Description
This easy soft zeppole recipe yields light, airy Italian donut holes that are perfect for a delightful dessert or sweet treat. With a tender ricotta-infused batter fried to golden perfection and dusted with confectioners’ or cinnamon sugar, these zeppole are irresistibly soft and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Batter
- 2 large Eggs – Use fresh eggs for the best rise.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour – Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level off.
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder – Replace every 6-12 months for effectiveness.
- 1 pinch Salt – Just a pinch is sufficient.
- 1 cup White Sugar – Adjust to taste.
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese – Use full-fat for the best results.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract – Opt for pure vanilla for enhanced taste.
For Frying and Dusting
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil – Choose oil with a high smoke point.
- 1 cup Confectioners Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar – Dust while warm.
Instructions
- Beat the Eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs until foamy and slightly thickened to incorporate air, which helps create a light texture.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and white sugar along with vanilla extract to the eggs, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the batter.
- Fold in Ricotta: Gently fold in the ricotta cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding moisture and richness for a soft texture.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat to 375°F using a deep-fry thermometer to ensure optimal frying temperature.
- Scoop the Batter: Use a small cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of the batter carefully into the hot oil, maintaining consistent sizes for even cooking.
- Fry Until Golden: Fry the zeppole for approximately 3-4 minutes, turning frequently so they brown evenly and develop a crisp exterior.
- Drain and Dust: Remove the zeppole from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. While still warm, dust generously with confectioners’ sugar or cinnamon sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Enjoy zeppole fresh for the best soft and airy texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day; they are best eaten the same day to maintain freshness.
- Use full-fat ricotta cheese for the richest flavor and best texture.
- Maintain oil temperature at 375°F to ensure proper frying without absorbing excess oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts & Sweets
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: zeppole, Italian donut holes, ricotta desserts, fried dough, soft zeppole, easy Italian treats, homemade zeppole
