Zeppole- An Italian Easter Tradition

Zeppole- bite sized Italian doughnuts that are as easy as they are delicious! If you’re looking for a traditional treat to grace your Easter table or celebrate St. Joseph’s Day, this Zeppole recipe is a keeper.

Simply stir together the ingredients and fry in hot oil. It truly doesn’t get much easier than that! Traditionally served during the Easter season and on St. Joseph’s feast day (Festa di San Giuseppe), Zeppole are a delicious and fun Italian tradition to adopt. The batter results in a wonderfully light and airy dough. Brightened with fresh citrus zest and sweetened with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, these Italian fried delights are perfect for an Easter breakfast, a special dessert, or a festive snack.

Zeppole- the Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt or ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta recommended for richness)
• 2 eggs
• zest of one lemon
• 1 tbsp lemon
• 1/4 tsp orange extract (optional, but enhances citrus notes)
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• powdered sugar, for dusting
• Approximately 5 cups neutral oil, for frying (enough to have 3-4 inches of oil in your pan – I like to use avocado oil)

The Process:

Prepare the Oil: Pour your chosen oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Attach a candy thermometer to the side. Heat the oil to 355°F (180°C) over medium heat while you prepare your Zeppole batter.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly stir together the ricotta/yogurt, eggs, granulated sugar, citrus juice, and zest.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. For best results, sift the baking powder directly into the bowl. This prevents any salty clumps in the final product. Mix until the batter is smooth and just combined – be careful not to overmix.

Fry the Zeppole: Carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or a measuring spoon. Fry 4-5 Zeppole at a time to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature.

Cook Until Golden: Fry for about 4 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden brown. They should naturally flip on their own as they cook; however, if one seems stuck, gently nudge it to flip around the 2-minute mark.

Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature throughout the frying process, adjusting your stove’s heat as needed to maintain a consistent 355°F (180°C). This ensures your Zeppole cook through without becoming too greasy or burning.

Absorb Oil: Remove the cooked Zeppole with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a tray lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Serve Your Easter Treats: Before serving, arrange the warm Zeppole on a clean platter and dust generously with powdered sugar. Enjoy these delightful Italian doughnuts immediately!

A Perfect Italian Dessert for Your Easter Gatherings

These citrus-kissed Zeppole are not just a recipe; they’re an invitation to enjoy a cherished Italian tradition, especially fitting for your Easter celebrations. Their simple preparation and delightful taste will surely make them a hit with family and friends.

Like the citrus pastry idea, but don’t want to fry for your Easter dessert? Try my sweet orange rolls recipe!

If you give these Easter Zeppole a try, please let me know what you think! Leave a review and star rating below. We love hearing how our recipes brighten your celebrations!

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