When the festive Carnival season rolls around, there’s a palpable excitement in the air—colors are vibrant, and flavors are rich. It was during one of these lively celebrations that I discovered a delightful twist on an Italian classic: tiramisu doughnuts. Just imagine fluffy, golden-fried doughnuts bursting with a luscious mascarpone cream that captures the essence of traditional tiramisu.
These treats are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for impressing your friends and family at any gathering. With every bite, you’ll experience the wonderful balance of coffee, vanilla, and a hint of citrus zest, making them an indulgent yet playful addition to your dessert lineup. Whether you’re savoring them during the Carnival festivities or enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, these tiramisu doughnuts promise to elevate any occasion. Ready to bring this delicious creation to your kitchen? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why are Tiramisu Doughnuts a Must-Try?
Indulgent Delight: These doughnuts redefine dessert with their creamy mascarpone filling and rich coffee flavor.
Easy to Make: You’ll find the straightforward process allows even novice bakers to enjoy making these treats at home.
Festive Treat: Perfect for celebrations like Carnival, they add a playful twist to your dessert table.
Unique Flavor Fusion: Experience the classic Italian tiramisu in a fun, portable form that everyone will love.
Versatile Options: Feel free to explore variations with flavored extracts or liqueurs to customize your doughnuts!
Tiramisu Doughnut Ingredients
For the Dough
- Flour – Use Manitoba flour type 0 or bread flour for a fluffier texture.
- Sugar – White granulated sugar is recommended for balanced sweetness.
- Milk – Opt for full-fat lukewarm milk to enhance moisture and richness.
- Yeast – Active dry yeast works best; double the amount if using fresh yeast.
- Eggs – Choose size L eggs to improve structure and richness.
- Butter – Softened unsalted butter adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dough.
- Oil – A neutral vegetable oil like canola or sunflower is ideal for frying.
For the Cream Filling
- Mascarpone – This creamy staple is essential for achieving the authentic tiramisu flavor.
- Vanilla Paste – It enhances the overall taste and aroma of your filling.
- Cocoa Powder – Use this for dusting your doughnuts for a beautiful presentation.
- Espresso – Freshly brewed espresso adds depth and coffee flavor to the filling.
- Zest – Lemon and orange zests provide a vibrant freshness to complement the cream.
For Dusting
- Powdered Sugar – Dust just before serving for a sweet finish that brightens your doughnuts.
These tiramisu doughnuts will have your friends and family swooning with every bite!
How to Make Tiramisu Doughnuts
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Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer, mix flour and sugar well, then add lukewarm milk, yeast, eggs, zest, and salt. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic—about 5-7 minutes.
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Proof the Dough: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size. For best flavor, refrigerate overnight for up to 16 hours.
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Shape the Doughnuts: Divide the dough into 14 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on parchment paper. Let them rise again until they triple in size, which takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
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Fry the Doughnuts: Heat your oil to 170-180°C (340-355°F). Fry the doughnuts in batches, turning until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
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Make the Filling: Prepare your pastry cream, then fold in the mascarpone, orange zest, and a splash of orange juice to create a light and luscious filling.
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Fill the Doughnuts: Once cooled, use a piping bag to create a small hole in each doughnut, add espresso if you wish, and fill generously with the mascarpone cream.
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Serve: Dust with cocoa powder and powdered sugar just before serving to ensure a beautiful, sweet finish.
Optional: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Tiramisu Doughnuts
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Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk and water are lukewarm, around 30-35°C (85-95°F), to properly activate the yeast for fluffier doughnuts.
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Space to Rise: Give your doughnuts ample space while rising and frying. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and dense doughnuts.
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Oil Temperature Check: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature between 170-180°C (340-355°F). This prevents soggy doughnuts by achieving a perfect golden crisp.
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Chill for Flavor: For the best results, refrigerate your dough overnight after the first rise. This deepens the flavors and enhances the texture of your tiramisu doughnuts.
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Creative Variations: Don’t hesitate to play with flavors! Add flavored extracts or liqueurs to the filling for a personalized twist on these delightful doughnuts.
Make Ahead Options
These decadent Tiramisu Doughnuts are perfect for busy home cooks seeking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and allowing it to proof for 2 hours, then refrigerate overnight. The mascarpone filling can also be made up to 3 days ahead; just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to finish, shape and fry the doughnuts, fill them with your creamy mixture, and dust with cocoa and powdered sugar right before serving—ensuring they are just as delightful as when freshly made. Enjoy the convenience of meal prep while indulging in these delightful treats!
What to Serve with Tiramisu Doughnuts?
Indulge your senses with delightful pairings that elevate every bite of these luxurious doughnuts.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a burst of freshness, perfectly balancing the rich creaminess of the doughnuts.
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Espresso: A well-brewed cup of espresso enhances the coffee notes found in the doughnuts, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
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Light Whipped Cream: A dollop of softly whipped cream adds an airy texture, accentuating the richness of the mascarpone filling.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your doughnuts introduces a decadently sweet contrast that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Citrus Sorbet: A scoop of citrus sorbet offers a refreshing palate cleanser, benefiting from the citrus zest incorporated in the doughnuts.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warming spices of a chai latte complement the doughnuts perfectly, adding a comforting element to your dessert experience.
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Hazelnut Liqueur: For the adults, a splash of hazelnut liqueur elevates the flavors while offering a touch of sophistication to your dessert spread.
With each pairing, your tiramisu doughnuts will shine even brighter!
Tiramisu Doughnuts Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize your treats for a unique twist on this classic delight!
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs while still enjoying the fluffy texture.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese and use almond or coconut milk for the dough.
- Flavored Liqueurs: Add a splash of coffee liqueur or Amaretto to the filling for an enhanced depth of flavor.
- Citrus Zest Punch: Experiment with different citrus zests like lime or grapefruit for a refreshing twist in your filling.
- Filled with Chocolate: Swap out the mascarpone for a rich dark chocolate filling to satisfy chocolate lovers.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the filling to give your doughnuts a surprising heat.
- Different Extracts: Try flavoring your cream with almond or hazelnut extract instead of vanilla for a nutty profile.
- Decadent Toppings: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for added sweetness and flair.
Embrace your creativity and let your taste buds lead the way!
How to Store and Freeze Tiramisu Doughnuts
Room Temperature: Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness and softness.
Fridge: If you wish to extend their shelf life, keep the doughnuts in the fridge for up to 3 days, but note that they may become slightly denser.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unfilled doughnuts in an airtight bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling.
Reheating: To enjoy the doughnuts warm, reheat them in an oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Fill with mascarpone just before serving!
Tiramisu Doughnuts Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for Tiramisu Doughnuts?
I recommend using Manitoba flour type 0 or bread flour as these varieties offer a fluffier texture. The protein content in these flours helps achieve that perfect doughnut structure, giving you a soft and airy treat.
How should I store Tiramisu Doughnuts?
Store your Tiramisu Doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness. If you prefer longer storage, they can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, though they may become slightly denser when chilled.
Can I freeze Tiramisu Doughnuts?
Absolutely! For freezing, place the unfilled doughnuts in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours before filling them with your luscious mascarpone cream.
How can I troubleshoot dense doughnuts?
If your doughnuts turn out dense, it may be due to two reasons: the yeast may not have been activated properly, or the dough might have been over-kneaded. Always check the milk temperature, ensuring it’s between 30-35°C (85-95°F) when adding yeast, and knead until the dough is just smooth. Remember to give your dough time to rise!
Are Tiramisu Doughnuts safe for those with allergies?
These delightful doughnuts contain gluten and dairy due to the ingredients used, so they are not suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or lactose allergies. If you’re looking to accommodate a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, consider experimenting with gluten-free flour blends and dairy alternatives like coconut cream.
What should I do if my doughnuts absorb too much oil during frying?
To avoid greasy doughnuts, ensure your frying oil is at the correct temperature—170-180°C (340-355°F). Dropping them into cold oil will lead to excess absorption. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and use a thermometer to check that everything stays on track!
Delicious Tiramisu Doughnuts: A Sweet Twist on Tradition
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the dough: In a stand mixer, mix flour and sugar well, then add lukewarm milk, yeast, eggs, zest, and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic—about 5-7 minutes.
- Proof the dough: Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, until doubled in size. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
- Shape the doughnuts: Divide the dough into 14 pieces. Shape into balls and place on parchment. Let rise again until tripled in size, about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- Fry the doughnuts: Heat oil to 170-180°C (340-355°F). Fry doughnuts in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the filling: Prepare pastry cream, then fold in mascarpone, orange zest, and a splash of orange juice.
- Fill the doughnuts: Once cooled, use a piping bag to fill with mascarpone cream. Optionally, add espresso inside.
- Serve: Dust with cocoa powder and powdered sugar just before serving.