Sweet Honey Struffoli Delight
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Sweet Honey Struffoli Delights, a classic Italian treat enjoyed during the holiday season. Each ball is a heavenly fried dough, perfectly drenched in a luscious honey glaze that creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The unique combination of Southern Belle Honey and the citrusy zing of lemon juice sets these treats apart, making them irresistible. Traditionally shaped into bite-sized pieces, Struffoli are often adorned with colorful sprinkles or elegant slivered almonds for an attractive presentation. Whether you serve them at Christmas, Easter, or any celebration, they'll be a show-stopper at your dessert table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
6 (beaten)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (added to eggs)
Vegetable Oil
1 1/2 teaspoons (added to eggs)
All-Purpose Flour
2 1/2 cups (for dough)
Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon (for dough)
Lemon Rind
1/2 teaspoon (grated)
Vegetable Oil
1 quart (for frying)
Flour
1/8 cup (for dusting)
Candy Sprinkles
1/8 cup (for topping)
Honey
1 1/2 cups (for glaze)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (for glaze)
Water
1/2 cup (for glaze)
Lemon Zest
1/2 teaspoon (for glaze)
Slivered Almonds
2 ounces (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and foamy.
2
Gradually incorporate the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture, kneading gently until a smooth dough forms.
3
Divide the dough into eight equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope about 1/2 inch thick, then cut the ropes into small pieces measuring 1/3 to 1/2 inch in length. Lightly dust each piece with flour to prevent sticking.
4
In a deep frying pan, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the dough pieces in batches until they are golden brown and puffy, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5
In a medium saucepan, combine honey, lemon juice, water, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
6
In a large mixing bowl, pour the honey glaze over the drained fried dough and gently toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
7
On a serving plate, arrange the struffoli in the shape of a pyramid, then generously sprinkle with colorful candy sprinkles or slivered almonds.
8
Allow the pyramid to cool at room temperature before serving, letting the glaze set beautifully. Enjoy these delightful bites with family and friends!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet Honey Struffoli Delight?
It is a classic Italian festive treat consisting of small fried dough balls drenched in a luscious honey glaze, traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season.
When are Struffoli typically served?
Struffoli are a show-stopper at dessert tables during Christmas, Easter, or any festive celebration.
What gives the honey glaze its unique flavor?
The unique combination of Southern Belle Honey and the citrusy zing of lemon juice sets this honey glaze apart.
How many eggs are required for the dough?
The recipe requires 6 eggs, which should be beaten together with sugar and oil.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
You should use 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour for the dough, plus an additional 1/8 cup for dusting.
How much vegetable oil is needed for frying?
You will need 1 quart of vegetable oil to deep fry the dough pieces.
What temperature should the frying oil reach?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 375°F (190°C) in a deep frying pan.
How do you prevent the dough pieces from sticking together?
Lightly dust each cut piece of dough with flour to prevent them from sticking.
How long should each batch of dough fry?
Fry the dough pieces for approximately 2-3 minutes per batch until they are golden brown and puffy.
What ingredients are in the honey glaze?
The glaze is made by combining 1 1/2 cups of honey, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest.
How long do you simmer the honey glaze?
Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How do you assemble the final dish?
Arrange the glazed struffoli on a serving plate in the shape of a pyramid before adding toppings.
What decorations are suggested for the top?
You can generously sprinkle the pyramid with colorful candy sprinkles or elegant slivered almonds.
Do you serve the Struffoli immediately after glazing?
No, you should allow the pyramid to cool at room temperature before serving so the glaze can set beautifully.
Is there sugar in the dough?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is beaten with the eggs and oil to create the base for the dough.
How thick should you roll the dough ropes?
Divide the dough into eight portions and roll each portion into a rope about 1/2 inch thick.
What size should the cut dough pieces be?
The ropes should be cut into small pieces measuring between 1/3 and 1/2 inch in length.
Is baking powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder is incorporated into the flour to help the dough pieces become puffy when fried.
How do you ensure the dough is smooth?
Gradually incorporate the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture and knead gently until a smooth dough forms.
What tools are needed for the initial egg mixture?
An electric mixer is used to beat the eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is light and foamy.
How many portions should the dough be divided into before rolling?
The recipe instructs you to divide the dough into eight equal portions.
How should you drain the fried dough pieces?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the pieces from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
How do you coat the dough in the honey glaze?
Pour the honey glaze over the drained fried dough in a large mixing bowl and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Is there lemon rind in the dough?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon rind to be included.
How much water is used in the honey glaze?
The glaze mixture includes 1/2 cup of water.
Can I use slivered almonds as a garnish?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 ounces of slivered almonds for garnish.
How much honey is needed for the glaze?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of honey to create the luscious glaze.
Is there oil in the dough itself?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of vegetable oil are beaten into the egg and sugar mixture.
What are some other names for this treat?
They are commonly referred to as Struffoli, honey balls, or Italian fried dough treats.
What is the texture of the finished dessert?
The dessert consists of heavenly fried dough balls that are puffy and have a melt-in-your-mouth experience due to the honey glaze.