Description
Indulge in this decadent Tiramisu Chocolate Layer Cake that masterfully combines rich chocolate sponge layers soaked in a luscious coffee milk mixture, topped with a silky espresso mascarpone cream and finished with a glossy dark chocolate ganache. This dessert is a sumptuous fusion of classic tiramisu flavors and chocolate cake, perfect for special occasions or an elegant treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chocolate Cake
- 1 ¾ cups plain flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 tsp instant coffee
- 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup caster sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
For the Coffee Milk Soak
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 2 tsp instant coffee powder
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 325g dark chocolate
- 1 ¼ cups thickened cream
For the Espresso Mascarpone Cream
- 3 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 60ml cooled brewed coffee
- 250g mascarpone
- 500ml thickened cream
- ½ cup icing sugar
To Decorate
- Cocoa powder (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla bean paste, eggs, caster sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Dissolve the instant coffee in the boiling water, then gradually add this coffee mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously to create a smooth batter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour your cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing.
- Make the Coffee Milk Soak: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, caster sugar, and instant coffee powder. Stir gently until the sugar and coffee dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat the thickened cream in a saucepan until just boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Let sit for a couple of minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy. Let ganache cool to room temperature but still pourable.
- Make the Espresso Mascarpone Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk together vanilla bean paste, cooled brewed coffee, mascarpone, thickened cream, and icing sugar until soft peaks form, ensuring the cream is smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously soak it with the coffee milk soak. Spread a thick layer of the espresso mascarpone cream on top. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the soaking and cream layering. Finish with the final cake layer, soaked as well, and cover the entire cake with the remaining mascarpone cream.
- Apply Chocolate Ganache: Pour the cooled ganache over the top of the assembled cake, using a spatula to gently spread it over the sides for a smooth finish.
- Decorate and Chill: Optionally dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder for an authentic tiramisu finish. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set properly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve the best texture in the cake and cream layers.
- You can substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar if not available.
- The cake can be made a day ahead; keeping it refrigerated enhances the flavor intensity.
- For an adult version, add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur (like Kahlua) to the coffee milk soak or mascarpone cream.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache for a richer taste.
- Handle the mascarpone cream gently to maintain its light and airy texture.
Keywords: Tiramisu cake, chocolate layer cake, espresso mascarpone cream, chocolate ganache, coffee soaked cake, Italian dessert, homemade tiramisu