Ricotta Zeppole (Italian Fried Dough Dessert)
These Ricotta Zeppole (Italian Fried Dough Dessert) are light, airy, and ready in just 25 minutes for a quick Italian treat. Made with creamy ricotta, a hint of vanilla, and fried until golden, each zeppole is crisp outside and tender inside. They’re simple, sweet, and perfect with coffee or served after dinner with family.
Servings: 18
Calories: 74kcal
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Fine-mesh sieve or paper towels (to drain ricotta)
- Deep fryer or Dutch oven
- Candy or fry thermometer
- Slotted spoon or spider skimmer
- Cooling rack or paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese drained
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Peanut or neutral oil, for frying for frying
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Wrap ricotta in paper towels or place in a fine-mesh sieve. Let it drain for 15–30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the drained ricotta, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until a soft, slightly sticky batter forms. Do not overmix. Let rest 10 minutes.
- Pour 2–3 inches of oil into a deep fryer or Dutch oven and heat to 350–360°F (175–182°C). Keep the temperature steady between batches.
- Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry 2–3 minutes total, turning for even color, until puffed and golden brown.
- Transfer to a rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg
