Recipe of the Week: Our Favorite Version of Tiramisu Cake

There’s something magical about the moment you take your first bite of tiramisu—the way the coffee-soaked layers melt on your tongue, the creamy mascarpone filling, and that dusting of cocoa that lingers just long enough to make you crave another forkful. At Balkan Bakery, tiramisu isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. That’s why, for our Recipe of the Week, we’re shining a spotlight on our favorite version of tiramisu cake—a customer favorite and a true labor of love in our La Grange kitchen.

The Story Behind Our Tiramisu Cake

Tiramisu may be Italian in origin, but it’s become a beloved classic across Europe, including the Balkans. Growing up, our founder always associated tiramisu with special occasions—family gatherings, birthdays, and celebrations where laughter filled the room and dessert was the star of the table. Inspired by these memories, we set out to create a tiramisu cake that would honor tradition while adding a touch of Balkan Bakery magic.

Our version brings together the best of both worlds: the rich, bold flavors of classic tiramisu and the light, airy texture of a perfectly crafted cake. We believe that a great tiramisu cake should be both indulgent and balanced, with every component working in harmony—from the espresso-soaked layers to the velvety mascarpone cream.

What Makes Our Tiramisu Cake the Best in Chicago?

We’re often told by our customers that our tiramisu cake is the best in Chicago, and we think it comes down to a few simple things: quality ingredients, time-honored technique, and a genuine love for what we do. Every cake is made from scratch, right here in our bakery, using premium mascarpone cheese, fresh eggs, and real espresso. We never use shortcuts—no instant coffee, no artificial flavors, and absolutely no compromise on freshness.

Our secret? It’s all in the details. We carefully brush each layer of sponge cake with strong, aromatic espresso, letting it soak in just enough to create that signature tiramisu flavor without becoming soggy. The mascarpone filling is whipped until it’s light as air, then spread generously between each layer. For a little extra depth, we sometimes add a splash of coffee liqueur—just enough to enhance the flavor, never to overpower it.

The final touch is a generous dusting of high-quality cocoa powder, giving the cake a beautiful finish and a hint of bittersweet chocolate in every bite. After assembling, we let the cake rest in the fridge overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly creamy.

Our Favorite Tiramisu Cake Recipe – The Basics

While we keep a few family secrets close to our hearts, we’re happy to share the basics of our favorite tiramisu cake so you can try your hand at recreating it at home—or simply know what goes into every slice you enjoy at Balkan Bakery.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs (separated)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 pound premium mascarpone cheese

• 1 cup freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled

• 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)

• 1 package ladyfinger biscuits or two layers of homemade sponge cake

• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Directions:

1. Prepare the Sponge or Ladyfingers: If making sponge cake, bake and cool completely. Otherwise, use store-bought ladyfingers.

2. Make the Mascarpone Cream: Whip egg yolks with half the sugar until pale and thick. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the mascarpone mixture.

3. Assemble the Cake: Dip each ladyfinger or sponge layer briefly into the espresso (with liqueur, if using), then arrange in the bottom of your cake pan. Spread a layer of mascarpone cream over the soaked cake, then repeat the process, ending with a thick layer of cream on top.

4. Chill and Finish: Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Just before serving, sift a generous layer of cocoa powder over the top.

Order a Slice—Or a Whole Cake!

If you’re craving the real thing, our tiramisu cake is available by the slice or as a whole cake for your next celebration. Whether you’re planning a birthday, an anniversary, or just want to treat yourself, we’re here to make every occasion a little sweeter. You can stop by our bakery in La Grange, or order delivery anywhere in Chicago through DoorDash, UberEats, or GrubHub.

Our customers tell us our tiramisu cake is a must-try—rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. It’s a little taste of Europe, right here in the heart of Chicago.

Join Us for a Taste of Tradition

At Balkan Bakery, every cake tells a story. We invite you to experience our favorite version of tiramisu cake and see why so many call us Chicago’s best Balkan bakery. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, we can’t wait to welcome you and share a slice of what makes our bakery so special.

Stop by this week for a piece of our tiramisu cake, and let us know—what’s your favorite dessert memory?