Easy Pound Cake Tiramisu

This easy pound cake tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert that you can put together in no time. It’s perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen and makes a great make-ahead treat that gets better after chilling.

I first made this for a dinner party when I needed something special but fast to prepare. It quickly became a crowd favorite, and now I often make it for family gatherings because it’s such a hit.

Ingredients

• Two loaves of marble pound cake: the swirled chocolate adds extra flavor and texture
• Eight ounces of cream cheese softened: gives the dessert richness and creaminess
• Two cups of heavy cream: whips up into fluffy layers
• Half a cup of powdered sugar: adds sweetness without graininess
• Three quarters cup of strong coffee: the coffee flavor is essential for authentic tiramisu taste, use freshly brewed if possible
• Four tablespoons of Kahlua: adds a lovely boozy note, but you can omit or substitute if preferred
• Half a cup of shaved chocolate: for texture and a touch of indulgence
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: dusted on top to finish and balance the sweetness

Ingredients Notes

Look for quality cream cheese and heavy cream for the best texture choose a marble pound cake with a good balance of vanilla and chocolate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Savor the Cream Cheese Mixture:

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and light. This should take about five minutes. This step creates the dessert’s luscious texture.

Prepare the Coffee Soak:

In a separate small bowl, combine the strong coffee with Kahlua. Mixing these now ensures the flavors marry before soaking the cake.

Layer the First Cake Base:

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange half of the pound cake slices in a single layer, making sure they fit snugly. Pour half of the coffee and Kahlua mixture evenly over the cake so it soaks in but doesn’t become soggy.

Add the Creamy Layer and Chocolate:

Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the soaked pound cake. Sprinkle half of the shaved chocolate on top to add contrast in texture and richness.

Repeat the Layers:

Add the remaining pound cake slices in a single layer and pour over the rest of the coffee mixture. Top this with the remaining cream cheese mixture and shaved chocolate.

Finish and Chill:

Dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least three hours to let all the flavors meld together and the dessert set properly.

Save

The combination of cream cheese and heavy cream creates a silky smooth texture that sets this tiramisu apart from the traditional mascarpone version. One of my favorite moments making this was watching my kids’ faces light up the first time they tried the coffee-soaked cake layered with creamy topping and chocolate. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Storage Tips

Store leftover tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best enjoyed chilled but can come to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. This dessert freezes well too if you want to make it ahead for a week or two thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Kahlua handy, you can substitute with another coffee liqueur or a splash of rum or brandy. For a non-alcoholic version, use extra coffee instead. Cream cheese can be swapped with mascarpone for a more traditional tiramisu flavor, but cream cheese is more readily available and slightly tangier which I find delicious with the marble pound cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tiramisu on its own or pair it with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also makes a delicious accompaniment for an extra indulgent dessert.

Cultural Context

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert traditionally made with ladyfingers soaked in espresso and layered with mascarpone cream. This version swaps pound cake for the ladyfingers to simplify preparation while still capturing the essence of the coffee and cream combination.

Pro Tips

• Always soften cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps
• Do not over-soak the pound cake or it will become too mushy pour the coffee mixture slowly and evenly
• Toast the shaved chocolate slightly before adding for an extra depth of flavor and crunch

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cake works best in this dish?

Marble pound cake offers a sturdy base with swirls of vanilla and chocolate, providing a balanced texture and flavor suitable for soaking layers.

→ Can the soaking liquid be altered?

Yes, strong brewed coffee is enhanced with Kahlua to add richness, but alternatives like espresso or coffee liqueur variations can be used to adjust intensity.

→ How long should the dessert chill before serving?

A minimum of 3 hours in the refrigerator allows flavors to meld and layers to set properly for the best texture.

→ What is the purpose of powdered sugar in the cream mixture?

Powdered sugar sweetens while ensuring a smooth blend without graininess, helping to stabilize the creamy texture.

→ Is shaved chocolate necessary in the layering?

Shaved chocolate adds a delicate crunch and depth, balancing the smooth cream and tender cake layers for enhanced flavor complexity.

→ Can this dessert be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, preparing and chilling the layers in advance allows the flavors to develop fully, making it an excellent make-ahead option.