Baked Tiramisu Donuts are an ingenious reinterpretation of the classic Italian dessert—transforming the layered elegance of tiramisu into a light, cake-style donut. Infused with espresso flavor and finished with a luscious mascarpone center and cocoa dusting, these treats offer a perfect bite of indulgence without the fuss of assembling traditional tiramisu.
Whether you’re welcoming friends for brunch or craving a coffee-flavored afternoon snack, these donuts hit the sweet spot. They bake up soft and tender, with a creamy surprise inside—delivering both comfort and refinement in every single donut.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups all‑purpose flour
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp fine salt
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1 tsp instant espresso powder
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¾ cup milk (dairy or plant‑based)
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 6‑cup donut pan.
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In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder until combined.
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In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
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Pour wet ingredients into dry; stir gently until just blended.
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Divide batter among donut cups, filling each about ¾ full.
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Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until tops spring back lightly. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
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Meanwhile, mix ⅓ cup mascarpone cheese with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and a splash of strong coffee until smooth.
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Once donuts are completely cool, use a small spoon or piping bag to fill the center of each donut with the mascarpone mixture.
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Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 24 minutes | Kcal: approx. 245 kcal per donut | Servings: 6 donuts
Introduction to Baked Tiramisu Donuts
Tiramisu is a dessert that’s stood the test of time, thanks to its luxurious layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and cocoa dusting. But for those who love the essence of tiramisu yet crave something a little more playful and portable, baked tiramisu donuts are a delightful twist. These donuts capture the soul of the classic Italian dessert in a modern and approachable form, without losing any of the indulgence. Think soft, cakey donuts with a hint of espresso, filled with lightly sweetened mascarpone and finished with a touch of cocoa—elegant yet comfortingly familiar.
Baked donuts themselves are a healthier and cleaner alternative to traditional fried versions. They’re perfect for bakers of all skill levels and can be made in less than 30 minutes. What makes baked tiramisu donuts special is how effortlessly they combine the flavor profile of a layered dessert with the simplicity of a handheld treat.
Why Tiramisu Donuts Work So Well
This baked donut recipe works so beautifully because it’s all about balance. The light texture of the cake contrasts with the richness of the mascarpone filling. The espresso gives depth and sophistication, while the sugar balances it out for a sweet finish. The cocoa powder dusting brings the whole thing together, acting almost like a flavor bridge that unites the donut and the tiramisu experience.
Additionally, the filling is not overly sweet, allowing the subtle tang and creaminess of mascarpone to shine through. Instead of being overwhelmed by sugary frosting, your palate experiences a more nuanced treat that feels both special and homemade. The result is something indulgent but not cloying, refined but still cozy—exactly what you’d want from a hybrid dessert like this.
The Evolution of Donuts and the Influence of Italian Desserts
Over the past few years, donuts have experienced something of a renaissance. Once confined to coffee shops and breakfast counters, donuts are now on the menu of gourmet bakeries and five-star restaurants. The rise of baked donuts has added an even broader audience—home bakers who want a fuss-free, fryer-free way to enjoy donuts with a creative twist.
Tiramisu, too, has evolved. From its origins in 1960s Veneto, Italy, tiramisu has been reimagined as cakes, trifles, parfaits, cookies, and now donuts. This particular recipe beautifully marries the American donut culture with traditional Italian elegance, creating something that’s globally appealing. By incorporating coffee and mascarpone—two iconic Italian ingredients—into a universally beloved treat, you get a cultural crossover that feels completely natural.
Texture and Flavor: What to Expect
The texture of these baked tiramisu donuts is what really sets them apart. Because they’re not fried, the donut itself is more cake-like—moist, tender, and slightly springy. The espresso powder added to the batter gives the donut a subtle coffee aroma and flavor that’s distinct but not overpowering.
Once the donuts are baked and cooled, they’re filled with a rich mascarpone mixture. This filling adds a luxurious creaminess that melts into the cake, delivering a bite that’s both soft and luscious. Finally, a light dusting of cocoa powder provides the perfect bitter-sweet finish and ties the flavor profile back to its tiramisu roots.
The result is a donut that’s slightly more elegant than your average sprinkle-topped fare, yet still incredibly approachable. Each bite offers a blend of textures and flavors that feel complex without being intimidating.
Perfect Occasions for Serving Tiramisu Donuts
These donuts are versatile enough to be served at a variety of occasions. They make a gorgeous addition to brunch tables, where they can serve as a sweet alternative to traditional pastries. They’re also great for coffee dates, afternoon tea, or even dessert trays at events like weddings and baby showers.
Because of their elevated flavor, they’re an excellent choice when you want to impress guests with something a little unexpected but still familiar. Their portable nature makes them ideal for gifting or for packing in a treat box. And since they’re baked, not fried, they tend to store well and don’t get greasy or soggy.
They also appeal to a wide audience. Coffee lovers will appreciate the espresso notes, while fans of classic European desserts will be intrigued by the tiramisu influence. Even casual eaters will enjoy them simply for their soft texture and balanced sweetness.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Suggestions
If you’re planning to make these donuts ahead of time, you can prepare the donut batter and even bake the donuts a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their moisture. The mascarpone filling should ideally be prepared fresh or on the same day for the best texture and taste.
Once filled, the donuts are best consumed within 1–2 days, as mascarpone is delicate and can become watery over time. If needed, store the filled donuts in the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature before serving. The cocoa powder dusting can be added right before serving for a clean and beautiful finish.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the unfilled donuts and then thaw and fill them as needed. This makes them an excellent make-ahead treat for larger events or for enjoying whenever a tiramisu craving strikes.
Customization Options
One of the best things about baked tiramisu donuts is how easy they are to customize. Want a more intense coffee flavor? Add a few teaspoons of strong brewed coffee or coffee extract to the batter. Prefer them a little sweeter? Increase the sugar in the filling or top with a light glaze made of powdered sugar and espresso.
You can also experiment with other toppings. While cocoa powder is traditional and elegant, consider adding mini chocolate chips, chocolate curls, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate for a more decadent twist. For a boozy adult version, a small splash of coffee liqueur in the mascarpone filling adds depth and authenticity.
Additionally, you can make mini versions of the donuts using a smaller donut pan, perfect for bite-sized party treats. You could even serve them alongside a small espresso or affogato-style for a creative plated dessert presentation.
Health Considerations and Dietary Adjustments
While these donuts do offer a more wholesome option than traditional fried donuts, they can also be adjusted for dietary needs. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free, and swap out the mascarpone for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative mixed with a bit of coconut cream.
Gluten-free flour blends can also work in place of all-purpose flour if you’re baking for someone with gluten intolerance. Just be sure to use a blend that includes a binder like xanthan gum for structure.
Reducing the sugar is also possible for those watching their intake. The filling especially can be modified to taste, as mascarpone has a naturally creamy sweetness that doesn’t require a lot of added sugar.
Conclusion
Baked tiramisu donuts are the perfect example of culinary creativity—a modern twist on a beloved classic that brings together the best of both worlds. They’re elegant yet accessible, indulgent yet not heavy, and suitable for just about any occasion. Whether you’re a die-hard tiramisu fan, a donut lover, or someone simply looking for a unique dessert that’s sure to impress, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
The ease of preparation, combined with the gourmet presentation and irresistible flavor profile, makes these donuts a must-try. So the next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the store-bought treats and bake up a batch of these homemade tiramisu donuts. Your tastebuds (and your guests) will thank you.