As the aroma of freshly fried dough fills your kitchen, it’s hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia. Warm, golden zeppole are the perfect treat for cozy afternoons, their soft centers and crisp edges inviting you to take a bite. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, these little delights embody the joy of simple pleasures and are a wonderful way to savor the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zeppole are not only a delightful dessert but also incredibly easy to whip up at home. Their combination of airy texture and rich flavor, thanks to the ricotta cheese, sets them apart from typical fried treats. Once you taste how the warm dough melts in your mouth, you’ll find yourself dreaming of making them again and again. They’re perfect for sharing, or enjoying all by yourself on a quiet evening.

Ingredients Needed For Zeppole

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our zeppole. Use a good quality flour for the best results.
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) ground nutmeg: Just a hint of nutmeg adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavor, enhancing the sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons (8g) baking soda: This helps our zeppole rise, creating that light, airy texture we crave.
• 3 tablespoons (37.5g) sugar: The sugar sweetens the batter without overwhelming it—perfect for a light dessert.
• 2 large eggs, beaten: Eggs lend richness and moisture to our dough, resulting in a perfectly tender treat.
• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese: This is the star of the show! Opt for whole milk ricotta for the creamiest, most flavorful zeppole.
• 1 teaspoon (4.2g) vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• 1 pinch salt: A touch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the overall taste.
• Powdered sugar, for dusting: This lovely snow-like sprinkle is the finishing touch that makes zeppole feel festive.
• Vegetable oil, for frying: A neutral oil is best for frying, ensuring the flavors of your ingredients shine through.

How to Make Zeppole

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or cast-iron skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, nutmeg, baking soda, and sugar.
3. Make a well in the mixture and add the beaten eggs, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Stir until the dough comes together.
5. Use a spoon to scoop the batter and drop it into the hot oil to form small balls.
6. Fry for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and fry for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Zeppole

Serve your zeppole warm, perhaps with a side of fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence. They’re perfect at a gathering or simply for a cozy night in with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoying them fresh out of the fryer with the sugar melting slightly on the hot dough is an experience you won’t want to miss.

How to Store Zeppole

While zeppole are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. If you need to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, but be aware that the texture may change. Reheat them in an oven or toaster oven to help revive their crispy exterior.

Tips to Make Zeppole

• Ensure oil temperature is correct: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the zeppole will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Too hot, and they’ll burn outside while remaining raw inside.
• Use a cookie scoop: For perfectly uniform zeppole, a cookie scoop works wonders, ensuring they fry evenly.
• Experiment with flavors: You can try adding citrus zest or other spices to the batter for a fun twist.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add flavors: Mix in chocolate chips or crushed nuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Baked zeppole: For a lighter version, consider baking them instead of frying. Just shape the dough and bake at 375 degrees until golden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make zeppole ahead of time?

Yes! While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day. Fry them just before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with zeppole?

Zeppole pair beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a light fruit sauce. A scoop of gelato or vanilla ice cream also complements them well for a delightful dessert ensemble.

Can I freeze zeppole?

While zeppole are best fresh, you can freeze them after frying. Just allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven to regain some of their original texture.

Are zeppole the same as beignets?

Zeppole and beignets share similarities as both are fried pastries, but zeppole typically contain ricotta cheese, giving them a different flavor and texture profile compared to the more doughy beignets.

Now that you have this wonderful recipe at your fingertips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create your own batch of enchanting zeppole. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every delightful bite!

Zeppole

Delightful fried pastries with a soft center and crisp edges, dusted with powdered sugar perfect for cozy afternoons.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour Use a good quality flour for the best results.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda Helps zeppole rise.
• 3 tablespoons sugar Sweetens the batter without overwhelming it.
• 1 pinch salt Enhances sweetness and balances taste.

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs, beaten Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese Opt for whole milk ricotta for the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Rounds out the flavors beautifully.

For Frying

• Vegetable oil for frying A neutral oil is best.
• powdered sugar For dusting, adds a festive touch.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or cast-iron skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, stir together flour, nutmeg, baking soda, and sugar.
• Make a well in the mixture and add the beaten eggs, ricotta cheese, vanilla extract, and salt.
• Stir until the dough comes together.

Cooking

• Use a spoon to scoop the batter and drop it into the hot oil to form small balls.
• Fry for about 2 minutes on one side, then flip and fry for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure oil temperature is correct to avoid greasy zeppole. A cookie scoop helps form uniform sizes. Experiment with flavors by adding zest or spices.

Keyword dessert, Fried Pastry, Ricotta, Sweet Treat, Zeppole