A dreamy, cloud-soft dessert layered with coffee-soaked sponge and creamy mascarpone.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:35 mins
Cook Time:18-22 mins
Total Time:4 hrs 35 mins
Yield:10 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
6 large eggs (room temp)
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brewed espresso (cooled)
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups mascarpone cheese
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Chocolate curls or shavings (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans. Beat eggs and sugar for 8–10 minutes until pale and fluffy. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into the egg mixture with vanilla. Divide into pans and bake for 18–22 minutes. Cool completely.
Stir espresso, sugar, and vanilla until dissolved to make the syrup.
In a cold bowl, whip cream and powdered sugar to stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone with vanilla. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone until smooth and airy.
To assemble, layer sponge, brush with coffee syrup, spread cream, and repeat for all layers. Finish with cream peaks on top. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate curls.
Chill at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour for dietary needs.
For a lighter version, sub low-fat cream and a natural sweetener like stevia.