The Perfect Tiramisu Eclair Cake Recipe for Sweet Gatherings

Decadent chocolate lovers find pure bliss in this tiramisu eclair cake that combines Italian dessert magic with French pastry elegance.

Layers of delicate cream and coffee-soaked sponge create a dreamy landscape of indulgence.

Mascarpone cheese weaves its rich, silky threads through each heavenly bite.

Delicate ladyfingers absorb intense espresso, promising a sophisticated dance of flavors.

Smooth chocolate ganache drapes over the cake like a luxurious blanket of sweetness.

Creamy and light, this dessert whispers promises of pure culinary romance.

You will want to savor every single delectable moment of this extraordinary treat.

Tiramisu Eclair Cake You Can’t Resist

• Craft a No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and create a luxurious dessert with simple layering techniques that anyone can master.
• Indulge in Tiramisu Fusion: Combine the classic Italian dessert with eclair cake's creamy texture for a unique flavor experience that surprises taste buds.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this decadent dessert with minimal ingredients and steps, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Coffee Lover's Dream: Infuse rich coffee flavors through instant coffee and chocolate-covered espresso beans, creating an intense and sophisticated dessert profile.

Ingredients For Perfect Tiramisu Eclair Cake

• Heavy Whipping Cream: A rich dairy product that creates a luxurious and smooth base for the tiramisu eclair cake.
• Mascarpone Cheese: A soft Italian cream cheese that adds a creamy and rich texture to the dessert.
• Chocolate Graham Crackers: Provide a sweet and chocolatey foundation for the layers of the cake.

• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
• Instant Coffee: Infuses a deep coffee flavor characteristic of traditional tiramisu.
• Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor and provides a rich, dark dusting on top.

• Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans: Add a crunchy texture and intense coffee flavor as a topping for the dessert.

How To Master Tiramisu Eclair Cake

Step 1: Prepare Coffee-Infused Whipping Cream

In a spacious mixing bowl, pour heavy whipping cream. Sprinkle instant coffee over the cream and let it sit for several minutes, allowing the coffee to partially dissolve and infuse flavor.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

Using a handheld mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the cream until it starts to thicken and develop soft peaks.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mascarpone Mixture

Gradually add powdered sugar to the whipped cream and continue mixing. Incorporate cocoa powder and continue beating until the mixture becomes stiff and well-blended. Gently fold in mascarpone cheese using a spatula until completely combined.

Step 4: Build Layered Dessert

Select an 8×11 or 8×8 casserole dish. Create a base layer of chocolate graham crackers, breaking pieces as needed to cover the bottom completely. Spread one-third of the creamy mascarpone mixture evenly over the crackers.

Step 5: Repeat Layering

• Chocolate graham crackers
• Creamy mascarpone mixture

Aim for three total layers of crackers and three layers of cream.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Dust the top layer with remaining cocoa powder. Sprinkle chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the dessert for four hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set. Keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips To Nail Tiramisu Eclair Cake Every Time

• Dissolve Coffee Strategically: Let instant coffee sit in heavy cream for exactly five minutes to ensure smooth, even flavor distribution without overpowering the dessert.
• Whip Cream Carefully: Use a handheld mixer with whisk attachment and watch closely to achieve perfect stiff peaks without overbeating the cream.
• Layer Thoughtfully: Break graham crackers strategically to create an even base, ensuring each spoonful has balanced texture and flavor.
• Chill Completely: Allow minimum four hours refrigeration to let flavors meld and create a firm, sliceable dessert that holds its shape perfectly.
• Garnish Generously: Sift cocoa powder and sprinkle chocolate-covered espresso beans for a professional-looking finish that adds visual appeal and extra coffee intensity.

Variations To Try On Tiramisu Eclair Cake

• Gluten-Free Tiramisu Eclair Cake: Swap chocolate graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Coffee Cream Variation: Replace heavy whipping cream with coconut cream, use dairy-free mascarpone substitute, and swap chocolate-covered espresso beans with dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the creamy texture and coffee flavor.
• Mocha Chocolate Variation: Add melted dark chocolate to the cream mixture and sprinkle extra dark chocolate shavings on top for an intensified chocolate coffee experience.

Pairings That Enhance Tiramisu Eclair Cake

• Robust Red Wine Companion: Select a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo or Port to mirror the rich coffee and chocolate notes, creating a luxurious taste experience.
• Espresso Shot Enhancer: Serve a small shot of pure espresso alongside the cake to amplify the coffee undertones and provide a traditional Italian dessert pairing.
• Nutty Chocolate Side Kick: Add a small plate of dark chocolate-covered almonds or hazelnuts to complement the espresso beans and enhance the dessert's complex flavor profile.
• Palate Cleansing Contrast: Include a light, crisp sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cut through the richness and refresh the taste buds between bites.

Storage Tips For Tiramisu Eclair Cake

• Wrap the tiramisu eclair cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Carefully wrap the cake in two layers of plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
• Cut individual slices and store them in separate sealed containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents moisture loss and keeps each serving ready for quick enjoyment.
• For best results, serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving, as it can compromise the delicate cream texture and graham cracker layers.

Tiramisu Eclair Cake FAQ

• What are graham crackers and can I substitute them?

Graham crackers are sweet, whole wheat crackers. You can substitute with chocolate or regular digestive biscuits, which work perfectly in this recipe.

• Do I need special equipment to make this dessert?

A handheld mixer with a whisk attachment helps, but you can also use a stand mixer or whisk by hand. Just ensure the cream gets thick and stiff.

• How do I know when the whipped cream is at the right consistency?

The cream is ready when it forms stiff peaks and holds its shape when you lift the whisk. It should look thick and not runny.

• Can I use regular coffee instead of instant coffee?

Instant coffee works best for dissolving quickly and providing a strong flavor. Regular brewed coffee might make the cream too liquid and dilute the taste.

Tiramisu Eclair Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet layers of Italian-inspired tiramisu eclair cake blend creamy mascarpone and delicate coffee-soaked ladyfingers into a luxurious dessert. Rich flavors and elegant textures invite you to savor each delightful bite of this irresistible French-Italian fusion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) room temperature mascarpone cheese
• 15 chocolate graham crackers
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Coffee and Flavor Ingredients:

• 3 teaspoons instant coffee
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, divided
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) dark chocolate covered espresso beans, chopped

Sweetener:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Infuse heavy whipping cream with instant coffee, letting it sit for 5 minutes to develop rich, aromatic notes.
2. Whip the coffee-infused cream using a handheld mixer with whisk attachment until it begins to gain volume and texture.
3. Incorporate powdered sugar and cocoa powder, continuing to mix until the cream forms stiff, luxurious peaks.
4. Gently fold mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream mixture, ensuring a smooth, uniform consistency.
5. Prepare the casserole dish by creating an initial layer of chocolate graham crackers, carefully breaking pieces to cover the entire bottom surface.
6. Spread a generous layer of the coffee-mascarpone cream over the graham crackers, creating an even, delicate coating.
7. Repeat the layering process, alternating graham crackers and cream mixture, building three distinct layers for optimal texture and flavor.
8. Complete the dessert by dusting the top layer with a fine sifting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
9. Garnish with chopped chocolate-covered espresso beans, adding a delightful crunch and intense coffee accent.
10. Refrigerate for 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set, ensuring a perfectly chilled dessert.
11. Serve directly from the refrigerator, keeping the cake covered to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Choosing the right coffee is crucial for a rich, authentic tiramisu flavor, so opt for high-quality instant espresso powder for maximum taste intensity.
• When whipping cream, start at a low speed and gradually increase to prevent splattering and achieve a smooth, stable consistency.
• For a gluten-free version, swap chocolate graham crackers with gluten-free chocolate wafers or almond flour-based cookies to maintain the dessert’s structure.
• Chocolate-covered espresso beans can be replaced with dark chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for those wanting a milder coffee crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg