Classic Italian Ricotta Zeppole
Indulge in the delightful taste of Classic Italian Ricotta Zeppole, a beloved treat that brings a touch of Italian heritage to your kitchen. These airy golden donuts, made with creamy ricotta cheese, boast a subtly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a generous dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. With a light and fluffy texture, they are irresistibly delicious either as a dessert or a special breakfast treat. Feel free to play with the sizing to create an array of bite-sized or standard donuts for sharing. Gather your loved ones, and enjoy this fun and delightful recipe, which is sure to become a favorite at any gathering!
36
Servings
50
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ricotta cheese
15 ounces (container)
eggs
4
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon
all-purpose flour
1.5 cups
granulated sugar
0.5 cups
baking powder
2 tablespoons
salt
0.5 teaspoon
cooking oil
for frying (enough to fill your fryer or deep pan)
powdered sugar or sugar/cinnamon mixture
for coating
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the ricotta cheese on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy.
2
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl, beating until well combined.
3
Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4
Allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes to enhance the texture.
5
Heat the cooking oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 365°F (185°C).
6
Using well-rounded teaspoons, drop the batter into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
7
Fry the donuts for 2 ½ to 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown, turning them once for even cooking.
8
Remove the cooked donuts with a slotted spoon and allow them to drain on paper towels. Continue frying the remaining batter.
9
Once cooled completely, place the donuts in a bag with powdered sugar or a sugar/cinnamon mixture, and shake well to coat. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
2.2
Fat
6.5
Carbs
1
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Italian Ricotta Zeppole?
Classic Italian Ricotta Zeppole are airy golden donuts made with creamy ricotta cheese, offering a subtly sweet flavor and a light, fluffy texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 36 zeppoles.
What is the calorie count for one zeppole?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include ricotta cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cooking oil.
How much ricotta cheese is required?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese.
Why should the ricotta be beaten before adding other ingredients?
Beating the ricotta cheese on medium speed ensures it becomes completely smooth and creamy for the batter.
How many eggs are used in this recipe?
This recipe requires 4 eggs.
What is the recommended amount of vanilla extract?
Use 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for this recipe.
How much flour should I incorporate?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, you should mix the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined and avoid overmixing to maintain the light texture.
Does the batter need to rest?
Yes, allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes to enhance the final texture of the zeppole.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying?
The oil should be heated to 365°F (185°C) in a deep fryer or large pot.
How much batter should be dropped into the oil at a time?
Use well-rounded teaspoons to drop the batter into the hot oil.
What should I be careful of when frying?
Be careful not to overcrowd the pan or fryer to ensure the donuts cook evenly.
How long do the zeppoles take to cook?
They should fry for 2.5 to 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Should the donuts be turned during frying?
Yes, turn them once while frying to ensure even golden-brown coloring on all sides.
How should I remove the zeppoles from the oil?
Use a slotted spoon to safely remove them from the hot oil.
What is the best way to drain the excess oil?
Place the cooked donuts on paper towels immediately after frying to drain.
When should I apply the sugar coating?
Once the donuts have cooled completely, they can be coated with sugar.
How do I coat the zeppoles evenly with sugar?
Place the donuts in a bag with powdered sugar or a sugar/cinnamon mixture and shake well to coat.
What types of sugar can be used for the coating?
You can use either powdered sugar or a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 2.2 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one zeppole?
There are 6.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each zeppole provides 1 gram of protein.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of baking powder.
Can these be served as breakfast?
Yes, they are described as an irresistible dessert or a special breakfast treat.
Can I change the size of the donuts?
Yes, you can adjust the sizing to create an array of bite-sized or standard-sized donuts.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
In the recipe information, these are categorized under Breads.
How much granulated sugar goes into the batter?
The batter itself requires 0.5 cups of granulated sugar.