I’ve always been a sucker for dessert. When I was younger, my mom used to bake us a chocolate cake every Sunday, and that became my idea of comfort. But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake recipe that I found a true game-changer. It combines the rich flavors of a classic tiramisu with the soft, fluffy goodness of a cake, and trust me, it’s as heavenly as it sounds. I remember the first time I made it-something clicked as soon as I took the first bite. The layers of cream and the slight bitterness of coffee just balance so well with the sweet richness of the cake. It felt like a dessert from another level. If you’re looking to treat yourself (and maybe impress a few friends), this recipe is a must-try.
Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake isn’t your typical cake. It’s a layered masterpiece that’s part tiramisu, part sponge cake. He’s famous for making complex recipes approachable, and this cake is no exception. I remember watching one of his shows where he made it, and I was hooked by how simple he made it look. The thing is, the simplicity hides how spectacular it is. The cake itself is light, moist, and sweetened perfectly, while the mascarpone cream filling is rich, smooth, and indulgent.
What makes it even better? You can assemble it ahead of time. You get the best of both worlds: a show-stopping dessert with minimal stress. It’s the kind of cake you’d be proud to serve at any gathering-and it doesn’t even take hours to make. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to bring this beauty to life.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredient list is fairly simple. Here’s what you need:
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Cake Base
- 6 large eggs
- 200g caster sugar
- 200g self-raising flour
- 100g unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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Tiramisu Filling
- 500g mascarpone cheese
- 200ml double cream
- 100g icing sugar
- 2 tbsp dark rum or Marsala wine
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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Coffee Soak
- 200ml strong espresso or very strong coffee
- 2 tbsp dark rum (optional, but adds richness)
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Garnish
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate (for grating over top)
You might have most of these ingredients lying around, and the ones you don’t can easily be picked up at your local store.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake
Making this cake feels almost like building a decadent dessert tower, layer by layer. I’ll walk you through the process:
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Prepare The Cake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and pale-this takes about 5-7 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Gently fold in the sifted flour until it’s fully incorporated, then add the melted butter and vanilla.
- Pour into a greased 8-inch round cake tin and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
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Make The Tiramisu Filling
- Whip the mascarpone and double cream together with the icing sugar until smooth and thick.
- Stir in the rum or Marsala wine, along with the vanilla extract. Set aside.
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Prepare The Coffee Soak
- Brew your strong coffee and stir in the rum. Let it cool slightly.
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Assemble The Cake
- Slice the cooled cake in half horizontally.
- Generously soak the first layer of cake with the coffee mixture.
- Spread half of the tiramisu filling over the soaked layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top, soak it with more coffee, and spread the remaining filling on top.
- Dust the top with cocoa powder and grated chocolate.
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Chill And Serve
- Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Ever wondered why mascarpone is the heart and soul of a tiramisu? The rich, creamy texture comes from its high-fat content. Unlike other cheeses, it doesn’t have a strong flavor-its mildness makes it perfect for pairing with coffee. Then there’s the cake-using self-raising flour helps it rise and stay light and fluffy without being too dense. And the butter? It adds moisture and richness, creating a delicate texture that absorbs the coffee soak without falling apart.
The coffee soak is where the magic happens. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the mascarpone filling. And if you add rum or Marsala, you’re enhancing the flavor profile with a hint of warmth and depth. It’s a perfect dance of flavors.
Expert Tips
Making a cake like this is all about timing and technique. Here are a few pro tips to make it as flawless as possible:
- Don’t skip the cooling time: Let the cake cool completely before slicing and soaking it. Warm cake can absorb too much liquid and get soggy.
- Soak, but don’t drown: You want the cake to be moist, but not soggy. Soak each layer with a light hand.
- Room temperature ingredients: For the smoothest filling, make sure your mascarpone and cream are at room temperature before whipping.
- Chill it properly: Give the cake time to set in the fridge. It’ll hold its shape better, and the flavors will intensify.
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a few ways you can mix things up:
- Use flavored liqueurs: Swap the dark rum or Marsala for something like amaretto, Kahlúa, or Baileys for a different twist.
- Add chocolate layers: For a more decadent version, layer in some melted chocolate or chocolate ganache between the cake layers.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Change up the cake base: Instead of a sponge, you could use a pound cake or a more dense cake for a different texture contrast.
- Add fruit: Layer in some fresh raspberries or strawberries for a bit of freshness and color.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake feels like crafting a piece of dessert art. But the best part is, it doesn’t require any special techniques or equipment. You get that café-style tiramisu taste with none of the complicated fuss. When I first made this, I thought it was going to be one of those "one-time" recipes. But it quickly became one of my go-to desserts for dinner parties and casual gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser, no doubt.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Different From Traditional Tiramisu?
Jamie Oliver’s version uses a light sponge cake instead of the usual ladyfingers. It’s layered with mascarpone cream and coffee for that authentic tiramisu flavor.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes! In fact, it’s better if you make it a day ahead. The flavors meld together nicely when it sits for a bit.
Do I Need To Use Alcohol In Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Recipe?
No, you don’t have to. The coffee gives it plenty of flavor, but if you want the traditional touch, you can add a splash of rum or marsala wine.