I remember the first time I tried a tiramisu cake-my friend made it for a dinner party. I didn’t know what to expect, but the moment I took a bite, it hit me: the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee flavor, layered with that indulgent, creamy texture. It wasn’t your typical tiramisu but something different. A cake, yes, but with all the rich, delightful elements of the classic dessert. The recipe I’m about to share, Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake, became one of those dishes that stays in the back of my mind as the "wow" factor whenever I host or bring dessert to any event.
This recipe takes the best parts of tiramisu-coffee-soaked layers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a touch of liqueur-and transforms it into an easy-to-make cake. No need to worry about delicate ladyfingers or keeping everything just-so. It’s an indulgent yet approachable dessert that tastes like a slice of heaven.
Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake is everything you want in a dessert. It’s fluffy, rich, and indulgent but surprisingly easy to put together. I’ll never forget when I first tried it-I had the recipe saved for a while but thought it would be too complicated. Turns out, it’s one of the simplest ways to enjoy tiramisu without making it a chore.
The beauty of this recipe is that Jamie does what he does best-makes complex dishes approachable. No fussy techniques, no intimidating ingredients. Just pure flavor packed into each bite.
Ingredients Needed
- Butter – For richness and moisture in the cake.
- Sugar – Sweetness that balances the bitterness of coffee and cocoa.
- Eggs – For structure and fluffiness in the cake.
- Self-raising flour – It helps the cake rise without the need for additional leavening agents.
- Mascarpone cheese – Creamy, slightly tangy, and the heart of tiramisu’s filling.
- Espresso or strong coffee – Adds that classic tiramisu flavor.
- Dark rum or Marsala wine – Gives depth and an extra layer of richness.
- Cocoa powder – For a touch of bitterness and the classic look.
- Dark chocolate – Optional, but adds a decadent touch.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake
The process to make this cake is simple. Here’s how I usually break it down:
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Prepare Your Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line your cake tin.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy, then beat in the eggs one by one.
- Fold in the self-raising flour to form a smooth batter. Pour into the cake tin.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Make The Filling
- While the cake cools, whisk together mascarpone cheese and some sugar until smooth.
- Add a splash of dark rum or Marsala wine for extra flavor depth.
- Set aside in the fridge until ready to assemble.
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Soak The Cake
- Brew a strong pot of espresso or coffee. Pour it into a shallow dish, and gently dip each slice of your cake into the coffee.
- Don’t let the slices soak too long, just a quick dip on both sides.
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Layer The Cake
- Start with a layer of soaked cake slices on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous amount of mascarpone mixture on top.
- Repeat with more soaked cake slices and mascarpone, finishing with the filling.
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Chill And Finish
- Refrigerate the layered cake for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
- Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and grate some dark chocolate over the top.
And that’s it! The cake takes a bit of time to chill but is so simple to prepare.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I love diving into the science of ingredients, especially when it comes to desserts like this. Let’s break down why each ingredient in Jamie’s Tiramisu Cake does what it does:
- Mascarpone cheese: The creamy base in tiramisu gives that rich, velvety texture. Its high fat content also helps stabilize the filling and add a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Self-raising flour: Unlike all-purpose flour, self-raising flour has a built-in leavening agent (baking powder). This makes the cake fluffier without the need for any additional work.
- Coffee (espresso): Coffee in tiramisu isn’t just for flavor-it also adds a natural acidity and bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the cake and mascarpone. Plus, coffee helps enhance the flavors in the cake by providing a bit of umami.
- Rum or Marsala wine: Alcohol, especially Marsala wine, deepens the flavor profile. The slight sweetness and richness balance the bitterness of the coffee and cocoa, adding complexity to each bite.
- Butter and sugar: This duo forms the foundation of the cake’s moisture and sweetness. The sugar caramelizes during baking, adding a subtle golden flavor.
Expert Tips
- Let the cake cool completely: This is crucial to avoid the mascarpone mixture melting into the cake layers.
- Use fresh espresso: The flavor of the coffee is key, so fresh espresso gives that rich, aromatic hit that instant coffee can’t replicate.
- Don’t oversoak the cake: A quick dip is all you need for that perfect coffee flavor. Too much and it’ll fall apart.
- Chill before serving: Letting the cake rest in the fridge for a few hours allows the flavors to meld together and solidify, creating a perfect balance of creamy, coffee-soaked layers.
Recipe Variations
- Non-alcoholic: Skip the alcohol and use vanilla extract or almond extract for a different flavor kick.
- Vegan: You can swap the eggs and butter with plant-based versions. Use a vegan mascarpone alternative, like cashew cream, and plant-based milk.
- Flavor Twist: Add a layer of fruit, like raspberries or strawberries, between the cake layers for a fresh twist on the classic.
- Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into the mascarpone filling for an extra rich flavor profile.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake is one of those recipes that I keep going back to. Whether I’m making it for a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or just wanting a little treat at the end of the day, this cake never disappoints. It’s an impressive yet simple dessert that packs a punch of flavor and looks beautiful when served.
The layers of rich, creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked cake, and a dusting of cocoa powder make each bite indulgent. Plus, the beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is-you can tweak it to suit any dietary preference or flavor preference.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Different From Traditional Tiramisu?
Jamie Oliver’s tiramisu cake combines layers of sponge cake soaked in coffee and mascarpone cream, giving it a lighter and more cake-like texture compared to the classic version.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes! The cake actually improves if left to chill for a few hours or overnight. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge.
Is It Possible To Make Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! You can easily omit the alcohol and just use coffee or espresso for soaking the sponge cake.