Are you ready for a taste adventure? Look no further! Today, we’re diving into the world of zeppole, those sweet and airy Italian doughnuts that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you like them classic with powdered sugar or filled with creamy ricotta, there’s a zeppole recipe out there for everyone.
From traditional flavors like lemon and cinnamon to more decadent options like chocolate-filled and nutella-topped, we’ve got 18 mouth-watering recipes that are sure to tempt your taste buds. So go ahead, indulge in the sweet life with these irresistible zeppole treats!
Classic Italian Zeppole with Powdered Sugar
Classic Italian Zeppole with Powdered Sugar: These light-as-air doughnuts are a staple of Italian festivals and celebrations. Here’s a simple recipe to make these sweet treats at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, use a spoon to drop small balls of dough into the oil.
6. Fry zeppole for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
7. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Dust warm zeppole with powdered sugar and serve.
Cooking Time: About 30 minutes
Ricotta Zeppole with Honey Drizzle
These Italian-style doughnuts are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and drizzled with a sweet honey glaze. Perfect for a special treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– Honey, for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vegetable oil.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Use a piping bag or a spoon to drop the dough into the hot oil, making 2-3 zeppole at a time.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain zeppole on paper towels and let cool slightly.
8. Fill with ricotta cheese mixture (mix equal parts ricotta and confectioners’ sugar) and drizzle with honey.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chocolate-Filled Zeppole with Nutella
Experience the delight of Italian zeppoles filled with a rich, chocolatey surprise and drizzled with Nutella. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
+ 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
+ 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– Nutella for drizzling
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine yeast, flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add milk, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
5. Pipe small balls of dough into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain zeppoles on paper towels and let cool slightly.
7. Prepare filling by melting chocolate chips with butter and cream in a double boiler.
8. Fill each zeppole with a spoonful of the chocolate mixture.
9. Drizzle with Nutella and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Glazed Zeppole with Zesty Frosting
Brighten up your dessert game with these sweet and tangy zeppoles, topped with a zesty lemon glaze and a dollop of creamy frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Lemon glaze (see below)
– Zesty frosting (see below)
Lemon Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zesty Frosting:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vegetable oil.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Drop small balls of dough into the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain zeppoles on paper towels and glaze with lemon mixture while still warm.
7. Top with zesty frosting and serve.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Cinnamon Sugar Zeppole Bites
Sweet and indulgent, Cinnamon Sugar Zeppole Bites are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These bite-sized Italian doughnuts are filled with sweet cinnamon goodness and topped with a crunchy sugar coating.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Gradually add milk and egg to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and let cool slightly.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vanilla Bean Zeppole with Berry Compote
These Italian doughnuts are infused with the warmth of vanilla bean and topped with a sweet and tangy berry compote, making them a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for compote
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
4. Knead dough for 5 minutes; cover and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
5. Heat vegetable oil in deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
6. Fry zeppole, a few at a time, until golden brown (2-3 minutes per side).
7. Drain on paper towels; serve warm with berry compote (simmer fresh berries with sugar and water until syrupy).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Zeppole for Fall
Capture the essence of autumn with these sweet and airy Italian doughnuts infused with the warmth of pumpkin spice. Perfect for a crisp fall morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground pumpkin pie spice
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, milk, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth and elastic.
3. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil.
6. Fry zeppole for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and puffed up.
7. Drain excess oil with paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: About 20 minutes
Apple Cider Zeppole with Caramel Sauce
These crispy, airy zeppole infused with apple cider are the perfect treat for a chilly fall day. Serve them warm with a drizzle of rich caramel sauce for a sweet and satisfying indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Caramel sauce (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, milk, eggs, and apple cider. Whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a batter forms.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop zeppole into hot oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with caramel sauce.
Caramel Sauce Recipe:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes or until caramel turns golden brown.
Coconut Zeppole with Pineapple Dip
These crispy, sweet zeppoles are infused with the richness of coconut and served with a tangy pineapple dip. Perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
For the zeppoles:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the pineapple dip:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add unsweetened shredded coconut and mix until combined.
3. Gradually add milk to form a thick batter.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop zeppole dough into the hot oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Drain excess oil and serve warm with pineapple dip.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes to fry the zeppoles.
Almond Zeppole with Amaretto Glaze
These Italian doughnuts are infused with the sweetness of almonds and topped with a rich amaretto glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Amaretto glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, salt, and sliced almonds; mix until a smooth batter forms.
4. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop the dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
5. Fry zeppole for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Amaretto Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Mix all ingredients until smooth; drizzle over cooled zeppole. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Strawberry Cream-Filled Zeppole
These bite-sized doughnuts are filled with a sweet and tangy strawberry cream, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this delightful treat at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Strawberry jam or preserves (about 1/4 cup)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Drop the dough by spoonfuls into the hot oil, about 1/2 cup at a time.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Allow zeppole to cool before filling with strawberry jam and dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total
Banana Bread Zeppole with Walnuts
These Italian-inspired doughnuts are filled with the warm flavors of banana bread, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a special treat or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add yeast and mix until combined.
3. Gradually add milk, eggs, and mashed bananas; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped walnuts.
5. Cover dough and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
6. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry zeppole for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Espresso Zeppole with Mocha Drizzle
Start your day off right with these rich and indulgent Italian doughnuts, infused with the bold flavors of espresso and topped with a velvety mocha drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 shots espresso, cooled
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Mocha drizzle (see below)
Mocha Drizzle:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. Whisk together flour, milk, yeast, and sugar.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, whisking until smooth.
4. Stir in espresso, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar.
5. Fry doughnuts for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm with mocha drizzle.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peanut Butter Zeppole with Chocolate Chips
Peanut Butter Zeppole with Chocolate Chips: Sweet Italian Doughnuts Filled with Peanut Butter Goodness!
These crispy and airy zeppoles are filled with a rich peanut butter filling and topped with chocolate chips. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Peanut butter filling (see below)
– Chocolate chips for topping
Peanut Butter Filling:
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, and eggs.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough into hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove zeppoles from oil and let cool.
7. Fill with peanut butter filling and top with chocolate chips.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Raspberry Jam-Stuffed Zeppole
Zeppole are a classic Italian treat that typically consist of fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar. In this recipe, we’re giving them a sweet and fruity twist by filling them with raspberry jam.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Raspberry jam, for filling
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
2. Add the lard or shortening and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Beat in the eggs until fully incorporated.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Using a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the oil, about the size of a golf ball.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Allow zeppole to cool slightly before filling with raspberry jam.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes (depending on the size of the zeppole)
Tiramisu-Inspired Zeppole with Coffee Dust
Elevate your fried dough game with these Tiramisu-inspired zeppole, infused with the rich flavors of coffee and mascarpone cream. Perfect for a unique dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Mascarpone cream (store-bought or homemade)
– Coffee dust (optional, but recommended)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm milk, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
3. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
5. Fry dough balls in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Drain excess oil and let zeppole cool completely.
7. Fill with mascarpone cream and sprinkle with coffee dust, if desired.
Cooking Time: About 30 minutes (including resting time)
Blueberry Lemon Zeppole with Yogurt Frosting
Experience the perfect combination of sweet and tangy with these bite-sized Blueberry Lemon Zeppoles topped with a refreshing Yogurt Frosting.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– Yogurt Frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop dough into the hot oil in small circles.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and let cool.
Yogurt Frosting:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle over cooled zeppoles and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes per batch (depending on oil temperature)
Caramelized Zeppole with Sea Salt
Zeppole are Italian doughnuts that are typically fried and coated in powdered sugar. In this recipe, we take them to the next level by caramelizing them in butter and sea salt for a sweet and salty treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of zeppole mix (about 20-25 pieces)
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup sea salt
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. Fry the zeppole according to package instructions until golden brown.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the vanilla extract and granulated sugar. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the mixture turns golden brown and caramelized.
4. Remove the zeppole from the oil and place them in the skillet with the caramelized mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Sprinkle the sea salt over the zeppole and toss again to combine.
6. Serve warm, dusting with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet world of zeppole! This article presents 18 scrumptious recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic Italian-style powdered sugar to innovative flavor combinations like pumpkin spice and strawberry cream, there’s something for everyone. Discover how to make ricotta-filled zeppole with a honey drizzle or chocolate-filled bites with Nutella. Or try unique twists like lemon glazed zeppole with zesty frosting or coconut zeppole with pineapple dip. Whatever your taste buds desire, these irresistible sweet treats are sure to please.
