Description
Bring the flavors of Italy home with this Zeppole recipe, a traditional sweet treat known for its pillowy texture and golden finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until the butter has fully melted. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Continue cooking and stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes to slightly dry out the dough. Remove from heat and allow the dough to cool for 5 minutes.
- Once the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture will appear lumpy at first but will become smooth as you continue stirring. Wait until the dough is fully combined before adding the next egg. Stir in the vanilla extract. The final dough should be smooth, thick, and slightly sticky.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a small cookie scoop or two spoons to carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the zeppole are puffed and deep golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- While the zeppole are still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately while they are crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 12 zeppole.
- Feel free to fill zeppole with custard or jam for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zeppole
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Italian Zeppole, Zeppole recipe, Italian dessert, homemade pastries