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Zeppole Video Tutorial
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What is Zeppole?
Zeppole are an Italian pastry similar to Bomboloni and are basically fried donut balls made out of Cream Puff dough. They are very popular during St. Josephs Day in Italy which is also Italian Father’s Day. These fried pastries are traditionally served at Italian carnivals or festivals in simple paper bags, dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients for Zeppole
This Zeppole recipe uses the same choux pastry dough as Cream Puffs, Chocolate Eclairs and Churros. Once you master this easy dough, you will be making pastries like a pro.
Milk – we use whole milk, but 2% will workWater – we use filtered waterUnsalted butter – If using salted, omit the extra salt.Sugar – you just need 1 tsp for the dough Salt – to balance the sweetnessAll-purpose flour – measured correctlyEggs – use large eggs, at room temperature
The Best Toppings for Zeppole
You can cover Zeppole in a variety of coatings. Our favorites are:
Powdered Sugar – dust over the top of fried donutsGranulated Sugar – fill a bowl with sugar and roll the hot Zeppole to coatCinnamon Sugar – this will make the donut holes taste like mini churros. Combine 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon in a bowl and roll Zeppole as soon as they are done frying.
How to Fry Zeppole
A Pot or Dutch Oven: You can deep fry in a regular pot, just be sure to use a clip-on thermometer to gauge temperature and a wire strainer helps with quickly straining and removing the fried zeppole. Deep Fryer: This is our favorite method and we love our deep fryer because it automatically adjusts to the correct temperature, it drains and filters the oil for you and it has a wire basket for easy transferring of the fried donuts. Also, nearly everything that needs cleaning is dishwasher-friendly. Pro Tip: Once the Donuts are out of the oil, transfer them to a paper-towel lined plate to absorb any extra oil.
Common Questions
Zeppole are irresistibly good. Walk into a room of kiddos with a bowl of these sweet treats and watch everyone’s eyes light up. I hope this Zeppole recipe becomes a favorite for you and your loved ones.
More Italian Desserts
If you loved these Italian Donuts then you won’t want to miss our top-rated, reader-favorite Italian Desserts.
Tiramisu – no-bake dessertPanna Cotta – with fresh berry sauceAffogato – simple, 2-ingredient dessertBerry Tiramisu – a summer twist on a classicJeweled Biscotti – with dried fruit and nuts
