The Tastiest Tiramisu Cake (American Twist with S'mores!)

This delicious Tiramisu Cake combines the tasty flavors of traditional tiramisu with a cake, resulting in a heavenly treat that will make you fall in love with it! And my recipe combines tiramisu with s'mores for a delicious American twist on this classic Italian dessert. It features layers of espresso-soaked graham crackers, velvety cream cheese, and toasted marshmallows for the best dessert ever!

This tiramisu cake combines the flavor of the tiramisu with the right amount of sweetness and the mild bitterness of the espresso. It also features toasted marshmallows that make this a delicious treat that everyone in the family is going to enjoy.

This recipe promises to be a showstopper that will impress friends and family alike, whether you love classic tiramisu or simply a lover of all things cake and s'mores. Trust me, everyone is going to love this tiramisu cake and it's an absolute crowd-pleaser! What's best is that you can easily customize it as well. 

Want to learn how to make this Tiramisu Cake? Then keep on reading!

Table of Contents

• What is Tiramisu Cake?
• What Makes This Tiramisu Cake Recipe Special?
• What You Need to Make Tiramisu Cake at Home
• How to Make Tiramisu Cake (Step-by-Step)
• Tips for Making the Best Tiramisu Cake Ever
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Tiramisu Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Store Leftover Tiramisu Cake
• Similar Recipes You'll Love
• Recipe Card
• The Tastiest Tiramisu Cake (American Twist with S'mores!)
• Comments

What is Tiramisu Cake?

A Tiramisu Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the flavors and elements of the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu, with the structure and presentation of a cake.

Tiramisu, which translates to 'pick-me-up' in Italian, is traditionally made with layers of ladyfingers soaked in coffee and liquor, alternated with a creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar. It is then dusted with cocoa powder for added flavor and garnished with chocolate shavings.

In a Tiramisu Cake, the traditional components of tiramisu are transformed into a layered cake format. Instead of ladyfingers, graham crackers or sponge cake layers are soaked in espresso or coffee.

The cream filling, often a combination of cream cheese and mascarpone cheese, is spread between the layers, providing a rich and velvety texture. To enhance the visual appeal, toasted marshmallows may be incorporated, adding a delightful twist to the cake.

The final result is a visually stunning and delicious dessert that captures the essence of tiramisu while offering the satisfaction of a traditional cake. Tiramisu Cakes are often finished with a drizzle of chocolate ganache and a dusting of cocoa powder, adding an extra touch of indulgence.

Tiramisu Cakes are a popular choice for special occasions, celebrations, or simply as a delightful treat to enjoy with friends and family. They're also perfect as a fancy birthday cake! Their combination of coffee-infused layers, creamy filling, and hints of chocolate creates a symphony of flavors that is sure to please any dessert lover.

What Makes This Tiramisu Cake Recipe Special?

Layered indulgence: The Tiramisu Cake is all about layers. The alternating layers of espresso-soaked graham crackers and creamy filling create a visually stunning dessert!

Fusion of classic flavors: This recipe beautifully merges the timeless flavors of tiramisu, known for its coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone filling, with the beloved texture and taste of a cake.

Versatility: Tiramisu Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on many occasions, from birthdays and anniversaries to dinner parties. Its elegant presentation and flavors make it a standout dessert!

What You Need to Make Tiramisu Cake at Home

All you need are some simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious tiramisu cake at home. Here's everything you'll need:

Tiramisu Cake Ingredients:

• Graham crackers: Graham crackers in this Tiramisu Cake recipe contribute a subtle sweetness and a pleasant crunch. This creates a delightful textural contrast to the creamy filling and espresso-infused layers. 

• Freshly brewed espresso: Each layer of the tiramisu cake is infused with espresso, which gives it a rich, distinctive coffee flavor. It adds a strong, fragrant component that properly balances the creamy filling and improves the overall taste.
• Natural marshmallows: Marshmallows play a key role in the Tiramisu Cake by contributing to the creamy filling, adding a light and fluffy texture that balances the layers. They bring a subtle sweetness and help create a delightful contrast to the espresso-soaked graham crackers.

Tiramisu Cream Ingredients:

• Cream cheese: Cream cheese lends its velvety richness to the Tiramisu Cake. It adds a delightful tanginess that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients and creates a luscious texture.
• Confectioner's sugar: Confectioners' sugar brings a subtle sweetness and helps to achieve a smooth texture in the filling of the Tiramisu Cake. It dissolves more easily than granulated sugar, incorporating seamlessly into the cream cheese and marshmallow mixture for a delightful balance of flavors.
• Heavy whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream lends its luxurious richness to the Tiramisu Cake, providing a light and airy texture to the filling. It adds a creamy and dreamy element that enhances the overall decadence and indulgence of the dessert.

Cake Topping Ingredients:

• Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder adds a touch of bitterness and a rich chocolate flavor to the Tiramisu Cake. It also contributes to the visual appeal by dusting the top with a delicate layer of cocoa, creating an enticing presentation.

• Chocolate: We'll be using the chocolate to make a delicious chocolate ganache to top our tasty tiramisu cake and take it to the next level.
• Milk: You'll also need some milk to make this chocolate ganache and trust me you're going to absolutely love it! I've used this recipe to make it easily at home.

How to Make Tiramisu Cake (Step-by-Step)

Making this delicious tiramisu cake is easier than you think. Here's how to make it step by step:

How to Prep Marshmallows for S'mores Tiramisu Cake:

Brew the espresso and set it aside to cool. In the meantime, toast the marshmallows. Spread them out onto a large pan lined with parchment paper.

Set the oven on broil and toast them for a minute or until light golden brown (make sure you watch them because they burn fast).

Remove them from the oven and transfer the paper onto the countertop to let them cool completely. The marshmallow will puff up during toasting and then become flat once cold.

How to Make Tiramisu Cake Cream:

Whisk cream cheese and confectioners' sugar together in the large bowl of a stand mixer or with an electric mixer in a large mixing bowl, starting on low speed and gradually increasing unless you want to stand in a powdered sugar dust cloud! Scrape the sides and the bottom of the mixer bowl multiple times in between mixing.

Add heavy cream, scape the cream cheese off the bowl, and start beating on medium-high speed, gradually increasing the mixing speed as the cream become thicker and beat it for a minute or so. Scrape the cream off the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat once more for about 30 seconds.

How to Assemble Tiramisu Cake:

Pour espresso into a large dinner plate. Dip each graham cracker cookie into the espresso and place them onto a cake platter or in a cake pan.

Place the cream in about 2 tbsp. portions all over the crackers (it will be easier to spread since the crackers are soaking wet). Then, using a tablespoon or a small spatula, press on the cream and spread it, connecting it with each other (be very careful not to mix the wet crackers into the cream).

Peel toasted and cooled marshmallows off the parchment paper and place them on top of the cream.

Add an additional 1 cup of cream and use an offset spatula to spread the marshmallows. Then, dip and place another layer of crackers, and repeat the same instructions with 3 more cracker layers, marshmallows, and cream.

Cover the sides of the cake with a small layer of cream and then pipe little cream balls using a large 1A tip on top of the cake with the remaining cream. Place the cake into the fridge while you make the ganache.

I used this recipe to make the ganache. Break the chocolate into small pieces, add 1 tbsp. of whole milk and, melt over a water bath while stirring from time to time.

Once the ganache is barely warm to the touch transfer, it into a sandwich ziplock bag, cut a tiny piece off the corner of the bag, and drizzle the ganache over the cake.

Finally, dust cocoa powder over the top of the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving for the flavors to absorb and marshmallows to soften.

Serve with a delicious homemade latte or a cup of hot tea!

Your delicious Tiramisu Cake is ready to be served!

Tips for Making the Best Tiramisu Cake Ever

Chill the cake: After assembling the Tiramisu Cake, it is essential to refrigerate it for a sufficient amount of time, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set.

Whip the filling correctly: When combining the cream cheese, marshmallows, and confectioners' sugar for the filling, ensure that they are well blended and whipped until smooth and creamy.

Soak the graham crackers: To ensure that the graham crackers absorb the espresso and develop their characteristic flavor, make sure to soak them for a few seconds. Be careful not to oversoak them.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Tiramisu Cake

• Fruits: Add a fruity twist to the cake by incorporating fresh berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, between the layers. This will add a burst of freshness and a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
• Nuts: Consider adding a layer of toasted nuts, such as chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios, between the graham cracker layers. This will provide a pleasant crunch and introduce a nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Cake Layer Instead of Graham Crackers?

Yes, you can use ladyfingers, sponge cake, or even chocolate cake layers as alternatives to graham crackers. Just make sure to adjust the soaking time and amount of liquid accordingly.

Can I Use Instant Coffee Instead of Freshly Brewed Espresso?

Yes, you can use instant coffee if you don't have access to freshly brewed espresso. Dissolve the instant coffee granules in hot water and allow it to cool before using it to soak the cake layers. You can even use a little coffee syrup.

Can I Substitute Cream Cheese with Mascarpone Cheese?

Yes, you can use mascarpone cream instead of cream cheese or alongside it by using 8 oz of cream cheese and 8 oz of mascarpone cheese for this recipe. And add a dash of vanilla extract and you'll end up with a delicious mascarpone frosting!

Can I Make This Cake in Advance?

Yes, Tiramisu Cake actually benefits from being made in advance as it allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to settle. It is recommended to refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours before serving, but it can also be made a day ahead.

Can I Use a Different Type of Chocolate for the Ganache?

Yes, you can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate for the ganache, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness levels may vary.

How to Store Leftover Tiramisu Cake

To store leftover Tiramisu Cake, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. The cake is best if consumed within 2-3 days. When ready to serve, remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it thaw for 20-30 minutes before serving.

This will allow the flavors to blend together better. If desired, you can also reheat the cake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.

I don't recommend freezing this cake because it'll change the texture of the s'mores layer and even the graham crackers.

Similar Recipes You'll Love

• No-Bake Graham Cracker Cake
• Quick and Easy Smores Dip Recipe (S'mores in the Oven)
• Quick and Easy S'mores Pizza (Perfect Classic Flavors)

See all dessert recipes.

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This recipe was originally posted on June 28, 2018, and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.