An unparalleled confection: creamy, coffee-flavored, and decadently delicious. The luscious filling is sandwiched between two cake layers of your choice. A light sponge cake is ideal since it soaks up all the flavorful soaking syrup.
To make the syrup: Stir the syrup ingredients over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a full rolling boil, remove from the heat, and add the alcohol. Set aside to cool.
To make the filling: Combine the mascarpone and heavy cream in a large bowl and whisk at low speed until the mixture is smooth. Mix in the vanilla.
Whisk together the confectioners' sugar and ClearJel, and slowly add to the mixture. Increase speed to medium-high and whisk until medium peaks form.
To assemble the cake: Remove the top (browned) crust from the cake layers. Place one layer onto a baking sheet that's been lined with a piece of parchment or wax paper.
Sprinkle the cake with 3 tablespoons of the syrup.
Spread 2 cups of filling onto the cake. Top with the second layer. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons syrup; let sit for several minutes, then top with the remaining filling.
Refrigerate the cake for several hours, so the filling can set completely.
Serving and storage information: When ready to serve, carefully move the cake to a large plate or serving platter. Garnish with cocoa and/or chocolate shavings. Serve cold; refrigerate any leftovers.
Genoise makes an excellent choice for the cake portion of this recipe because its sponge-like texture soaks up all the flavorful syrup. You can also make your favorite chocolate or vanilla layer cake and use just one of the layers, split horizontally in half. Our King Arthur Golden Vanilla Cake Mix, Deliciously Simple Chocolate Cake Mix, or our recipe for Classic Birthday Cake (minus the frosting, of course) are all fantastic choices.
Want to make this cake gluten-free? Start by making our Classic Birthday Cake using Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour.
To make the syrup: Follow the directions above using 1/2 cup (113g) strongly brewed coffee and 1/4 cup (50g) sugar.
To make the filling: In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin over 2 tablespoons cold water; let stand for 5 minutes. Heat briefly in the microwave, stirring every 5 to 10 seconds until dissolved. Add the amaretto and set aside. Combine 1 cup (227g) mascarpone cheese and 1 cup (227g) heavy cream in a large bowl and whisk at low speed until the mixture is smooth. Add 1/3 cup (35g) confectioners' sugar and increase speed to medium. Once soft peaks form, add the gelatin mixture at low speed. Increase speed to medium and whisk until medium peaks form.
Assemble the cake as directed above.
