Tiramisu Cake Roll Recipe

Name: Vanilla Tiramisu Roll
Prep time: 1 h 50 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: – 4 large eggs, separated; – 100g granulated sugar; – 28g neutral vegetable oil; – ½ teaspoon vanilla paste or extract; – ⅛ teaspoon salt; – 90g cake flour (or 80g all-purpose flour + 10g cornstarch); – 170g mascarpone cheese; – 3 tablespoons powdered sugar; – 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract; – 1/8 teaspoon salt; – 240g heavy cream; – 80g brewed strong coffee, cooled; – Cocoa powder

By:

Gabriella Brotherton

Published:

March 19, 2026

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Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Tiramisu Roll

This Vanilla Tiramisu Roll offers a delightful twist on a classic dessert, blending the rich flavors of coffee-soaked sponge and creamy mascarpone into one elegant treat. It’s perfect for home cooks looking for a straightforward recipe that delivers a sophisticated taste without overwhelming complexity. Let’s break down what makes this Vanilla Tiramisu Roll a must-try for your next gathering.

Ease of preparation: With a total time of about 2 hours, including just 20 minutes of prep and 10-12 minutes of baking, this recipe is simple enough for busy parents or students to handle on a weeknight. The straightforward steps help you create a stunning dessert without needing fancy tools, making it ideal for anyone new to baking and eager to impress friends and family at potlucks.
Health benefits: Each slice packs 364 calories and includes nutritious elements like protein from eggs and calcium from dairy, while the coffee soak adds antioxidants that can support daily wellness. For diet-conscious individuals, the balance of macronutrients such as 27g of fat and 26g of carbohydrates makes it a treat you can enjoy mindfully, especially when paired with the natural energy boost from coffee as highlighted in reliable sources.
Versatility: This Vanilla Tiramisu Roll adapts easily to various dietary needs, like using plant-based cream for vegans or gluten-free flour for those with restrictions, making it a flexible option for community events. Travelers and working professionals will appreciate how it travels well when chilled, turning any picnic or office party into a memorable occasion.
Distinctive flavor: The combination of vanilla and coffee creates a unique, balanced taste that stands out, with the airy sponge and creamy filling offering a light yet indulgent experience. Baking enthusiasts will love how the optional liqueur adds depth, making this Vanilla Tiramisu Roll a crowd-pleaser for food lovers seeking a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting.

This recipe’s charm lies in its ability to bring people together, much like the hearty dishes on this blog, so it’s not just food it’s a way to share joy and connection.

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Tiramisu Roll
Essential Ingredients for Vanilla Tiramisu Roll
Special Dietary Options
How to Prepare the Perfect Vanilla Tiramisu Roll: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation and Mise en Place
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Vanilla Tiramisu Roll
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
Mastering Vanilla Tiramisu Roll: Advanced Tips and Variations
How to Store Vanilla Tiramisu Roll: Best Practices
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Tiramisu Roll
What kind of pan do I need for baking the sponge in a vanilla tiramisu roll recipe?
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour for vanilla tiramisu roll sponge?
What coffee works best for soaking the sponge in vanilla tiramisu roll?
How do I make the mascarpone filling for vanilla tiramisu roll?
How long can I store leftover vanilla tiramisu roll and what’s the best way?
Vanilla Tiramisu Roll
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Essential Ingredients for Vanilla Tiramisu Roll

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a perfect Vanilla Tiramisu Roll. Below, you’ll find a complete list with precise measurements and explanations to help you understand each one’s role. This ensures your dessert turns out light, flavorful, and tailored to your needs.

4 large eggs, separated – The yolks add richness and help create a fluffy base, while the whites whip up for airiness in the sponge.
100g granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and structure; half is used for egg whites to achieve those essential peaks.
28g neutral vegetable oil – Keeps the sponge moist and tender without overpowering the vanilla flavor.
½ teaspoon vanilla paste or extract – Infuses the dessert with a warm, aromatic note that ties everything together.
⅛ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the sponge.
90g cake flour (or 80g all-purpose flour + 10g cornstarch) – Creates a soft, delicate texture; the substitute option ensures you can adapt if needed.
170g mascarpone cheese – Forms the creamy filling’s base, offering a silky smoothness that’s packed with flavor; its nutrition benefits are worth noting for a satisfying treat.
3 tablespoons powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling without making it grainy, helping it hold its shape when spread.
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract – Adds extra vanilla depth to the filling, complementing the sponge perfectly.
1/8 teaspoon salt – Brings out the flavors in the filling, making each bite more vibrant.
240g heavy cream – Whips up to create a light, airy filling that contrasts with the soaked sponge.
80g brewed strong coffee, cooled – Soaks the sponge for that signature tiramisu flavor, with options to add 15g amaretto, dark rum, or coffee liqueur for extra taste.
Cocoa powder – Dusted on top for a finishing touch that adds bitterness and visual appeal.

Special Dietary Options

Vegan: Swap mascarpone cheese and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese to keep the filling rich and creamy.
Gluten-free: Use only the 80g all-purpose flour + 10g cornstarch substitute to ensure the sponge is gluten-free without losing its tender quality.
Low-calorie: Opt for low-fat cream and reduce sugar slightly, aiming for lighter versions that still deliver on flavor while watching nutritional intake.

By using these ingredients thoughtfully, you’ll craft a Vanilla Tiramisu Roll that suits various preferences, enhancing its appeal to baking enthusiasts and community organizers alike.

How to Prepare the Perfect Vanilla Tiramisu Roll: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a Vanilla Tiramisu Roll is a rewarding process that results in a beautiful, rolled dessert full of flavor. Follow these clear steps to achieve the best outcome, incorporating the primary elements like coffee soak and vanilla accents. This guide includes timing and tips for adapting to dietary needs, ensuring success for everyone from busy parents to food enthusiasts.

Preparation and Mise en Place

First Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan by lightly oiling it and lining with parchment paper. This sets the stage for baking an even sponge and makes removal easy, adapting for gluten-free options if needed.

Second Step: Separate the 4 large eggs, placing the whites in one bowl and the yolks in another. This separation is crucial for whipping the whites to medium-stiff peaks with half the sugar (50g), which builds the airy structure of your Vanilla Tiramisu Roll.

Third Step: Whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar (50g), 28g neutral vegetable oil, ½ teaspoon vanilla paste or extract, and ⅛ teaspoon salt until the mixture triples in volume and turns pale and thick. This step ensures a light base, and you can use vanilla alternatives for different tastes.

Fourth Step: Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten it, then carefully fold in the rest to maintain airiness. For dietary adaptations, consider egg substitutes here to keep the batter vegan-friendly.

Fifth Step: Sift half the 90g cake flour (or the flour-cornstarch mix) over the egg mixture and fold gently; repeat with the remaining flour to keep the batter airy. This technique prevents deflating, which is key for a flexible sponge in your Vanilla Tiramisu Roll.

Sixth Step: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and the cake springs back when pressed. Let it cool slightly, then dust a clean tea towel with powdered sugar, invert the warm sponge onto it, remove the parchment, dust with more powdered sugar, and roll it up tightly from the short side. Cooling takes about 30 minutes, allowing the shape to set.

Seventh Step: For the filling, combine 170g mascarpone cheese, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a bowl; mix on low speed until smooth. Gradually add 240g heavy cream while whisking until thick peaks form, avoiding over-whipping for a creamy texture adapt with plant-based cream for vegan versions.

Eighth Step: To assemble, unroll the cooled sponge and mix the optional 15g liqueur into 80g cooled strong coffee, then drizzle it slowly over the sponge to soak evenly. This step infuses flavor without sogginess, perfect for diet-conscious tweaks.

Ninth Step: Spread half the mascarpone cream over the sponge, leaving a small border, then gently re-roll the sponge. Pipe the remaining cream on top and dust generously with cocoa powder for a finishing touch.

Final Step: Refrigerate the assembled Vanilla Tiramisu Roll for at least 60 minutes before serving to enhance texture and flavor. This makes about 8 slices, each with balanced nutrition, and it’s easy to adjust for gatherings by preparing ahead. For added inspiration, check out our guide to magic three-layer custard cake for more layered dessert ideas.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Vanilla Tiramisu Roll

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

When customizing your Vanilla Tiramisu Roll, consider swapping eggs for alternatives like aquafaba or flax eggs to maintain the sponge’s lift for vegan diets. Mascarpone can be replaced with Greek yogurt or a cashew-based cream for a lighter option, ensuring the filling stays creamy while cutting calories. These changes help adapt the recipe for various preferences, keeping the Vanilla Tiramisu Roll accessible for all.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

For the coffee soak, use decaf versions or herbal infusions like chicory to adjust caffeine levels, making it suitable for sensitive groups or kids. Seasonings can include flavored extracts beyond vanilla, such as almond, to vary the taste, and for sauces, opt for low-sugar powdered options in the filling. This flexibility enhances the Vanilla Tiramisu Roll for events, as seen in related recipes like our black forest cake recipe.

Mastering Vanilla Tiramisu Roll: Advanced Tips and Variations

To elevate your Vanilla Tiramisu Roll, focus on pro techniques like sifting flour multiple times for extra airiness in the sponge. Flavor variations might include adding citrus zest to the filling or using different liqueurs in the coffee soak for a unique twist. For presentation, slice neatly and garnish with fresh berries to make it visually appealing at gatherings.

Experiment with make-ahead options by preparing the sponge a day in advance and storing it wrapped in the fridge.
Try new combinations like infusing the cream with espresso powder for a bolder Vanilla Tiramisu Roll.

These tips build confidence, much like advice from sources on coffee benefits, helping you master the recipe.

How to Store Vanilla Tiramisu Roll: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Vanilla Tiramisu Roll fresh and tasty. For refrigeration, wrap it tightly in plastic and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to preserve moisture. Freezing works well for longer storage, portioning slices and wrapping them individually before placing in a freezer bag for up to a month.

Reheating isn’t needed, but let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
For meal prep, make batches and freeze for quick desserts at events.

Learn more about ingredient health from mascarpone cheese benefits.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Tiramisu Roll

What kind of pan do I need for baking the sponge in a vanilla tiramisu roll recipe?

Use a 15x10x1-inch Swiss roll or jelly roll pan for the genoise sponge in a vanilla tiramisu roll. This size ensures the cake bakes evenly to about 1/2-inch thick, making it flexible for rolling without cracking. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on the short sides for easy removal. Grease and flour the paper lightly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes until the top springs back when touched. After baking, immediately invert onto a powdered sugar-dusted towel, peel off parchment, and roll while warm to set the shape. This prevents tears during final assembly with the coffee soak and mascarpone filling. (78 words)

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour for vanilla tiramisu roll sponge?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour in your vanilla tiramisu roll sponge by mixing 3/4 cup all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons cornstarch per cup needed—this mimics cake flour’s lower protein for a tender crumb. Sift the mixture three times with any dry ingredients like powdered sugar to aerate it fully. In the genoise recipe, fold it gently into the whipped eggs to keep the batter airy. This swap works well if cake flour isn’t available, yielding a light, pliable sponge perfect for coffee soaking and rolling. Avoid overmixing to prevent deflating. Test bake a small batch if unsure. (92 words)

What coffee works best for soaking the sponge in vanilla tiramisu roll?

Fresh hot brewed coffee or espresso made from powder dissolved in hot water is ideal for soaking the genoise sponge in vanilla tiramisu roll—it provides strong flavor without overpowering the vanilla notes. Brew 1 cup strong coffee and cool slightly before brushing generously over the sponge. For extra depth, add 1-2 tablespoons amaretto, dark rum, or coffee liqueur, but skip alcohol for a kid-friendly version. Avoid instant coffee alone as it lacks intensity. Soak evenly to infuse moisture without sogginess, then spread mascarpone filling. This step takes 5 minutes and ensures balanced tiramisu taste in every bite. (96 words)

How do I make the mascarpone filling for vanilla tiramisu roll?

For vanilla tiramisu roll filling, beat 16 oz mascarpone cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks, then fold into the mascarpone mixture gently. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up. This creates a thick, stable filling that holds its shape when rolled. Spread 1.5-2 cups evenly over the coffee-soaked sponge, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll tightly from the short end, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate 4+ hours. Yields enough for one 15×10 roll, serving 10-12. (98 words)

How long can I store leftover vanilla tiramisu roll and what’s the best way?

Store leftover vanilla tiramisu roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—it keeps the sponge moist and filling creamy. Wrap tightly in plastic first to prevent drying or absorbing fridge odors. For best texture, let it sit at room temperature 15-20 minutes before slicing. Freezing works for up to 1 month: slice into portions, wrap individually in plastic and foil, then store in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Avoid refreezing. Serves 10-12 slices; dust with powdered sugar before serving for a fresh look. (92 words)

Tiramisu Cake Roll Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Tiramisu Roll