I know how special it is to share a dessert with someone you love. Whether it’s a cosy evening at home, a special date night, or even just a treat-yourself moment, a dessert made just for two adds that extra touch of magic, doesn’t it? And what better way to indulge than with a mini tiramisù cake?
Yes, you read it right! This classic Italian dessert, traditionally made in large batches, can be downsized into a creamy, rich and above all, perfectly portioned cake for two. Rich layers of sponge cake soaked in espresso combined with luscious mascarpone cream create a delicate yet indulgent treat that melts in your mouth. The best part? It’s easy to make and requires no baking expertise!
Here’s How This Recipe Came to Life
The first time I tried tiramisù, I was determined to recreate that authentic Italian experience at home. My partner and I had fallen in love with this dessert during a trip to Italy, where we had spoonfuls of creamy, coffee-infused goodness at a cute little café in Rome. But when we got home and tried making it, we ended up with a giant dish of tiramisù that we struggled to finish.
That’s when I thought, why not scale it down and turn it into a mini cake just for two? Not only did it make our special moments even sweeter, but we also didn’t have to worry about leftovers sitting in the fridge. And just like that, this mini tiramisù cake for two was born! Believe me when I say I was born coz I had to go through several attempts to come up with the best recipe for the best tiramisù mini cake.
Why You’ll Love This Mini Tiramisù Cake
Let me place a bet. You are going to LOVE this tiramisù mini cake! Wondering why?
- It’s perfect for two: No need for a large batch. This is portioned just right for 2 people, with some leftovers you can nibble on late at night.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps, just simple layering with a little bit of love.
- Tastes Even Better Overnight: Prepare it in advance and let the flavours deepen. I know it would be hard to wait. But hey, trust the process!
How to Make Mini Tiramisù Cake?
Here’s my fool-proof recipe with tips and tricks to make the perfect mini tiramisù cake that you can enjoy:
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Sponge Cake Base:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
For the Mascarpone Cream Filling:
- 1 cup of mascarpone cheese
- 300ml of heavy whipping cream
- 3 egg yolks
- ½ cup + 1 ½ teaspoons of sugar
- 60ml espresso coffee
- Marsala wine or rum (optional)
- 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder
For Topping:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Chocolate shavings or coffee beans (optional for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- 15-cm (6-inch) cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Cake collar or parchment paper
- Sifter for cocoa powder
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Preparing the Sponge Cake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease a small cake pan.
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites and beat the egg whites until stiff. This can take around 3 minutes.
I3 Add the sugar, little by little, while beating the eggs at medium-high speed. Once the sugar is dissolved, mix in the yolks and beat until combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold gently with a spatula to maintain airiness.
- Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let it cool completely before slicing it into two or three layers.
2. Making the Mascarpone Cream
- Brew the coffee and add the sugar. Let it cool
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then refrigerate.
III. In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone and sugar and beat well. Then add egg yolk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Fill the cream into a piping bag fitted with a large nozzle of your choice.
3. Assembling the Cake
- Place the first sponge layer on a plate.
- Brush with cooled espresso mixed with Marsala wine or rum.
III. Spread a layer of mascarpone cream over the sponge.
- Repeat with the next layer, finishing with a thick cream layer on top.
- Cover and chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight for the best results).
4. Finishing Touches
- Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or coffee beans for an elegant touch.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh mascarpone and strong espresso make a huge difference.
- Egg safety: If raw eggs are a concern, use pasteurised eggs.
- Texture tip: Keep the whipped cream light and fluffy by folding it gently.
- Flavour variations: Looking to take it up a notch? Try adding a hint of cinnamon or hazelnut liqueur.
- Make-Ahead: The cake gets better with time, so preparing it a day in advance is a great idea!
Bake, Layer, Enjoy & Don’t Forget to Share!
A classic tiramisù is always a treat, but this mini tiramisù cake for two makes it even more special. Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or just a quiet evening at home, this creamy, coffee-infused delight is sure to impress.
So, there you have it! Bake it with love and enjoy it with a glass of dessert wine, a shot of espresso, or a cappuccino. If you’ve tried making tiramisù at home, I’d love to hear how this mini version turned out for you! Drop a comment below or share a picture of your mini tiramisù cake on Instagram by tagging us.
So what are you waiting for? Give it a try, and make sweet memories one bite at a time!
