Tiramisu Layer Cake

By kannenk

Mascarpone Substitute:
2 pkgs cream cheese blended with 1/2 cup heavy cream and 5T sour cream

Ingredients

• Cake:
• 1 (18.25oz) package moist white cake mix
• 2 tsp instant coffee powder
• 1/2 cup strong coffee
• 1 T coffee flavored liqueur (Kahlua)
• Filling:
• 1 (8oz) container mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 T coffee flavored liqueur
• Frosting:
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 T coffee flavored liqueur
• Garnish:
• 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 oz square semisweet chocolate

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour 3 (9 in) pans.
2. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Pour one third of batter into one pan and stir instant coffee into remaining batter; divide remaining 2/3 of batter and pour into remaining pans.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. In a measuring cup, combine brewed coffee and 1 T coffee liqueur; set aside.
4. To make the filling: in a small bowl, using an electric mixer set on low speed, mix the filling ingredients until just smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
5. To make the frosting: in a medium bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed, beat the frosting ingredients until until stiff. Fold 1/2 cup of this into filling mixture.
6. To assemble the cake: Place one plain cake layer on a serving plate. Using a thin skewer, poke holes in cake, about 1 in apart. Pour one third of reserved coffee mixture over cake, then spread with half of the filling mixture. Top with coffee flavored cake layer; poke holes in cake. Pour another third of the coffee mixture over the 2nd layer and spread with the remaining filling. Top with remaining cake layer; poke holes in cake. pour remaining coffee mixture on top. Spread sides and top of cake with frosting. Place cocoa in a sieve and lightly dust top of cake. Garnish with chocolate curls. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
7. To make the chocolate curls, use a vegetable peeler and run it down the edge of the chocolate bar.