Zesty Zucchini Doughnut Bites
This delightful recipe, passed down from my aunt to my mother in 1983, is a treasure that transforms the humble zucchini into irresistible doughnut puffs. Known for her culinary secretiveness, my aunt mastered the art of creating these fluffy bites, making them a hit among her friends. With a hint of citrus and aromatic spices, these doughnut bites serve as an exciting snack or dessert, perfect for gatherings or quiet afternoons. Dive into this nostalgic treat and enjoy its light, sweet flavor and tender texture, which makes them a favorite for all ages!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
as needed (for frying)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
White sugar
1/2 cup
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Milk
1/2 cup
Cooking sherry
2 tablespoons (optional)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Orange zest
1 1/2 teaspoons
Zucchini
1 cup (shredded, drained, peeling on)
Flour
3 1/2 cups (all-purpose)
Baking powder
1 tablespoon
Salt
3/4 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
Powdered sugar
2 cups
Orange juice
3 tablespoons (start with 1 tablespoon, adjust to desired consistency)
Instructions
1
In a large, deep frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom and heat it to 370 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
In a spacious mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Gradually add the brown sugar and white sugar, stirring until creamy.
3
Incorporate the melted butter, milk, cooking sherry (if using), vanilla extract, and orange zest into the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
4
Stir in the drained, shredded zucchini into the wet mixture until evenly distributed.
5
In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk together until blended.
6
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to over-mix. The batter should be thick but cohesive.
7
Using a teaspoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown and puffed.
8
Once cooked, remove the doughnut bites with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels.
9
To prepare the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with a tablespoon of orange juice. Gradually add more orange juice until the desired thin consistency is achieved.
10
Drizzle the glaze over the warm doughnut puffs for a delightful finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Zucchini Doughnut Bites?
They are a delightful snack or dessert that transforms shredded zucchini into fluffy, citrus-flavored fried doughnut puffs.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This vintage recipe was passed down from the creator's aunt to their mother in 1983.
What temperature should the frying oil be?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 370 degrees Fahrenheit in a large, deep frying pan.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be shredded and thoroughly drained, with the peeling left on.
Can I omit the cooking sherry?
Yes, the 2 tablespoons of cooking sherry are listed as an optional ingredient in this recipe.
What flavor profile do these doughnut bites have?
They have a light, sweet flavor with a hint of citrus from orange zest and aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
How long do the doughnut bites need to fry?
Fry them for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are golden brown and puffed.
How is the glaze made?
The glaze is made by mixing 2 cups of powdered sugar with orange juice until a thin consistency is achieved.
What ingredients are used for the aromatic spice blend?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to provide an aromatic flavor.
What kind of flour is required?
This recipe requires 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How do I ensure the doughnut bites are fluffy?
Be careful not to over-mix when folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to keep the batter cohesive and light.
What type of sugar is used in the batter?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup white sugar.
How much orange zest is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of orange zest for the batter.
What should I use to drop the batter into the oil?
Use a teaspoon to carefully drop spoonfuls of the thick batter into the hot oil.
How do I remove the bites from the oil?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnut bites and let them drain on paper towels.
When should the glaze be applied?
Drizzle the orange glaze over the doughnut puffs while they are still warm for the best finish.
How much zucchini is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded and drained zucchini.
What is the texture of the finished bites?
They have a cake-like, tender texture that is light and fluffy.
Can these be served as a dessert?
Yes, they are described as an exciting dessert or snack perfect for gatherings or quiet afternoons.
Do I need to melt the butter?
Yes, the 2 tablespoons of butter should be melted before being incorporated into the egg mixture.
What is the leavening agent used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of baking powder as the leavening agent.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
Is vanilla extract included in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the wet mixture for flavor.
What prevents the pan from overcrowding?
The instructions advise to drop spoonfuls carefully to ensure you do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
How much orange juice is used for the glaze?
Start with 1 tablespoon and add more gradually (up to 3 tablespoons total) until you reach the desired consistency.
What is the order of mixing?
First mix the wet ingredients and zucchini, then whisk the dry ingredients separately, and finally fold the dry into the wet.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients total in this Zesty Zucchini Doughnut Bites recipe.
Are these doughnut bites considered a quick bread?
Yes, they are tagged as a 'quick bread' style of fried treat.
Why is it important to drain the zucchini?
Draining prevents excess moisture from making the doughnut batter too thin or soggy.
What is the recommended serving size?
The recipe does not specify a serving size, but it is meant to be served as small, bite-sized portions.