Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert, but it is not a traditional cake in the conventional sense. It is a layered dessert made with ladyfinger biscuits (sponge fingers) dipped in coffee and layered with a creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, and sometimes flavored with cocoa or coffee liqueur. The name "tiramisu" translates to "pick me up" in Italian, which is thought to refer to the caffeine in the coffee and the rich, indulgent flavors of the dessert.
Tiramisu has a distinct texture and taste, different from what you would typically associate with a cake. The ladyfingers soften in the coffee, giving the dessert a delicate and slightly spongy texture, while the creamy mascarpone mixture adds richness and creaminess. It is usually served chilled and can be dusted with cocoa powder or grated chocolate on top.
While tiramisu is not a cake, it is often presented in cake-like layers and is sometimes referred to as an "Italian layered dessert." It has become widely popular worldwide for its delicious and unique combination of flavors.