Tiramisu recipe with sponge cake

Tiramisu with Cake Base – A Delicious Experience for Your Taste Buds

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

In this recipe, we will explore together how to prepare a tiramisu with a cake base, an Italian delicacy that perfectly combines the fluffy texture of the cake layers with the richness of mascarpone cream. Tiramisu, which translates to "pick me up" in Italian, is a dessert that will give you a boost of energy and joy, making it ideal for any special occasion or simply to treat your family and friends.

A Touch of History

Tiramisu first appeared in Italy in the 1960s and quickly became a symbol of Italian culinary tradition. It is a dessert that combines simple ingredients but with intense flavors, such as coffee and mascarpone, to create a memorable tasting experience. This cake base recipe adds a unique touch, enriching the texture and providing a delicious foundation for the smooth cream.

Ingredients

For the Cake:
- 6 fresh eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of water
- 6 tablespoons of oil

For the Cream:
- 500 g mascarpone
- 3 egg yolks
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 100 g Nutella
- 4-5 tablespoons of bitter cocoa
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar

For the Syrup:
- A large, strong coffee, sweetened to taste
- A splash of rum or brandy (optional, but recommended for added flavor)

Step by Step – Preparing the Tiramisu

1. Preparing the Cake:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray (30x20cm) with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you achieve a frothy and light-colored mixture. This step is essential, as the incorporated air will help the cake to be fluffy.
- Add the water and oil and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
- Gradually fold in the flour, mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely.

2. Preparing the Cream:
- In a bowl, combine the egg yolks with the sugar and beat well until frothy.
- Add the mascarpone and Nutella, gently mixing until homogeneous.
- In another bowl, whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm and then gradually fold it into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate it, to keep the cream airy.

3. Preparing the Syrup:
- Brew a strong coffee and let it cool slightly. Add sugar to taste and, if desired, a splash of rum or brandy.

4. Assembling the Tiramisu:
- Cut the cooled cake in half and place the first half on a serving platter.
- Soak the cake with the coffee syrup, ensuring it is well soaked but not too wet.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the soaked cake, leveling it evenly.
- Place the second half of the cake on top and repeat the soaking process with the syrup and add the remaining cream.
- Finish with a generous layer of bitter cocoa, using a sieve for an even coating.

5. Chilling and Serving:
- Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and blend perfectly.

Serving Suggestions:
The tiramisu can be served plain, but for an added touch of elegance, you can decorate each serving with a roasted coffee bean or chocolate shavings. It also pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet wine or a freshly brewed espresso.

Tips and Useful Advice:
- Use good quality coffee for a more intense flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and use bitter cocoa.
- You can experiment by adding flavors such as vanilla or cinnamon to the mascarpone cream for a personal touch.

Nutritional Information (per serving) (estimated):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I replace mascarpone with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta, but the taste and texture will be different.

- Can tiramisu be frozen?
It is recommended not to freeze tiramisu, as the mascarpone cream will change texture.

- How can I make tiramisu without alcohol?
Simply omit the rum or brandy from the syrup and use only coffee and sugar.

Now that you have all the necessary details, you are ready to create a tiramisu with a cake base that will delight anyone who tastes it! Whether it's for a special dinner or a simple gathering with friends, this dessert will surely be the star of the evening. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the preparation and to share your creation with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!