Tiramisu is one of those timeless desserts that has won hearts worldwide. With its smooth mascarpone cream, rich espresso-soaked layers, and a dusting of cocoa powder, it’s the ultimate indulgence. While the traditional tiramisu recipe requires individual serving layers of delicate ladyfingers, there’s an easier way to serve the same flavors in a simple and crowd-friendly format—tiramisu sheet cake. This version brings all the classic tiramisu ingredients together in a much more convenient form, perfect for larger gatherings or a cozy night in. In this article, I’ll walk you through every step of making this delicious dessert. You’ll love the creamy, coffee-kissed layers and how easily it comes together, all while tasting just as indulgent as the original.
Ingredients Needed
This tiramisu sheet cake uses a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create a decadent dessert. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment to put it together. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
4 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Espresso Syrup:
1 cup strong brewed espresso (or strong coffee), cooled
2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
2 tbsp sugar
For the Mascarpone Cream:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For Dusting:
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Ingredients Table with Calorie Count
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 455 |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 2 |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | 0 |
| Eggs | 4 large | 280 |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | 580 |
| Whole milk | ¼ cup | 38 |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp | 200 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp total | 24 |
| Brewed espresso | 1 cup | 2 |
| Coffee liqueur (optional) | 2 tbsp | 90 |
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup | 240 |
| Mascarpone cheese | 8 oz | 400 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 820 |
| Cocoa powder (dusting) | 1 tbsp | 12 |
Approximate total calories for the entire cake: 3,143
Serves around 12 slices = ~262 calories per slice
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s dive into making this delightful tiramisu sheet cake. The process is simple, and each step brings you closer to a cake that’s rich in flavor and irresistibly creamy.
The first step is to get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. To ensure easy removal of the cake, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together to make sure they are evenly distributed. This step ensures that your cake has the right texture when baked.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together. Use an electric mixer to whip them for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Be sure to fold gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense, so use a light hand as you combine the two mixtures.
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the espresso syrup. Brew a cup of strong coffee or espresso and let it cool to room temperature. In a small saucepan, combine the coffee, coffee liqueur (if you’re using it), and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then set it aside.
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream.
Once your cake has cooled, it’s time to assemble the layers. Poke the cooled cake with a fork or skewer, creating small holes all over the surface. Slowly pour the espresso syrup over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. After allowing the syrup to absorb, spread the mascarpone cream over the top of the cake.
For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to blend and the cake to set properly. Once chilled, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this tiramisu sheet cake is that it can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Here are a few tips to make it your own:
If you want to skip the alcohol, simply leave out the coffee liqueur. You can still add a bit of vanilla or almond extract to the espresso syrup for extra flavor.
If you’re a fan of chocolate, consider adding mini chocolate chips between the layers or even drizzling some melted chocolate over the mascarpone cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
For a stronger coffee flavor, add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the mascarpone cream or use a double shot of espresso for the syrup.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of the dessert you’re enjoying can help you make informed choices. Here’s the approximate breakdown for one slice of tiramisu sheet cake (based on 12 servings):
Calories: 262
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 18g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 100mg
These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements used. But for the most part, this dessert is indulgent but still manageable in terms of nutritional content.
Serving Suggestions
Tiramisu sheet cake is best served chilled. The creaminess and coffee flavors really come through when it’s cold, making it a perfect dessert for any season. Serve each slice with a light dusting of cocoa powder and perhaps a dollop of whipped cream or a few chocolate-covered espresso beans for decoration.
This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of espresso, cappuccino, or even a glass of dessert wine like Marsala. It’s the ideal finish to a dinner party, family gathering, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Conclusion
This tiramisu sheet cake is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dessert. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with the iconic flavors we all love, but made much easier to prepare and serve. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you can create this simple yet indulgent treat with just a few ingredients and steps. With its versatile nature, you can also customize it to fit any dietary needs or flavor preferences. Once you try it, there’s a good chance this will become your new go-to dessert for any special occasion or casual get-together.