Description
Ricotta Zeppole are light, fluffy Italian donuts that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Made with ricotta cheese, they are a perfect treat for any occasion, especially when dusted with powdered sugar or served with a side of chocolate sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (drained if wet)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick batter forms. It should be thick but still spoonable.
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil – it should sizzle immediately.
- Using two teaspoons, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the zeppole for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Remove the fried zeppole with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Once they’re slightly cooled, dust the zeppole with powdered sugar and serve immediately. Optionally, serve with chocolate sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter, fluffier texture, make sure the ricotta is well-drained before using it in the batter.
- You can also add a little lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing flavor.
- Zeppole are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two. Reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to restore some crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zeppola
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg