“Ever since I was a little kid, I was obsessed with cannolis,” says Andrew Underwood. Growing up in Sparta, New Jersey, he visited a local Italian bakery so often that the owner would make fresh cannolis just for him whenever he saw him heading into the shop. Now that Underwood has his own shop, Donerds Donuts, he’s hoping to recreate that childhood memory with what has become a customer favorite: the cannoli donut.
Donerds’ circuitous journey to Southside Bethlehem began in Santiago, Chile, where Underwood met and fell in love with Annabel Figueroa. They started selling donuts and coffee out of a 1981 Volkswagen bus, followed by a brick-and-mortar location in Santiago. The pair eventually made their way to Jim Thorpe, where they opened another donut and coffee shop, followed by their Bethlehem location in
2023. The cannoli donut, the first specialty creation that Donerds developed, is a best seller in both Pennsylvania locations and one of a handful of donuts that remain a constant on Donerds’ otherwise rotating weekly menus. But if you want one, time is of the essence: “They do tend to sell out, so be sure to stop by early to make sure you get one,” Underwood says.
This treat begins as a light, yeast-raised dough, baked fresh daily. Once cooled, the donut is filled with a slightly sweetened ricotta-based filling studded with mini chocolate chips, and the final touch is a dusting of powdered sugar. “It’s a thoughtful combination of textures and flavors, blending the comforting warmth of a freshly made donut with the indulgence of a classic Italian dessert,” Underwood says.
Underwood calls the cannoli donut “the star of the show,” but sometimes the star gets a few costume changes. Plans are underway for a Nutella cannoli
donut, and a pistachio cannoli donut is now available. And for the ultimate Italian experience, Underwood recommends pairing the donut with a cappuccino, made in-house with Intelligentsia Coffee.
While the cannoli donut is available in both of Donerds’ Pennsylvania locations, you also have the option of bringing the sweet treat right to you with Donerds’ food truck, available for festivals, events and private parties. And if the cannoli donut isn’t close enough to the real thing for you, fear not—Donerds also makes traditional cannolis, with fresh cream piped into a crispy shell as soon as it’s ordered. Just like the ones Underwood grew up with.
3 E. 4th St., Bethlehem | 484.655.2885 | donerdsdonuts.com
Published as “Eat This" in the April 2025 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
