Name: Zeppole Italian Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487014H36M58S
Total time: PT-487014H36M58S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup water 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 4 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Vegetable oil for frying Pastry cream (or whipped cream, chocolate, or jam) (optional) Powdered sugar for dusting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zeppole are a beloved Italian pastry, and for good reason. With a crisp exterior and a soft, airy interior, they are the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them for a festive occasion like Saint Joseph’s Day or simply craving something sweet, these donuts are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make at home, giving you the chance to enjoy authentic Italian flavors without any complicated techniques. The possibilities for filling and topping these treats are endless, allowing you to customize them to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

For the dough:

1 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for frying

For the filling (optional):

Pastry cream (or whipped cream, chocolate, or jam)

For dusting:

Powdered sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the water, butter, sugar, and salt to a boil over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted and the mixture is boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour. Mix until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Return the saucepan to the stove over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to dry out the dough slightly.
Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil, frying the zeppole in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the zeppole from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
If filling the zeppole, use a piping bag to fill the center with pastry cream or your desired filling.
Dust the zeppole with powdered sugar just before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 12-15 zeppole, depending on the size
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Different Fillings: While traditional zeppole are often filled with pastry cream, you can experiment with different fillings such as whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or fruit jams.
Baked Zeppole: For a lighter alternative, you can bake the zeppole in a preheated oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes instead of frying them.
Lemon or Orange Zest: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Cinnamon Sugar: Instead of powdered sugar, toss the fried zeppole in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spicy-sweet finish.

Storage/Reheating

Zeppole are best enjoyed fresh, as they have the most delicious texture when they are still warm. However, you can store leftover zeppole in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve filled them, be sure to refrigerate them if not consumed immediately. To reheat, place the zeppole in a warm oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I make zeppole in advance?

Zeppole are best when eaten fresh, but you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just fry them when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I bake zeppole instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake zeppole instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the dough for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

3. How can I make the dough for zeppole lighter?

Make sure to incorporate the eggs one at a time and mix well to ensure a smooth, airy texture. Also, avoid overworking the dough after adding the eggs to keep it light.

4. Can I freeze zeppole?

Yes, you can freeze zeppole after frying. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

5. Can I fill zeppole with something other than pastry cream?

Absolutely! You can fill zeppole with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even ricotta cheese for a variation.

6. What is the best oil for frying zeppole?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying zeppole.

7. How do I get the perfect frying temperature for zeppole?

Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. It should stay at around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.

8. Can I make zeppole without eggs?

Zeppole require eggs for their texture, but you could try an egg substitute like flaxseed meal mixed with water, or use an egg replacer.

9. How do I know when the zeppole are done frying?

Zeppole are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. You can also test one by cutting it in half – it should be light and airy inside.

10. Can I add a glaze to the zeppole?

Yes, you can drizzle zeppole with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

Conclusion

Zeppole are a delicious and versatile Italian treat that can easily be made at home. Whether you’re filling them with rich pastry cream or simply dusting them with powdered sugar, these light and fluffy donuts will surely impress anyone who tries them. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy an authentic taste of Italy right in your own kitchen. Try this recipe and bring the irresistible charm of zeppole to your table today!