The first bite of these tiramisu mini cakes hits your taste buds with a luscious wave of coffee-infused creaminess that makes you forget all about your troubles. With each delicate layer, you’ll find a perfect blend of velvety mascarpone and fragrant lavender, transporting you to a charming Italian café filled with the comforting aroma of espresso.
As the sun sets and golden hour casts a magical glow, these adorable mini cakes are your secret weapon for impressing friends or treating yourself after a long day. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy evening alone, each bite promises pure bliss. Trust me; once you experience the delightful fusion of flavors, you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone you know!
Why You'll Love This tiramisu mini cakes
- These delightful tiramisu mini cakes offer a unique twist on a classic, making it an innovative conversation starter.
- Easily prepare them with everyday ingredients while adding a hint of lavender for a fabulous touch.
- The visual layers create an eye-catching presentation, ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.
- Perfect for any dessert table, they can be altered to suit various tastes with your favorite flavors.
Ingredients for tiramisu mini cakes
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious tiramisu mini cakes:
Unsalted butter for the pan: A light coating of butter ensures the cakes don’t stick and come out looking perfect.
4 large eggs separated: The egg yolks and whites add richness and structure to the cake.
2/3 cup granulated sugar: This gives sweetness to the cake and the flavors balance beautifully with espresso.
1/4 cup espresso hot: Use freshly brewed espresso for an authentic flavor that gives the cake its classic Italian touch.
1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base that creates the light and airy texture of the cake.
Pinch salt: Just a little salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
6 large egg yolks: Used in the filling, they add creaminess and richness that are quintessential in a tiramisu.
1/3 cup Lavender Simple Syrup, strained: This unique syrup elevates the flavor profile with its floral notes, marrying beautifully with coffee.
1 cup (8 ounces) mascarpone cheese: This creamy cheese is essential for the luscious filling that makes tiramisu so irresistibly decadent.
3/4 cup heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it adds volume and a lightness to the mascarpone mixture.
1 cup espresso, cooled or coffee: Either one works well for soaking the cake layers, imparting a delightful espresso flavor.
2 tbsp Lavender Simple Syrup, strained: A touch more to infuse the soaking liquid for added sweetness and flavor.
1/4 cup (20 grams) cocoa powder for dusting the layers: Provides a chocolaty finish that contrasts the creaminess of the filling.
Cacao nibs, for topping (optional): These add a delightful crunch on top, giving a gourmet touch to your dessert.
1 cup water: Required for making the lavender simple syrup.
1 cup granulated sugar: Necessary for creating the lavender syrup that sweetens your mini cakes.
3 tbsp fresh or dried lavender flowers: These elevate the flavor and aroma, making every bite feel like a piece of heaven.
How to Make tiramisu mini cakes
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious tiramisu mini cakes:
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Yolks
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the egg yolks on high speed. Gradually sprinkle in half the sugar, then drizzle in the hot espresso. Whip this mixture for about 5 minutes until it becomes light in color and thick.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean mixer bowl, whip the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Slowly sprinkle in the remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form, taking about 1 to 2 minutes more.
Step 4: Combine the Mixes
Gently fold about a third of the meringue mixture into the yolks to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining meringue mixture. Combine the flour and pinch of salt, then sift one-third over the egg foam. Fold in until just combined, repeating with the remainder.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter over the prepared baking sheet evenly, smoothing the top. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed. Allow it to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Filling
In a double boiler, whisk together the egg yolks, lavender syrup, and a pinch of salt until thickened. Cool this mixture in an ice bath. In a stand mixer, whisk mascarpone cheese and heavy cream together on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the cooled yolk mixture in thirds.
Step 7: Create the Soaking Liquid
In a bowl, combine the cooled espresso (or coffee) with the remaining 2 tablespoons of lavender simple syrup.
Step 8: Assemble the Mini Cakes
Using a round cutter, cut out circles of the cooled cake. Dip each circle into the espresso-lavender mixture and place a soaked layer in the bottom of a jar. Dust with cocoa powder and pipe a layer of the mascarpone filling over it. Repeat with another layer of soaked cake, cocoa powder, and mascarpone filling. Finish with a final layer of soaked cake and cocoa.
Step 9: Final Touches and Chill
Sprinkle each tiramisu mini cake with cacao nibs if desired, and refrigerate until ready to serve. These delightful treats can even be made a day ahead for convenience.
Enjoy your beautiful tiramisu mini cakes, perfect for any occasion, or just as a sweet pick-me-up when you need it!
You Must Know About tiramisu mini cakes
- This amazing tiramisu mini cakes offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting tiramisu mini cakes Cooking Process
Start by whipping your egg yolks with sugar and hot espresso to create a fluffy base. While it’s mixing, prepare the meringue by beating egg whites until stiff. Fold the meringue into the yolk mixture gently while gradually incorporating the flour for a light batter.
Add Your Touch to tiramisu mini cakes
Feel free to swap espresso for a flavored coffee or even a chai latte for a unique twist. You can also play around with the lavender syrup, using vanilla or hazelnut instead. Top with fresh berries for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Storing & Reheating tiramisu mini cakes
Store the tiramisu mini cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. These little delights are best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat them. Just take them out and enjoy!
Chef's Helpful Tips for tiramisu mini cakes
- This amazing tiramisu mini cakes offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Create an ice bath for cooling the egg yolk mixture quickly. This will prevent the eggs from cooking further and keeps your batter light and fluffy.
Always dip your cake circles fully in the espresso-lavender mixture to ensure every bite is deliciously moist and flavorful.
Make sure your mascarpone and cream are cold before whipping. This helps achieve those perfect stiff peaks for an airy filling.
After countless attempts and a few kitchen disasters, I learned that patience truly is a virtue in baking. My friends couldn’t get enough of these mini cakes at our last dinner party!
FAQs About tiramisu mini cakes
What are tiramisu mini cakes?
Tiramisu mini cakes are delightful, smaller versions of the classic Italian dessert. They often consist of layers of coffee-soaked cake, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder. The unique twist in these mini treats is that they can be presented in individual servings, making them perfect for gatherings or special occasions. With the addition of lavender simple syrup in this recipe, you’ll get an aromatic touch that elevates the dessert to a new level. These bite-sized beauties are sure to impress anyone who loves desserts!
How do you make tiramisu mini cakes?
Making tiramisu mini cakes starts with preparing a light sponge cake. You whip egg yolks with sugar and hot espresso, then fold in meringue made from egg whites. After creating the cake batter, it’s baked until fluffy. Once cooled, you soak round cake pieces in a combination of espresso and lavender syrup. Each layer is alternated with a creamy mascarpone filling, topped with cocoa powder, and dusted for that classic tiramisu flavor. Finally, they are chilled, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Can I customize my tiramisu mini cakes?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about tiramisu mini cakes is their versatility. You can swap out espresso for flavored coffee or even use herbal tea like chai for a unique twist. If lavender syrup isn’t your thing, feel free to try vanilla, maple, or even nutty flavors. Adding fresh fruits like berries can also enhance the presentation and freshness of the dessert. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine in each bite.
How do you store tiramisu mini cakes?
To keep your tiramisu mini cakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They typically remain delicious for up to three days. Unlike traditional cakes, there’s no need to reheat these mini treats; serving them cold will preserve their delightful texture and flavor. Simply take them out of the fridge when ready to indulge. Make sure to enjoy them chilled, allowing all those exquisite flavors to dance on your palate!
Conclusion for tiramisu mini cakes
In summary, tiramisu mini cakes are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, offering layers of flavor with a charming presentation. With their easy preparation and customizable nature, they make for a perfect dessert option for any gathering. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or add your personal touch, these mini cakes promise a burst of flavor in every bite. So, gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and get ready to impress them with your culinary skills!
Mini Tiramisu
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and grease with butter.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the egg yolks on high speed. Slowly sprinkle in half the sugar, then drizzle in the hot espresso. Let it whip for about 5 minutes until light in color and thick.
- In a clean mixer bowl, whip the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Slowly sprinkle in remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Mix about a third of the meringue into the yolks to lighten the mixture, then fold in the remaining meringue mixture.
- Combine flour and salt, sift one-third over the egg foam, and gently fold in. Repeat with the next two-thirds of flour.
- Spread the batter over the prepared baking sheet and smooth the top.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when pressed. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- In a double boiler, whisk together egg yolks, lavender syrup, and salt until thickened. Cool the mixture in an ice bath.
- In a stand mixer, whisk mascarpone and heavy cream together on medium speed until stiff peaks hold. Fold in the yolk mixture in thirds.
- Create the soaking liquid by combining cooled espresso (or coffee) with 2 tablespoons of lavender simple syrup.
- Dip a round cutter in water, cut out a circle of cooled cake, dip it into the espresso-lavender mixture, and place in the bottom of a jar. Dust with cocoa powder and pipe a layer of mascarpone filling over it. Repeat with another layer of soaked cake, cocoa powder, and mascarpone filling. Finish with a layer of soaked cake and cocoa.
- Cover each tiramisu with cacao nibs and refrigerate until ready to serve. They can be made a day ahead.
