Carnivore-ish Tiramisu Cake

A high-protein, animal-based take on tiramisu — soft sponge, espresso soak, and rich mascarpone cream. All the depth of classic tiramisu without the flour-heavy cake base.

Cake Ingredients

- 5 large eggs, separated

- 2 tbsp melted butter

- 2 tbsp heavy cream

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- ¼ cup whole milk powder

- ¼ cup unflavoured collagen

- 2 tbsp beef gelatin

- Pinch of salt

Espresso Soak

- ¾ cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled

- 2 tbsp heavy cream

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- Optional: 1–2 tsp maple syrup or allulose (if you want a touch of sweetness)

Mascarpone Cream Layer

- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened

- 1 cup whipping cream

- 2 tbsp vanilla collagen (or 1 tbsp vanilla extract + 1 tbsp unflavoured collagen)

Topping

- Cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

Make the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease an 8x8 baking pan.

2. Separate the eggs into two bowls.

3. In the yolk bowl, whisk together melted butter, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.

4. Add milk powder, collagen, and beef gelatin. Mix until smooth.

5. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.

6. Gently fold egg whites into the batter in three additions. Do not overmix.

7. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 22–28 minutes, until set and lightly golden.

8. Cool completely, then refrigerate until cold.

Make the Espresso Soak

1. Brew espresso or strong coffee and let cool completely.

2. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla.

3. Poke holes all over the chilled cake with a fork or skewer.

4. Slowly pour espresso mixture over the cake and let absorb.

Make the Mascarpone Cream

1. In a bowl, whip the whipping cream until soft peaks form.

2. In another bowl, stir mascarpone until smooth.

3. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone.

4. Add vanilla collagen and mix gently until combined.

Assemble

1. Spread mascarpone cream evenly over the soaked cake.

2. Dust generously with cocoa powder.

3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing.

Notes

- For a stronger tiramisu profile, add 1 tsp espresso powder to the mascarpone cream.

- For a stricter carnivore version, skip cocoa powder and dust with finely grated browned milk solids or leave plain.

- Best served cold after fully setting.