. Arrange them in a single layer on your serving plate, then spread a generous layer of mascarpone filling on top. Repeat these layers until you’ve used all your components, finishing with a thick creamy layer. Lightly dust the top with cocoa powder for that classic bittersweet finish.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cake with Ladyfingers, Mascarpone, and Coffee Recipe

A round cheesecake is shown from above in a metal pan with smooth, pale yellow cream cheese filling that has a slightly cracked surface. The cheesecake sits on a white marbled table with scattered brown and orange specks. In the top right corner, there is a clear glass bowl with some white batter remnants and a wooden spatula. To the top left, there is a small glass container with dark brown liquid, and at the bottom left, a white cutting board with some light yellow spots is partially visible. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your tiramisu cake with a few thoughtful garnishes. Freshly grated dark chocolate or chocolate curls add a luxurious touch, while a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts provides a pleasant textural contrast. For a pop of color and subtle tartness, raspberries or a sprig of fresh mint artfully placed on the top work wonders.

Side Dishes

This Tiramisu Cake with Ladyfingers, Mascarpone, and Coffee Recipe shines on its own but pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. A small bowl of mixed berries or a refreshing citrus salad brightens each bite, balancing the richness of the dessert. A simple espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine also complements the flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can really elevate this dessert experience. Try assembling the tiramisu cake in individual clear glasses to showcase the tempting layers. Alternatively, arrange mini versions as individual portions on elegant plates for a chic party presentation. You can also try dusting cocoa powder through decorative stencils for a personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tiramisu actually improves with time since the flavors meld beautifully. Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the mascarpone and coffee soak to soften the ladyfingers even further for an irresistible texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep your tiramisu longer, freezing is possible but requires care. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the texture of mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers without becoming watery.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer it slightly less cold, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ladyfingers instead of making them myself?

Absolutely! While homemade ladyfinger rounds add a special touch, store-bought savoiardi work perfectly too. Just make sure to soak them briefly in the coffee mixture to avoid sogginess.

Is there an alcohol-free version of this Tiramisu Cake with Ladyfingers, Mascarpone, and Coffee Recipe?

Yes! Simply omit the marsala or rum and replace with milk or vanilla extract to keep the delicious creaminess without the alcohol.

Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?

Traditional tiramisu relies heavily on mascarpone cheese and eggs, so vegan versions require alternative ingredients like coconut cream, vegan cheeses, and egg substitutes. It’s a bit more involved but definitely possible with the right recipes.

How long does it take to make this tiramisu cake?

From start to finish, including baking ladyfinger rounds and chilling, expect about 2 to 3 hours. Most of this time is hands-off chilling to let flavors meld beautifully.

Why is my tiramisu watery after soaking ladyfingers?

Soaking ladyfingers too long can cause them to disintegrate and release excess liquid. Dip them quickly in the coffee mixture to avoid sogginess and maintain structure.

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu Cake with Ladyfingers, Mascarpone, and Coffee Recipe is a timeless celebration of textures and flavors that makes each bite feel like a little moment of joy. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the process as much as the delicious result — it’s truly a dessert that’s worth every spoonful. Happy baking and even happier indulging!

Tiramisu Cake with Ladyfingers, Mascarpone, and Coffee Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need