Super Moist Baked Tiramisu Donuts

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that combines the elegance of tiramisu with the playful charm of donuts, then these Super Moist Baked Tiramisu Donuts are your answer. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut that melts in your mouth, layered with the creamy richness of mascarpone, kissed with espresso, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. They bring the sophistication of an Italian classic to a handheld treat that feels both indulgent and fun.

Behind the Recipe

The idea for these donuts came from a craving for tiramisu without the fuss of layering cakes and creams. Baking donuts instead of frying them not only makes them lighter but also easier to prepare at home. They’re a celebration of comfort and creativity—bringing together the nostalgic joy of donuts with the refined taste of tiramisu. Every time I make them, I’m transported to a cozy café where espresso and pastries make life feel just a little sweeter.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Tiramisu, an Italian dessert that translates to “pick me up,” has been delighting sweet tooths since the 1960s with its blend of espresso-soaked layers, mascarpone, and cocoa. Donuts, on the other hand, have a history that stretches across cultures, from Dutch settlers to American bakeries. This recipe fuses the two: the airy texture of baked donuts with the iconic flavor profile of tiramisu. It’s a modern twist that shows how global favorites can come together in harmony.

Why You’ll Love Super Moist Baked Tiramisu Donuts

Here’s why these donuts deserve a spot in your baking repertoire:

Versatile: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or coffee breaks.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and a touch of mascarpone.
Quick and Easy: No frying required—just bake, frost, and dust.
Customizable: Adjust sweetness, add chocolate chips, or drizzle caramel.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the donuts in advance and frost later.
Great for Leftovers: Store and enjoy for days with the same moist texture.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To achieve bakery-quality results at home, keep these tips in mind:

1. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined for soft donuts.
2. Grease the Pan Well: Prevents sticking and ensures easy release.
3. Soak Lightly in Espresso: A quick dip adds flavor without sogginess.
4. Use Full-Fat Mascarpone: Creates a creamy, luxurious topping.
5. Dust Cocoa Generously: The final touch that makes them look and taste authentic.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

With just a few tools, you can bring these donuts to life:

Donut Pan: Essential for shaping the baked donuts.
Mixing Bowls: For wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk or Electric Mixer: To blend batter and mascarpone cream.
Cooling Rack: To cool donuts evenly.
Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: For dusting cocoa powder.

Ingredients in Super Moist Baked Tiramisu Donuts

Each ingredient brings something essential to the table:

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups (190 g). Provides structure.
2. Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100 g). Sweetens and balances flavors.
3. Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons. Helps donuts rise.
4. Salt: ¼ teaspoon. Enhances flavor.
5. Eggs: 2 large, room temperature. Add richness and moisture.
6. Whole Milk: ½ cup (120 ml). Keeps donuts soft.
7. Vegetable Oil: ¼ cup (60 ml). Adds moisture and tenderness.
8. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds warm flavor.
9. Espresso or Strong Coffee: ½ cup (120 ml), cooled. Infuses the donuts with tiramisu essence.
10. Mascarpone Cheese: 1 cup (225 g). Creamy topping base.
11. Powdered Sugar: ½ cup (60 g). Sweetens the mascarpone.
12. Heavy Cream: 2 tablespoons. Lightens the frosting.
13. Cocoa Powder: For dusting. Classic tiramisu finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Here are some swaps if you need them:

Mascarpone: Cream cheese (slightly tangier).
Vegetable Oil: Melted butter or coconut oil.
Whole Milk: Almond milk or oat milk.
Espresso: Instant coffee concentrate.
Powdered Sugar: Honey or maple syrup (adjust texture accordingly).

Ingredient Spotlight

Mascarpone Cheese: Silky and mild, mascarpone adds a luxurious creaminess that sets these donuts apart from standard frosted varieties.

Espresso: Provides the rich, aromatic backbone that makes tiramisu so iconic.

Instructions for Making Super Moist Baked Tiramisu Donuts

Here’s how to create these indulgent treats step by step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan generously.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another, mix eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and espresso.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Pour wet ingredients into dry, mixing gently until just combined. Batter will be smooth but not overmixed.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Spoon batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake 12–15 minutes until donuts spring back when touched.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Cool completely. Beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth. Spread or pipe onto donuts.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Dust with cocoa powder and serve with a cup of coffee—pure bliss in every bite.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The donuts are soft and moist thanks to oil and milk in the batter. Espresso adds depth without overpowering, while the mascarpone cream keeps everything rich and balanced. The cocoa dusting ties it all together with a hint of bitterness that offsets the sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use a piping bag to neatly fill donut pans.
• Don’t overbake—check at 12 minutes to keep them moist.
• Chill the mascarpone topping slightly before spreading.
• Store donuts in an airtight container to prevent drying.

What to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls for the best results:

• Overmixing the batter—it makes donuts dense.
• Using hot coffee—it can scramble the eggs.
• Skipping the cocoa dust—it’s the essence of tiramisu.
• Frosting warm donuts—the cream will melt.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 260

Note: Approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can bake the donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost with mascarpone just before serving for the freshest look and taste. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 2 months, then thaw and decorate.

How to Serve Super Moist Baked Tiramisu Donuts

Serve these donuts dusted with cocoa powder on a pretty platter for brunch or dessert. Pair with hot espresso, cappuccino, or even a dessert wine for an indulgent experience.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you have leftovers, try these ideas:

• Cube donuts for a tiramisu trifle with cream and berries.
• Toast slices lightly and top with ice cream.
• Blend into a milkshake for a decadent drink.

Additional Tips

• Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
• Sprinkle cinnamon along with cocoa for warmth.
• Use decorative piping to make them bakery-worthy.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange donuts on a tiered stand, dust generously with cocoa, and garnish with espresso beans or chocolate curls. They’ll look like they came straight from a café display.

Variations to Try

• Mocha Donuts: Add cocoa powder to the batter.
• Caramel Tiramisu Donuts: Drizzle caramel sauce over the mascarpone.
• Nutty Donuts: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds on top.
• Berry Tiramisu Donuts: Add a layer of raspberry jam under the mascarpone.
• Spiced Donuts: Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter for warmth.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
A1: Yes, bake in a muffin tin and call them tiramisu cupcakes.

Q2: Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
A2: Yes, just dissolve in a little hot water and let it cool.

Q3: Can I make them gluten-free?
A3: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q4: How do I keep them moist?
A4: Store in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.

Q5: Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
A5: Yes, though it will be tangier than traditional mascarpone.

Q6: Do these need to be refrigerated?
A6: Yes, because of the mascarpone topping.

Q7: Can I make them ahead?
A7: Bake the donuts a day ahead and frost just before serving.

Q8: Can I freeze frosted donuts?
A8: Not recommended, as the mascarpone loses texture.

Q9: How long do they last?
A9: Up to 3 days refrigerated.

Q10: Can I add alcohol like rum or marsala?
A10: Traditional tiramisu uses them, but this version avoids alcohol.

Conclusion

Super Moist Baked Tiramisu Donuts are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts. With their soft, espresso-kissed crumb, creamy mascarpone topping, and cocoa finish, they’re indulgent yet approachable. Trust me, one bite of these donuts and you’ll never look at tiramisu—or donuts—the same way again.

Watch How To Make Super Moist Baked Tiramisu Donuts