Elegant Tiramisu Chocolate Chip Layer Cake Recipe
This Elegant Tiramisu Chocolate Chip Layer Cake is a sophisticated twist on the classic Italian dessert. Featuring light and airy sponge layers soaked in espresso coffee and coffee liqueur, layered with creamy mascarpone whipped to perfection and studded with mini chocolate chips, then topped with a decadent dark chocolate ganache. Finished with delicate white chocolate curls and cocoa crispearls, this cake offers a harmonious blend of coffee, chocolate, and creamy textures perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Whipping, Layering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Sponge Layers
- 6 eggs
- 180g sugar
- 150g all-purpose flour
- 30g cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Coffee Soak
- 200ml strong espresso, cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua)
- 2 tbsp sugar
Mascarpone Cream
- 500g mascarpone cheese
- 300ml heavy cream
- 100g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g mini chocolate chips
Ganache Topping
- 150g dark chocolate (70% cocoa recommended)
- 150ml heavy cream
Decoration
- White chocolate curls
- Cocoa crispearls
- Prepare and Bake the Sponge Layers: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line three 18 cm (7 inch) round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using a mixer on high speed for 8-10 minutes until the mixture triples in volume and becomes pale and fluffy. Sift together the flour and cornstarch, then gently fold them into the egg mixture along with vanilla extract, taking care not to deflate the batter. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cakes are lightly golden and spring back to the touch. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Coffee Soak: In a small bowl, combine the cooled strong espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is fully dissolved to create a sweet, aromatic soaking liquid.
- Make the Mascarpone Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to disperse them evenly throughout the cream without losing volume.
- Assemble the Cake Layers: Place one sponge layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Generously brush the sponge with a third of the coffee soak to fully absorb the flavors. Spread one-third of the mascarpone cream evenly over the soaked sponge. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, ending with a layer of mascarpone cream on top. Once assembled, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Ganache Topping: Heat the heavy cream until just boiling, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir gently until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable.
- Glaze and Decorate the Cake: Pour the ganache evenly over the chilled cake, letting it drip down the sides for an elegant look. Decorate the top with white chocolate curls and cocoa crispearls to add texture and contrast. Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 2 hours before serving to set the ganache and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh, room temperature eggs for best sponge volume.
- Make sure the espresso is cooled before making the soak to avoid melting the cream layers.
- Chilling the assembled cake helps the flavors fuse and the layers set properly.
- The coffee liqueur can be omitted or replaced with a coffee-flavored syrup for alcohol-free version.
- For a more pronounced coffee flavor, use a dark roast espresso.
- The cake is best served within 2 days of preparation for optimal freshness.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache to achieve rich flavor and a glossy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Tiramisu cake, chocolate chip dessert, mascarpone layer cake, coffee soaked cake, ganache topped cake, elegant dessert, Italian inspired cake, layered tiramisu