Tiramisu Cake

Introduction To Tiramisu Cake :

Imagine a luscious dessert, a harmonious blend of velvety cream, tender cake layers, and a subtle coffee kick – that’s Tiramisu Cake. In this recipe, we’ll embark on a delightful journey to craft this Italian classic with a homemade twist. As we dive into the art of Tiramisu Cake, we’ll also explore the history that has made this confection a beloved part of culinary culture.

A Dash of History: The Origins of Tiramisu Cake

Tiramisu, which means “pick me up” or “lift me up,” has been gracing the world of desserts since the 1960s. Its precise origin is still a subject of debate, but the heart of Tiramisu lies in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of Italy. The dessert was initially known as “Tireme su,” a local dialect phrase, which later transformed into “Tiramisu.”

While the true inventor remains a mystery, it’s widely believed that Tiramisu’s creation can be attributed to Italian pastry chefs looking to concoct a delightful, coffee-infused treat. The combination of ladyfingers soaked in coffee and layered with mascarpone cheese and cocoa powder resulted in the iconic dessert we know today.

The Tiramisu Cake Recipe: Bringing Italy to Your Kitchen

 

Ingredients for Cake:

1 cup unsalted butter (225g)
1 3/4 cups sugar (350g)
5 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla essence
1 1/4 cup non-fat buttermilk (250ml)

Ingredients for Icing:

8 oz/250g cream cheese
2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
7 tbsp icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 1/2 tsp instant coffee brewed in 1 cup of water, cooled
Chocolate shavings for garnishing
Cocoa powder

Let’s Begin the Journey:

Step 1: Preparing the Cake

Start by creating your own buttermilk. Mix 1 cup of room temperature milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes and use it as required.

Preheat your oven to 180°C and prepare two 8″ pans. Grease them and line the bottoms with butter paper, greasing and dusting a bit of flour.

Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder, then set this mixture aside.

Cream the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl regularly to ensure a well-incorporated blend.

Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully integrated before adding the next. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl for a homogenous mixture.

Introduce the vanilla essence to the batter.

Gradually add the flour and buttermilk in three alternating portions, starting and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed and scrape the bowl as you go. Avoid overmixing.

After everything is well combined, use a spatula to fold the batter a few more times to ensure a thorough mix.

Divide the batter between your cake pans. You can choose to put a third of the batter in one pan and two-thirds in the other to create a three-tier cake, or divide the batter evenly for a two-tier cake.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by gently pressing on the cake or using a toothpick. Be cautious not to overbake.

Let the cakes cool in the pans, then turn them out onto a rack to finish cooling. Ensure the cakes are completely cold before slicing for a clean cut. You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them until you’re ready to frost.

Step 2: Preparing the Icing

Begin by whipping the whipping cream with 3 tablespoons of icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, then cover and refrigerate.

Beat the cream cheese with the remaining icing sugar until smooth and soft. Add 3 tablespoons of the brewed coffee and beat until well combined.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese with a spatula until combined.

Conclusion:

Now comes the most exciting part. Assemble the cake layers, sprinkling brewed coffee and generously applying the frosting. Garnish with cocoa, chocolate, and chocolate shavings. For the best taste, let the cake rest overnight to allow the coffee flavor to mature. So, bake it a day in advance and keep it chilled until about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Indulge in your homemade Tiramisu Cake – a delightful creation of creamy elegance and a touch of Italian history, right from your own kitchen. Buon appetito!

Note: The beauty of Tiramisu Cake lies in its ability to be a taste sensation that truly gets better with time, just like the rich history of this beloved Italian dessert. Enjoy the journey and the flavors it brings to your table. Buon appetito!