Elegant Tiramisu Layer Cake

Ingredients:

• Cake Layers:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
• Coffee Soak:
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
• Mascarpone Frosting:
  • 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Decoration:
  • Cocoa powder for dusting
  • Chocolate shavings or curls

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
   • In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
   • Add egg, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth, then stir in boiling water until well combined.
   • Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Remove from oven, let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
2. Coffee Soak:
   • Combine brewed coffee and coffee liqueur in a bowl.
3. Mascarpone Frosting:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese until smooth.
   • In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
   • Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone until combined.
4. Assembly:
   • Trim the tops of the cakes to level them if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
   • Brush liberally with coffee soak. Spread a layer of mascarpone frosting over the soaked cake.
   • Top with the second cake layer, brush with more coffee soak, and then cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
   • Dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings.
5. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

This recipe combines the moist, rich flavors of chocolate and coffee with the creamy, smooth texture of mascarpone frosting, creating a sophisticated dessert perfect for celebrations or as a special treat. Enjoy crafting