1 Shares

Baked Tiramisu Donuts are a delightful reinvention of the traditional Italian tiramisu dessert, transformed into a handheld treat that’s perfect for both casual snacking and elegant entertaining. These donuts take all the beloved components of tiramisu—the rich aroma of espresso, the creamy indulgence of mascarpone, and the light dusting of cocoa powder—and present them in a soft, cake-like donut that is baked instead of fried. This gives them a tender, moist crumb without the heaviness or oiliness of deep frying, making them a lighter yet equally indulgent option. With a pillowy vanilla base soaked in espresso and topped with whipped mascarpone cream, each bite captures the cozy, coffee-kissed flavor of tiramisu in a playful and convenient format. They are versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a sophisticated coffee pairing, which makes them a wonderful addition to any baker’s repertoire.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Canola oil
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla bean paste
Sour cream
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Fine sea salt
Espresso or strong coffee (room temperature)
Mascarpone cheese (cold)
Powdered sugar
Heavy whipping cream (cold)
Vanilla bean paste
Tiny pinch of sea salt
Cocoa powder for dusting

Directions

Whisk together canola oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until light and slightly thickened.
Add vanilla bean paste and sour cream, whisking until smooth.
Fold in flour, baking powder, and sea salt until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Pipe the batter evenly into greased donut molds.
Bake until the donuts spring back when pressed lightly, then allow them to rest in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack.
Poke small holes in the top of each donut and drizzle cooled espresso or strong coffee over them, allowing the donuts to soak in the flavor.
Prepare the mascarpone frosting by beating cold mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
Add vanilla bean paste, then gradually stream in cold heavy whipping cream, whipping to stiff peaks.
Pipe the mascarpone frosting over the cooled, espresso-soaked donuts.
Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.

Nutrients (per donut, approx.)

Calories: 185
Total Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sodium: 95 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22 g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g
Sugars: 13 g
Protein: 3 g

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes these baked tiramisu donuts truly special is the combination of textures and flavors that mirror a classic tiramisu yet offer the ease of handheld enjoyment. Unlike fried donuts, which can feel heavy and greasy, this baked version is airy and moist, with a crumb that feels soft and delicate. The espresso soak is the defining touch, infusing the donuts with a deep coffee flavor without requiring liqueur, making them approachable for a wider audience. The mascarpone frosting, lightened with whipped cream, creates a silky topping that feels indulgent yet not overwhelming. A final dusting of cocoa powder not only adds a visual flourish but also ties the flavors together with a gentle bitterness that balances the sweetness. The result is a dessert that feels both familiar and refreshingly original, giving home bakers the chance to recreate the elegance of tiramisu in a fun, portable form.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a distinct and thoughtful role in building layers of flavor and texture. Canola oil ensures the donuts remain tender and moist without overpowering the flavors. Granulated sugar provides sweetness while also contributing to the structure and softness of the crumb. Eggs bind the batter, add richness, and support a fluffy rise. Vanilla bean paste, far more aromatic than plain extract, gives a luxurious depth and warmth to the donuts. Sour cream, an often-overlooked hero in baking, keeps the crumb incredibly moist and adds a gentle tang that balances sweetness. Espresso or strong coffee introduces a bold, aromatic complexity that is essential to the tiramisu experience. Mascarpone cheese lends a creamy, slightly tangy richness that forms the heart of the frosting, while powdered sugar sweetens and stabilizes it. Heavy whipping cream transforms the mascarpone into a fluffy, cloud-like topping, while a pinch of sea salt subtly enhances the flavors. Finally, cocoa powder adds visual beauty and a refined bittersweet contrast that completes the tiramisu essence. Each element works harmoniously to create a dessert that feels sophisticated yet comforting.

Cooking Tips

Success with this recipe comes from paying attention to detail at each step. When mixing the batter, it is important not to overwork the flour, as too much mixing can develop gluten and make the donuts dense instead of tender. Espresso should be cooled before drizzling over the donuts—hot liquid may collapse their delicate structure. The mascarpone cheese should be kept cold when preparing the frosting; warming it too much can cause the mixture to loosen, making it difficult to achieve stiff peaks. Whipping the heavy cream gradually and scraping the bowl ensures a stable and airy texture without overbeating, which can lead to curdling. When piping the frosting, do so soon after whipping to maintain volume. For the best presentation and flavor, allow the finished donuts to chill briefly before serving; this helps the espresso soak in fully and gives the mascarpone frosting a chance to set. Proper storage is also key—keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze them for longer storage, thawing before enjoying. These small steps guarantee consistent, bakery-quality results.

Serving Suggestions

Baked tiramisu donuts can shine in many settings, whether casual or formal. For a cozy morning treat, pair them with freshly brewed coffee or cappuccino, enhancing their coffee-soaked flavors. They also make a lovely centerpiece for brunch spreads, arranged on platters with a generous dusting of cocoa powder for visual appeal. At afternoon gatherings, they pair beautifully with an espresso martini or a glass of dessert wine for a touch of elegance. For a more indulgent experience, serve them with fresh berries, lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla gelato—the fruity freshness and creamy chill provide delightful contrast. They also make charming edible gifts: wrap them in parchment paper or clear bags tied with ribbon for special occasions like birthdays, bridal showers, or holidays. However they are served, these donuts offer both visual charm and irresistible flavor that will leave guests impressed and eager for more.

Conclusion

Baked Tiramisu Donuts are a brilliant fusion of traditional Italian dessert flavors with the modern convenience of baked donuts. They capture the comforting essence of tiramisu—the espresso-soaked cake, the creamy mascarpone topping, and the dusting of cocoa—in a lighter, playful, and approachable form. From the first bite of moist, coffee-infused donut to the last taste of silky mascarpone cream, the experience is one of pure indulgence. The recipe itself is simple enough for everyday baking but elegant enough to grace a dessert table at special gatherings. With thoughtful ingredients and careful attention to detail, these donuts deliver both familiarity and surprise, honoring a beloved classic while reimagining it in a fresh way. Whether enjoyed with a morning latte, served as part of a celebratory spread, or gifted to loved ones, they embody the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort. For bakers seeking a recipe that is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and deeply satisfying, Baked Tiramisu Donuts will undoubtedly become a new favorite, offering a memorable twist on a timeless treat.

Pin1