4 Layer Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Sponge Cake 

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment beat 6 large eggs for 1 minute on high speed. With the mixer on, gradually add 1 cup sugar and continue beating 8-10 minutes until thick and fluffy.

Whisk together 1 cup flour and ½ tsp baking powder then sift this mixture into fluffy egg mixture one third at a time. Fold with a spatula with each addition just until incorporated. 

Scrape spatula from the bottom to catch any pockets of flour and stop mixing when no streaks of flour remain. Do not over-mix or you will deflate the batter.

Divide evenly between prepared 6 or 8" cake pans (it helps if you have a kitchen scale to weigh the pans). I made four 6" cake layers. You can use 2 8" cake pages and split layers. Add parchment paper and spray with cooking and flour spray.

Bake at 350˚F for 23-28 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Remove from pan by sliding a thin spatula around the edges then transfer to a wire rack and remove parchment backing. Cool cakes to room temperature then slice layers equally in half with a serrated knife.

Coffee Syrup

Stir Espresso, water, and sugar in a saucepan over a low heat until sugar has completely dissolved. Bring coffee syrup to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before using. You can add rum while it's cooling down. 

Mascarpone Cream

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or using a hand whisk, whip mascarpone cheese, whipping cream and powdered sugar, until soft peaks form. 

Espresso Buttercream

In a bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and shortening until light and creamy about 5 minutes. Sift in powdered sugar and espresso powder. Beat well until combined. As frosting thickens add whipping cream. Beat until light and fluffy. 

Assemble Cake

Split 2 8" cakes or use 4 6" cakes. Spread a thin layer of buttercream on cake board. Place the first layer of cake on the cake board and brush the cake with coffee syrup using a pastry brush. Continue to brush both sides of layers with coffee syrup. 

Start adding mascarpone filling approximately 1/2" thick in between cake layers with an offset spatula until all four layers are filled. Then refrigerate for 15 minutes

Spread a thin layer of coffee frosting on the sides and top of the cake on a turntable to crumb coat your cake. Use a scraper to get it even and smooth. 

Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

If using the smooth cake design add another layer of frosting and add some design to the bottom and top and sprinkle with cocoa. 

Directions for spoon design decorating see below. You will need double the frosting for this method.