I remember the first time I tried a tiramisu cake-it was an absolute game-changer. Picture this: a light, coffee-soaked sponge layered with rich mascarpone, all topped off with a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The texture, the flavors, the way it melts in your mouth-it’s just unforgettable. And when I found out Jamie Oliver had a version of tiramisu cake, I knew I had to try it.
Jamie has a way of making complex dishes seem like a breeze. He doesn’t just throw ingredients together; he’s all about making food fun and approachable. His tiramisu cake? A beautiful fusion of classic Italian dessert and easy-going, homey vibes. And let me tell you-it’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Jamie’s tiramisu cake is a perfect twist on the classic. It’s got all the layers and flavors of a traditional tiramisu but with a cake base that brings a soft, sponge-like texture. Imagine the balance of rich coffee and creamy mascarpone with every bite. Jamie’s recipe is straightforward but has that wow factor that’ll make you look like a pro in the kitchen.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start, make sure you’ve got these ingredients:
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For The Cake
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 200g caster sugar
- 200g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp espresso or strong coffee
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For The Mascarpone Cream
- 500g mascarpone cheese
- 200ml double cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
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For Soaking The Cake
- 150ml espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
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To Finish
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Dark chocolate (grated, optional)
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake
Here’s how I’ve made Jamie’s tiramisu cake and what I’ve learned along the way:
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Step 1: Bake The Cake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease two 20cm round cake pans. Line them with parchment paper.
- Whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should form a ribbon when you lift the whisk.
- Fold in the flour and vanilla extract carefully. You don’t want to deflate that fluffy air.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean.
- Once out of the oven, leave the cakes to cool in their pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Step 2: Prepare The Mascarpone Cream
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mascarpone, double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, thick mixture. Be careful not to overwhisk. You want it thick but still spreadable.
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Step 3: Assemble The Cake
- Once the cakes are cool, slice each one in half to create four layers.
- In a shallow dish, combine your cooled espresso and coffee liqueur (if using).
- Dip each layer of cake into the coffee mixture, being careful not to soak them completely.
- Place the soaked cake layers on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of mascarpone cream on top of each layer.
- Repeat the process until all layers are stacked.
- For the final layer, spread the remaining cream on top, smooth it out, and dust with cocoa powder. You can also add some grated dark chocolate for a little extra flair.
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Step 4: Chill And Serve
- Chill the tiramisu cake in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully during this time.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in Jamie’s tiramisu cake plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at some of the science behind it:
- Eggs (in the cake): Eggs provide structure and moisture to the cake. When beaten with sugar, they create air bubbles that help the cake rise, giving it that light, airy texture. This is known as the “foam” stage, and it’s key to a sponge-like cake.
- Mascarpone cheese: This Italian cheese is the heart of any tiramisu. It’s rich and creamy but not as heavy as cream cheese. Its mild flavor allows the coffee and cocoa to shine through without overpowering them. The fat in mascarpone also helps create the smooth texture of the cream.
- Coffee: Coffee does more than add flavor-it helps to moisten the cake and enhance the richness of the mascarpone. The bitterness of the coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cream and cake, creating a harmonious balance.
Expert Tips
Want to make this tiramisu cake even better? Here are some tips I’ve picked up:
- Don’t over-soak the cake layers: It’s easy to go overboard with the coffee soak, but too much can make the cake soggy. A quick dip is all you need to get that nice coffee flavor without losing the texture.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs, mascarpone, and cream are all at room temperature. This ensures the cake batter and mascarpone cream mix together smoothly and evenly.
- Let the cake chill: Tiramisu gets better with time. Let it sit in the fridge for several hours or overnight so that the flavors fully develop.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s tiramisu cake is already fantastic, you can always play around with the ingredients:
- Liqueur swap: If you don’t want to use coffee liqueur, try rum or amaretto for a different twist.
- Different cakes: You can swap out the classic sponge for a ladyfinger base or even a chocolate cake if you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent.
- Vegan version: For a plant-based take, use dairy-free mascarpone, coconut cream, and a vegan sponge cake. Just make sure your coffee liqueur is vegan-friendly.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s tiramisu cake has this wonderful combination of textures: a soft, moist cake, smooth mascarpone cream, and that unmistakable coffee flavor. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual dinners to celebratory feasts.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Different From Traditional Tiramisu?
His recipe combines layers of sponge cake instead of the typical ladyfingers, making it lighter and easier to work with.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day or two before serving. Just store it in the fridge for best results.
Is There A Way To Make Jamie Oliver’s Tiramisu Cake Alcohol-free?
Yes, you can substitute the alcohol with coffee or a non-alcoholic syrup to keep the flavor without the booze.