Chocolate Tiramisu Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Indulge in the decadent delight of this Chocolate Tiramisu Cake with Cream Cheese Filling. This rich, moist chocolate cake, layered with a smooth and creamy filling, is perfect for any special occasion or when you simply want to treat yourself to a luxurious dessert. The combination of light, fluffy cake and creamy filling, accented by a hint of coffee, makes each bite a heavenly experience. This recipe will guide you through creating a beautiful and delicious cake that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 4 egg yolks, room temperature
• 20g sugar (1½ tablespoons)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 40g milk, room temperature (3 tablespoons)
• 40g vegetable oil (3 tablespoons)
• 30g all-purpose flour (¼ cup)
• 20g cocoa powder (2 tablespoons)
• 4 egg whites, room temperature
• A pinch of salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 60g sugar (¼ cup + 1 tablespoon)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 250g unsalted cream cheese or mascarpone (1 cup)
• 4-5 tablespoons powdered sugar (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 250g heavy cream (33%) (1 cup)

For Assembly:

• 180ml boiling water (¾ cup)
• 3 tablespoons instant coffee powder
• Ladyfingers (as needed)
• Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a 25×35 cm (10×14 inches) baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Egg Yolks: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 20g of sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and creamy. This step ensures a smooth and airy batter base.
3. Add Milk and Oil: Incorporate the milk and vegetable oil into the egg yolk mixture, stirring well to combine.
4. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the wet mixture, gently folding them in until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
5. Beat Egg Whites: In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add the 60g of sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy cake texture.
6. Combine Mixtures: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate batter in batches, being gentle to avoid deflating the mixture. This will keep the cake airy and light.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing it into layers.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Cream the Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese or mascarpone with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps for a perfect filling.
2. Add Cocoa Powder: Mix in the cocoa powder until fully combined, creating a rich chocolate flavor in the filling.
3. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Make Coffee Soak: Dissolve the instant coffee powder in 180ml of boiling water to create a coffee soak. This will add moisture and depth of flavor to the cake layers.
2. Slice the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it evenly into 4-5 layers. This can be done using a serrated knife or a cake leveler for precision.
3. Layer the Cake: Place the first layer of cake on a serving plate or cake board. Generously brush it with the coffee soak to infuse moisture. Spread a layer of the cream cheese filling on top.
4. Add Ladyfingers (Optional): If desired, add a layer of ladyfingers on top of the cream cheese filling, brushing them lightly with the coffee soak for additional flavor and texture.
5. Continue Layering: Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers and cream filling. Ensure each layer is evenly coated with filling to maintain the cake’s structure and flavor balance.
6. Finish with Cream Cheese Filling: Spread the remaining cream cheese filling on the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula for a clean finish.

Step 4: Decorate

1. Dust with Cocoa Powder: Generously dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder for a rich and elegant finish. This adds a final touch of chocolate flavor and visual appeal.

Step 5: Serve

1. Chill and Set: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
2. Serve: Slice and enjoy this indulgent chocolate layer cake with cream cheese filling, perfect for any occasion!

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Layer Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Be Gentle with Egg Whites: When folding the egg whites into the batter, do so gently to avoid losing the air that makes the cake fluffy.
• Chill for Easier Slicing: Chilling the cake before slicing will help the layers hold together better and make the cake easier to cut.
• Customize Layers: Feel free to customize by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit between the layers for added flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information (per serving, serves 12)

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 6g

Enjoy the rich, velvety layers of this Chocolate Tiramisu Cake with Cream Cheese Filling—a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for celebrations or just a sweet indulgence, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings!