Zeppole Italian Donuts Recipe

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese offers a lighter option with similar texture.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free alternative.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Stevia reduces calories while maintaining sweetness.

chocolate

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate

💰Cheaper: chocolate chips

Dark chocolate has antioxidants and can be more intense in flavor.

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add half a cup of water and half a cup of whole milk, along with eight tablespoons of unsalted butter.

Add one teaspoon of sugar and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Once the butter is melted and the mixture is boiling, remove from heat and stir in one cup of flour all at once using a wooden spoon until fully incorporated.

Return the saucepan to medium heat and stir constantly for about one and a half to two minutes to release excess moisture and partially cook the flour until a thin film forms on the bottom of the pan.

Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and use an electric hand mixer to beat the dough for about a minute to cool it slightly.

Add four large room temperature eggs one at a time, letting each incorporate fully before adding the next. Beat until the dough is smooth and forms a thick ribbon when pulled up with the whisk.

Transfer the batter to a large piping bag with a half inch opening, using about half of the batter.

Preheat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the oil is at the correct temperature using a thermometer.

Pipe the batter into the hot oil, cutting the dough into about half inch pieces with kitchen scissors. Fry for about four to five minutes until golden brown, flipping if necessary.

Remove the donuts from the oil and transfer them to a tray lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.

Serve the zeppole with a generous coating of powdered sugar, either on a platter or in a cone made from parchment paper or a paper lunch bag.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens