Zeppole
Christmas wouldn't be the same without Mom's zeppole (Italian donuts). Fifty years ago, our Mom got this recipe from her neighbor Lucille and that was the start of our love affair with zeppole! From her first batch, they became a holiday favorite in our home. During the holiday season you would always find a pot filled with vegetable oil, just waiting for Mom to whip up a batch. Our home was always filled with friends and neighbors and Mom always had them available. Everyone loved them and they were quickly devoured. Our zeppole are heavenly with their light, spongy texture, and sprinkling of powdered sugar. Even Santa loves them & keeps coming back for more! ❤️❤️
Ingredients
- 2 cups Presto* cake flour (sift before measuring)
- 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla paste or extract
- 4 eggs, well beaten
- 1½ lbs. of whole milk ricotta cheese
- Vegetable oil, 2 to 3 inches deep for frying
Directions
- Slowly heat the vegetable oil in a 1 – 2 qt stainless steel saucepan, to a temperature of 375º. (use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature)
- In a large bowl, place the cake flour, sugar, vanilla, eggs, and ricotta cheese and mix well with a wooden spoon.
- When the oil temperature reaches 375º, take a flatware tablespoon of batter and using your index finger or another spoon, carefully slide the batter off the spoon into the hot oil, being careful not to splash yourself. Set the timer for 3 minutes once they are in the pot. Depending on the size pot you use, fry 2-4 at a time. They turn on their own so no need to turn them.
- After 3 minutes, remove to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Continue frying 2-4 zeppole at a time until batter is used up.
- Put the cooked zeppole in a serving dish and sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve while warm.
Notes: *Presto cake flour is self-rising and contains baking powder & salt. If not available in your local grocery store, order from Amazon. Swan Cake flour is not self-rising and will require the addition of baking powder and salt; however, we don’t know you’ll get the same results.
Zeppole need room to turn over on their own so don’t crowd them. We used a small 1 qt saucepan and fried 2 at a time. If you want to fry 4 or 5 at a time make sure you use at least a 6 qt saucepan.
The powdered sugar will melt if they sit awhile before serving so sprinkle with additional powdered sugar as needed.
Did you make this recipe? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below or Tag @twiinsinthekitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #twiinsinthekitchen.
OMG…I used to get these all the time in Brooklyn. I love, love them. I will try your recipe because it looks easy and delicious.
Thank you for sharing.
Pasta Owl, yes these are very easy to make and delicious so please check back with us after you make them. Thank you for your support.
Hey twins…you are right! Your recipe was very easy like you said and oh so delicious!!!
They are better than what I remember from Brooklyn and I’m thrilled that I can now make them myself for my family. Keep those recipes coming! Thank you
I haven’t had these since my wife passed. My daughter made these for Christmas and they tasted just like my wife’s. Thanks for bringing her back for the holidays.