Jamie Oliver Tiramisu Cake Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I still remember the first time I tried tiramisu. It wasn’t from a fancy restaurant or a posh bakery. It was at a friend’s home, a simple gathering where the dessert just stole the show. That creamy, coffee-soaked delight felt like a hug on a plate. So when I discovered Jamie Oliver’s take on tiramisu cake, I was curious-how could he make this classic even better? And wow, he did! This isn’t just your typical tiramisu. It’s a cake that brings the best of both worlds-light, airy, rich, and indulgent-all in one slice.

Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Jamie’s tiramisu cake is a fresh twist on the classic. Instead of layering ladyfingers soaked in espresso, he creates a moist sponge cake infused with coffee and layers it with mascarpone cream. It’s elegant but approachable-perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

This cake combines:

• Soft sponge soaked in espresso and coffee liqueur
• Light and fluffy mascarpone cream with a hint of vanilla
• Dustings of cocoa for that signature bittersweet finish

It’s a recipe that balances texture, flavor, and sweetness beautifully. And the best part? It’s easier to make than traditional tiramisu, which means fewer fiddly layers and no worries about soggy biscuits.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this masterpiece:

• For The Sponge Cake

  • Plain flour (for that soft, airy base)
  • Baking powder (to help it rise)
  • Eggs (the magic binder and structure builder)
  • Caster sugar (for sweetness and tenderness)
  • Butter (for richness and moisture)

• For Soaking The Sponge

  • Strong espresso coffee (freshly brewed for the best flavor)
  • Coffee liqueur (like Kahlua, optional but adds depth)

• For The Mascarpone Cream

  • Mascarpone cheese (the creamy star of the show)
  • Double cream (to whip into lightness)
  • Icing sugar (to sweeten gently)
  • Vanilla extract (for a subtle fragrant touch)

• For Decoration

  • Cocoa powder (dust generously for that authentic finish)
  • Dark chocolate shavings or coffee beans (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake

When I first made this cake, I was amazed at how straightforward the process was. Here’s a step-by-step to guide you:

1. Prepare The Sponge

   • Preheat your oven and grease your cake tin.
   • Beat eggs and caster sugar until fluffy and pale-this aerates the batter, making it light.
   • Fold in sifted flour and baking powder carefully, then add melted butter.
   • Pour into your tin and bake until golden and springy.

2. Soak The Sponge

   • Once the cake is cooled, mix espresso and coffee liqueur.
   • Slice the sponge horizontally and drizzle the coffee mixture over each layer to soak it well.

3. Make The Mascarpone Cream

   • Whip double cream with icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
   • Gently fold in mascarpone without overmixing to keep it fluffy.

4. Assemble

   • Spread a thick layer of mascarpone cream over the bottom sponge.
   • Add the second sponge layer and repeat.
   • Finish with a generous coat of mascarpone cream on top.

5. Decorate

   • Dust with cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings or coffee beans if you like.

6. Chill

   • Let the cake rest in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This allows flavors to meld perfectly.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s something I love-understanding why recipes work. Take mascarpone, for instance. It’s a high-fat Italian cheese, which means it has rich creaminess and smooth texture. When whipped with cream, it holds air better and keeps the dessert light rather than dense.

The eggs and sugar in the sponge act like tiny little air balloons. When you beat them, the mixture traps air, which expands in the oven creating that perfect sponge rise. The baking powder gives an extra lift by producing carbon dioxide bubbles as it heats.

Coffee and coffee liqueur are more than flavor-they add acidity and moisture, which balance the sweetness and keep the cake tender.

Expert Tips

From my kitchen experiments and a bit of trial and error, here are some pro tips to nail this cake:

• Use freshly brewed espresso, never instant, for the richest flavor.
• Don’t skip chilling the cake-time is key for flavors to develop and textures to set.
• When folding mascarpone into cream, do it gently to avoid curdling.
• If you prefer less alcohol, just reduce or omit the coffee liqueur.
• Try using a serrated knife to slice the sponge horizontally for clean, even layers.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix it up? Jamie’s recipe is versatile and forgiving:

• Chocolate tiramisu cake: Add cocoa powder to the sponge mix or fold in melted dark chocolate into the mascarpone cream.
• Berry twist: Layer fresh raspberries or strawberries between the mascarpone layers for a fruity pop.
• Nutty crunch: Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts or almonds on the mascarpone layer for texture.
• Vegan version: Substitute mascarpone with cashew cream and use aquafaba to whip instead of eggs and cream.

Final Words

Making Jamie Oliver’s tiramisu cake feels like bringing a little slice of Italy into your home kitchen. It’s indulgent but approachable, elegant yet comforting. The flavors meld beautifully, and the texture is pure bliss. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this cake will always deliver smiles.

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Different From Regular Tiramisu?

Jamie’s recipe adds layers of sponge cake soaked in coffee, giving it a lighter, more cake-like texture compared to traditional tiramisu.

Can I Use A Different Alcohol For Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake?

Yes, you can swap the marsala wine with rum, brandy, or even a non-alcoholic coffee essence if preferred.

How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Need To Set?

Let it set in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for the flavors to meld together.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! It’s actually better if you make it a day in advance so the flavors have time to develop.

What Kind Of Coffee Should I Use In Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake?

Strong espresso or good quality brewed coffee works best to soak the cake layers and give it that rich flavor.

Can I Make The Sponge Cake From Scratch?

Yes, you can, but Jamie’s recipe uses a store-bought sponge to save time. If you want to go homemade, just make sure it’s light and fluffy.

Can I Substitute Mascarpone With Something Else?

You could try cream cheese as an alternative, but it won’t give you the same creamy richness as mascarpone.

Is It Necessary To Add Cocoa Powder On Top Of The Tiramisu Cake?

Yes! The cocoa powder adds a nice bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cream and cake layers.

How Do I Store Leftover Tiramisu Cake?

Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to enjoy it while it’s fresh!

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Gluten-free?

You can! Just use a gluten-free sponge cake and ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free.