Name: Tiramisu Cake Roll Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar; 28g (2 tablespoons) neutral vegetable oil; ½ teaspoon vanilla paste or extract; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 90g (¾ cup) cake flour; 170g (6oz) mascarpone cheese; 3 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 240g (1 cup) heavy cream; 80g (1/3 cup) brewed strong coffee, cooled; 15g (1 tablespoon) amaretto, dark rum, or coffee liqueur (optional); Cocoa powder for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 34 reviews

There’s something utterly magical about combining the classic flavors of tiramisu with a light, fluffy cake roll. This Tiramisu Cake Roll Recipe captures that dreamy fusion perfectly, inviting you to enjoy the rich mascarpone, aromatic coffee, and delicate cocoa in each delightful bite. It’s a dessert that feels both elegant and approachable—a true showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. If you adore tiramisu or love a good rolled cake, this one is going to become a fast favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal whisk attachment covered with smooth, glossy, whipped white cream stands upright in front of a large stainless steel mixing bowl, all placed on a white marbled surface. The whipped cream forms a tall peak, with soft, flowing texture clinging to the thin wires of the whisk, highlighting its light and airy quality. The background is softly blurred, giving focus to the detailed, creamy layers on the whisk. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple but essential ingredients come together to create this luscious Tiramisu Cake Roll. Each item plays a key role: from the airy eggs that give the sponge its lift to the creamy mascarpone that adds decadence and the coffee that ties it all with that unmistakable tiramisu note.

4 large eggs: The foundation of a light and airy cake sponge, separated for perfect texture.
100g (½ cup) granulated sugar: For sweetness and structure in both the sponge and cream.
28g (2 tablespoons) neutral vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender without overpowering flavors.
½ teaspoon vanilla paste or extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the taste beautifully.
⅛ teaspoon salt: A pinch to balance and enhance all flavors.
90g (¾ cup) cake flour: Provides the delicate crumb ideal for rolling without cracks.
170g (6oz) mascarpone cheese: The star creamy component that makes tiramisu so irresistible.
3 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the mascarpone cream.
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract: Infuses the cream with lovely aromatic notes.
1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances the cream’s flavor depth.
240g (1 cup) heavy cream: Whipped into a luscious, stiff peak to lighten the filling.
80g (1/3 cup) brewed strong coffee, cooled: Imparts the essential tiramisu coffee kick.
15g (1 Tbsp) amaretto, dark rum, or coffee liqueur (optional): A boozy addition for an authentic adult touch.
Cocoa powder: For dusting and that perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Tiramisu Cake Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by lightly oiling or spraying a 15x10x1 inch jelly roll pan and lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and keeps your sponge intact when rolling. Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C with a rack in the center to ensure even baking.

Step 2: Separate the Eggs

Carefully separate the eggs, placing the whites in a large mixing bowl and the yolks in a smaller bowl for later. This separation is key for creating the perfect airy sponge texture.

Step 3: Whip Egg Whites with Sugar

Using a stand mixer on high, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add half the sugar and continue beating until medium-stiff peaks form—your whites should hold shape but fold gently at the tips. Set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 4: Whip Egg Yolks

Next, in the original mixer bowl, combine the egg yolks, remaining sugar, vanilla, oil, and salt. Whip on high for about four minutes until the mixture triples in volume, becoming thick, pale, and ribbon-like when the whisk is lifted.

Step 5: Fold Egg Whites into Yolks

Gently incorporate one-third of the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture with a rubber spatula. Repeat this folding two more times, taking care not to deflate the air bubbles that give your cake its lift.

Step 6: Add Flour

Sift half of the cake flour over the mixture and fold softly to maintain the light texture. Then, add the remaining flour and fold again until just combined, resulting in a smooth and airy batter.

Step 7: Bake the Sponge

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan with an offset spatula, smoothing the surface gently. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden and springy to the touch—don’t overbake, or the sponge may dry out and crack.

Step 8: Roll the Cake

While the sponge is baking, prepare a clean tea towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. As soon as the cake comes out, invert it onto the towel, peel off the parchment, dust with more sugar, and roll it up tightly from the short side. Let it cool completely rolled, which keeps it flexible for filling.

Step 9: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream

Mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla until blended. Whip the heavy cream separately until stiff peaks form, then fold this gently into the mascarpone mixture to create a luscious, stable cream filling.

Step 10: Assemble the Roll

Unroll the cooled sponge carefully. If using, combine the amaretto or liqueur into the coffee and drizzle it slowly across the sponge, letting it soak in without making it soggy. Spread half the mascarpone cream evenly, leaving a small border. Reroll the sponge gently but firmly to keep the spiral tight.

Step 11: Finish and Chill

Pipe or spread the remaining mascarpone cream on the outside of the roll, then dust with a generous layer of cocoa powder. Chill the Tiramisu Cake Roll in the refrigerator for at least an hour so the flavors marry and the cream firms up perfectly before slicing.

How to Serve Tiramisu Cake Roll Recipe

The image shows a rolled cake with three visible layers: the outer sponge cake layer is light golden brown and soft textured, rolled around a creamy white filling as the middle layer that looks smooth and thick. On top, there is a third layer made of dollops of white cream arranged in rows, each topped generously with light to dark brown cocoa powder, giving a fluffy and powdery texture. The dessert is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the beauty and flavor of your tiramisu roll by dusting more cocoa powder or sprinkling finely grated dark chocolate on top. You can also add a few coffee beans or a fresh sprig of mint for an elegant touch that excites the senses before the first forkful.

Side Dishes

This cake roll pairs wonderfully with a light cup of espresso or freshly brewed black coffee, amplifying those signature coffee-and-cream flavors. A delicate raspberry coulis or fresh berries on the side provide a lovely tart contrast if you want to brighten the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the Tiramisu Cake Roll and layer the pieces in a trifle dish with extra mascarpone cream and dustings of cocoa for a layered dessert experience. Or serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla gelato for an indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, store your Tiramisu Cake Roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It maintains its freshness for up to three days, making it perfect for prepping in advance or enjoying over a few days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving, though the texture is at its best when freshly made.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, simply take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes prior to serving to allow it to soften slightly for the ultimate creamy experience.

FAQs

Can I make the cake roll without alcohol?

Absolutely! The amaretto or coffee liqueur is optional and can be omitted for a family-friendly version. The coffee alone still delivers that classic tiramisu flavor.

What if my cake cracks when rolling?

If the cake cracks, it usually means it wasn’t warm enough or rolled tightly immediately after baking. Rolling it while warm with the towel helps the sponge stay flexible. Minor cracks can be covered with the cream beautifully.

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, strong brewed coffee or espresso is preferred, but a well-dissolved powder can work too—just make sure it’s cooled before drizzling to avoid melting the cream.

How long does it take to prepare the Tiramisu Cake Roll Recipe?

Plan on around two hours total, including baking and chilling time. It’s a relaxed process that allows the flavors to meld wonderfully, so the results are worth the wait.

Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?

Cream cheese can be used in a pinch, but mascarpone provides that signature silky texture and milder flavor essential to tiramisu. If substituting, consider blending with a bit of heavy cream for a softer result.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable, classic yet creative, this Tiramisu Cake Roll Recipe is a must-try. It beautifully marries the best of two beloved treats—tiramisu and cake roll—into one unforgettable experience that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Give it a go and let yourself savor every delicious slice!