This cake has all the classic flavors of Tiramisu but in an easy-to-make sheet cake format. It features a soft vanilla sponge layered with coffee-soaked sponge fingers and topped with a rich, dairy-free mascarpone-style frosting.
Vegan Tiramisu Sheet Cake
This Tiramisu Sheet Cake combines the classic flavors of Tiramisu with the simplicity of a sheet cake. Soft vanilla sponge is layered with coffee-soaked sponge fingers, brushed with espresso, and topped with a luscious mascarpone-style frosting. All made without eggs or dairy!
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Sheet Cake
This Tiramisu Sheet Cake brings the beloved flavors of classic tiramisu into an easy, crowd-pleasing format. As a chef, what I find most exciting about this recipe is how it retains the richness and depth of traditional tiramisu while being entirely egg-free and dairy-free. The soft vanilla sponge, layered with coffee-soaked sponge fingers, creates a delightful contrast between the fluffy cake and the intense espresso flavor. The mascarpone-style frosting adds a creamy, luxurious finish that ties everything together. It’s a dessert that’s indulgent yet light, making it perfect for both casual and special occasions.
The Perfect Occasion for This Cake
This Tiramisu Sheet Cake is perfect for gatherings where you want to serve something familiar yet impressive. Its simplicity makes it ideal for potlucks, family get-togethers, or office parties, where a sheet cake’s easy-to-serve nature is a big advantage. The elegant coffee and vanilla flavors also make it a great choice for more formal occasions like dinner parties or holiday celebrations. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just looking to treat yourself and your loved ones, this cake delivers on both flavor and presentation.
Decoration Tips to Elevate Your Tiramisu Sheet Cake
To make your Tiramisu Sheet Cake as visually appealing as it is delicious, consider these decoration tips:
- Cocoa Powder Dusting: Dust the top of the cake with a fine layer of cocoa powder just before serving. This not only gives the cake an authentic tiramisu look but also adds a touch of bitterness that balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls on top of the cocoa powder for added texture and a bit of extra decadence. Use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or white chocolate for a sweet contrast.
- Espresso Bean Garnish: For a sophisticated touch, add a few whole espresso beans or chocolate-covered coffee beans on top of each slice. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also reinforces the coffee theme.
- Whipped Cream Rosettes: If you want to add a decorative flourish, pipe small rosettes of dairy-free whipped cream around the edges of the cake or in a grid pattern on top. This adds a professional finish to your sheet cake.
- Layered Serving Presentation: When serving, layer the cake slices with additional mascarpone frosting and dust each layer with cocoa powder for a dramatic, layered look that mimics traditional tiramisu.
This Tiramisu Sheet Cake is a delightful fusion of classic flavors and modern convenience, making it a versatile and delicious choice for any occasion. With its beautiful presentation and rich, creamy taste, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!
Tiramisu Sheet Cake
Ingredients
Vanilla Sponge:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup dairy-free buttermilk 1 cup plant-based milk + 1 tbsp vinegar
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 cup dairy-free yogurt soy or coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Coffee-Soaked Sponge Fingers:
- 10-12 vegan sponge fingers or ladyfingers store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee
- 2 tbsp sugar optional
Mascarpone-Style Frosting:
- 1½ cups dairy-free cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dairy-free whipped cream coconut or soy-based
Topping:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate shavings optional
Instructions
Prepare the Vanilla Sponge:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the dairy-free buttermilk, vegetable oil, dairy-free yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Layer with Coffee-Soaked Sponge Fingers:
- Dip the vegan sponge fingers into the brewed espresso, allowing them to soak up the coffee, but not become too soggy.
- Arrange the soaked sponge fingers over the vanilla batter in the baking pan.
- Pour the remaining vanilla batter over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the sponge fingers.
Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Brush with Espresso:
- Once the cake is cooled, brush the top with any remaining espresso to enhance the coffee flavor.
Prepare the Mascarpone-Style Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the dairy-free cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the dairy-free whipped cream until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Frost the Cake:
- Spread the mascarpone-style frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle with chocolate shavings, if desired.
Serve:
- Slice the cake into squares and serve.
- Enjoy this indulgent and creamy Vegan Tiramisu Sheet Cake!
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Sponge:
- Use Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk helps break down gluten and proteins in cakes, making them more tender. For a dairy-free alternative, add vinegar to plant-based milk.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough, or deflated cakes. Mix until just combined.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients bond together better, creating a seamless and even texture.
- Weigh Your Ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure the best results. Follow the exact recipe.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake the cake until just done to keep it moist and tender. Avoid rushing the process.