Easy Ricotta Zeppole (Italian Donuts)

Craving a sweet, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth treat? Let me introduce you to Ricotta Zeppole—Italian donuts that are light, airy, and oh-so-delicious. These little bites of heaven are golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with rich flavor from creamy ricotta cheese. If you’ve ever had zeppole at an Italian festival or a cozy café, you know they’re the ultimate indulgence. And guess what? Making them at home is easier than you think.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, pillowy doughnut dusted with powdered sugar, and then enjoying that delicate, rich flavor of ricotta with every bite. This recipe is a breeze to make, and the best part? They only take about 20 minutes to whip up! Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep them on hand for any occasion—whether it’s an afternoon treat or a special dessert.

Why You’ll Love Easy Ricotta Zeppole

Here’s why Ricotta Zeppole are a must-try:

Quick & Easy: You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make these! With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have homemade donuts ready in no time.

Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside: They have the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. The exterior is golden and crisp, while the inside is light, airy, and filled with the goodness of ricotta.

No Frying Fuss: Unlike traditional donuts that require careful frying, these are quick and easy to fry up in a small pan or even a deep fryer if you have one—making cleanup a breeze.

Versatile: Want to get fancy? Top them with chocolate drizzle, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra flavor. Or keep them simple with just powdered sugar—either way, they’re divine!

Crowd-Pleasing: These little Italian donuts are perfect for everything from family dinners to holiday treats or even as an accompaniment to your morning coffee. They’re the kind of dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients in Easy Ricotta Zeppole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible little bites:

For the Zeppole:

• Ricotta cheese: The star of the show! It adds richness and moisture to the dough, making the donuts ultra-soft.
• All-purpose flour: For structure and that perfect doughy texture.
• Granulated sugar: For a touch of sweetness in the dough itself.
• Baking powder: Helps the dough puff up as it fries, creating that airy texture inside.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add a little richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely, aromatic sweetness to the dough.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Vegetable oil: For frying and getting that crispy golden exterior.

For the Topping:

• Powdered sugar: To give your zeppole that signature sweet finish. You can also try cinnamon sugar if you’re in the mood for something a little extra.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make these dreamy ricotta zeppole:

Make the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky—think of a thick, scoopable batter.

Heat the Oil:

In a deep frying pan, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the zeppole (about 2 inches). Heat the oil over medium heat to around 350°F (175°C). To check if it’s ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil—if it starts bubbling and rising to the surface right away, it’s good to go.

Fry the Zeppole:

Using a spoon or your hands, carefully drop small spoonfuls of the dough into the hot oil. Fry the zeppole in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Once fried, remove the zeppole from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Coat with Powdered Sugar:

While the zeppole are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even toss them in a bowl of cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your Ricotta Zeppole warm for the best experience. They’re best enjoyed fresh, with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a delightful dessert after a meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~150–200 (depending on the size and amount of sugar)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Easy Ricotta Zeppole

These little Italian donuts are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving:

With Coffee or Espresso: Zeppole and coffee are a match made in heaven. Pair them with your favorite brew for a delightful afternoon treat.

With Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or a fruit compote for a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the donuts.

As a Dessert: If you’re serving them after a meal, they’re perfect on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato.

For a Special Touch: Drizzle with a little chocolate sauce or honey for extra flavor. You can even stuff them with a bit of whipped cream or custard for a decadent treat.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the zeppole in batches to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.

Adjust the Size: You can make them smaller or larger depending on your preference. Just keep an eye on the frying time if you make them bigger.

Flavor Variations: If you’re craving a twist, add a bit of lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrusy flavor.

Keep Them Fresh: These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Just be aware that the texture might change a bit the next day.

Frying Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small bit of dough in. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these Zeppole without ricotta?
A1: Ricotta gives these zeppole their signature soft and creamy texture, but you can use mascarpone or cream cheese as a substitute if needed.

Q2: Can I bake the zeppole instead of frying them?
A2: For a healthier option, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden. They won’t be as crispy but will still be delicious!

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 1 month. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a bag or container. Fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: How do I make these zeppole dairy-free?
A4: Use a non-dairy ricotta or a cashew cream as a substitute for the ricotta cheese to make these dairy-free.

Q5: Can I add flavors to the dough?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to add a little vanilla, cinnamon, or even nutmeg to the dough to enhance the flavor.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven to bring back their softness.

Q7: Can I use a different oil for frying?
A7: Yes, you can use canola oil or sunflower oil for frying, as they have a neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Q8: Can I make a filling for these zeppole?
A8: Yes! You can stuff these zeppole with chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or even custard for an extra indulgent treat.

Q9: What’s the best way to serve them at a party?
A9: Serve them on a large platter dusted with powdered sugar, and offer a selection of dips like chocolate sauce or berry compote.

Q10: Are zeppole gluten-free?
A10: Traditional zeppole contains wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make them suitable for gluten-free diets.

Conclusion

Easy Ricotta Zeppole are the kind of dessert that will make your taste buds do a happy dance! With their crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and the rich, creamy flavor of ricotta, they’re the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or a gathering, these Italian donuts are sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite and share the joy of these delightful little bites with those around you!

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