Zeppole, those fluffy, fried dough balls typically topped with powdered sugar, have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. But why settle for just one classic recipe when you can try a variety of creative twists and flavor combinations? In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 18 mouthwatering zeppole recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
From traditional Italian flavors like lemon and ricotta to innovative sweet treats like Nutella-stuffed and coconut-filled zeppole, there’s something for every taste bud. And if savory is more your thing, we’ve got you covered with garlic and herb-infused options too!
Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert or snack idea, or want to add some excitement to your next party or gathering, these zeppole recipes are sure to impress. So, let’s get started and explore the world of zeppole in all its delicious glory!
Classic Italian Zeppole with Powdered Sugar
These crispy, airy doughnuts are a staple of Italian festivals and celebrations. Our recipe yields a batch of authentic zeppole, coated in a sweet layer of powdered sugar.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop the dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
7. Fry zeppole for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
8. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Dust warm zeppole with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Chocolate-Filled Zeppole with Hazelnut Spread
These Italian doughnuts are filled with a rich hazelnut spread and topped with melted chocolate, making them the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Hazelnut spread (store-bought or homemade)
– Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil on paper towels and let cool slightly.
8. Fill the cooled zeppole with hazelnut spread and top with melted chocolate.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Glazed Zeppole with Zesty Drizzle
These crispy fried dough balls are transformed into a show-stopping dessert by a tangy lemon glaze and a zesty drizzle. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Lemon glaze (see below)
– Zesty drizzle (see below)
Lemon Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon water
Zesty Drizzle:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add milk to form a smooth dough.
3. Fry dough balls until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Drain excess oil and glaze with lemon glaze.
5. Drizzle with zesty drizzle before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ricotta Zeppole with Honey and Cinnamon
These Italian doughnuts are filled with sweetened ricotta cheese and topped with a drizzle of warm honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Perfect for a sweet treat any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Honey and cinnamon for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Fry the zeppole for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and puffed up.
7. Remove the zeppole from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Serve warm drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vanilla Bean Zeppole with Whipped Cream
Zeppole are traditional Italian doughnuts that are typically filled with a sweet ricotta or cannoli cream filling. This recipe takes a creative spin by adding vanilla bean and topping it with whipped cream, making for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Pipe the dough into balls and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil and let cool on paper towels.
7. Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla bean until stiff peaks form.
8. Serve zeppole warm with whipped cream topping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Zeppole for Fall Festivities
Kick off your fall celebrations with these warm and aromatic Pumpkin Spice Zeppole, a twist on the classic Italian doughnuts. Filled with a sweet and spicy pumpkin filling, these treats are sure to delight at any harvest-themed gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– Pumpkin filling (recipe below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Pumpkin Filling:
– 1/2 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add milk, egg, and pumpkin filling mixture; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe or spoon batter into hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Drain zeppole on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes to fry all the zeppoles.
Apple Cinnamon Zeppole with Caramel Sauce
Start your day with a sweet and satisfying treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the crunch of apples. These fluffy, fried dough balls are drizzled with a rich caramel sauce for an unbeatable combination.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in cinnamon and diced apples.
5. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop small balls of dough into the oil (about 1/4 cup each).
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and puffed up.
8. Drain zeppole on paper towels and serve warm with caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes per batch, depending on the size of the zeppole.
Strawberry Jam-Filled Zeppole
These sweet Italian doughnuts are filled with a fruity surprise – strawberry jam! Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Strawberry jam, warmed
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Use a piping bag or a spoon to drop dough into hot oil, making 2-3 balls at a time.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove zeppole from oil with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil.
8. Fill warm zeppole with warmed strawberry jam.
9. Serve immediately, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes per batch
Savory Garlic and Herb Zeppole
These Italian doughnuts are typically sweet and fried, but we’ve given them a savory twist by infusing them with garlic and herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, Parmesan cheese, yeast, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add garlic, parsley, and olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough and shape into small balls. Fry zeppole for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut Zeppole with Pineapple Dipping Sauce
Escape to a tropical paradise with these sweet and fluffy zeppoles, infused with the warmth of coconut and served with a tangy pineapple dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Pineapple Dipping Sauce (recipe below)
Pineapple Dipping Sauce:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, milk, coconut, salt, and baking powder.
2. Beat in eggs until well combined.
3. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
4. Using a spoon, drop the zeppole batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Serve warm with Pineapple Dipping Sauce.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes
Nutella-Stuffed Zeppole for Chocolate Lovers
These Italian doughnuts, known as zeppole, get a chocolatey twist by stuffing them with Nutella. The result is a sweet and indulgent treat that’s perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Nutella, for filling
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Using a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, about 1/4 cupfuls.
6. Fry zeppole for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
7. Remove from oil and let cool on paper towels.
8. Once cooled, use a sharp object to create a small hole in each zeppole. Fill with Nutella and dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Espresso Glazed Zeppole with a Coffee Kick
Get ready to elevate your Italian donut game with this unique and delicious recipe, featuring the bold flavors of espresso glaze and coffee-infused dough.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add espresso powder to the wet ingredients and whisk until dissolved.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
6. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop dough into hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
7. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Drain zeppole on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
9. While still warm, drizzle with espresso glaze (see below).
Espresso Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
Whisk together until smooth, adjusting to desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes for frying, plus additional time for glazing and dusting.
Blueberry Lemon Zeppole with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Italian doughnuts are infused with the brightness of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries, then topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Cream cheese frosting (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, egg, and melted butter; mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Fold in blueberries and lemon juice.
5. Pipe into rings and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Banana Bread Zeppole with Walnut Crunch
These sweet treats combine the warmth of banana bread with the crunch of walnuts and a hint of citrus. Perfect for a special occasion or as a snack, these zeppole are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add mashed bananas, milk, eggs, and melted butter to the dry ingredients; stir until smooth.
4. Pipe the batter into rings using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off.
5. Fry zeppole for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Red Velvet Zeppole with Cream Cheese Drizzle
These pillowy zeppole are infused with the deep red color and subtle flavor of red velvet cake, paired with a tangy cream cheese drizzle. Perfect for a festive dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cream cheese drizzle: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, milk, eggs, and red food coloring. Whisk until smooth.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry zeppole for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Drain zeppole on paper towels. Allow to cool completely before drizzling with cream cheese mixture (beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peanut Butter and Jelly Zeppole Bites
A creative twist on the classic PB&J sandwich, these bite-sized treats combine the comfort of peanut butter and jelly with the sweetness of fried dough.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Peanut butter filling (see below)
– Jelly or jam of your choice
Peanut Butter Filling:
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add milk to form a smooth batter.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
4. Using a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove zeppole from oil with a slotted spoon and let cool on paper towels.
6. Spread peanut butter filling on each zeppole, then top with jelly or jam.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (frying time)
Tiramisu-Inspired Zeppole with Mascarpone
Experience the creamy, dreamy essence of tiramisu in a new and exciting way with these Tiramisu-Inspired Zeppole with Mascarpone. These bite-sized doughnuts are infused with the rich flavors of espresso, mascarpone cheese, and chocolate, making them a perfect treat for any Italian food lover.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
– 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Chocolate shavings or chopped nuts, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, and yeast.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then whisk until smooth.
4. Heat the espresso and sugar mixture; let cool slightly.
5. Fold the mascarpone cheese into the dough.
6. Fry zeppole in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with chocolate shavings or chopped nuts.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caramel Apple Zeppole with Cinnamon Sugar
Caramel Apple Zeppole with Cinnamon Sugar: A Sweet Treat
These crispy zeppoles are filled with tender apples and drizzled with a rich caramel sauce, then coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. Perfect for a fall or winter dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1-2 apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
4. Fry zeppoles until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Drain on paper towels and fill with sliced apples and granulated sugar.
6. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and delicious world of zeppole! This article brings you 18 mouthwatering recipes that will satisfy your cravings for every occasion. From classic Italian-style powdered sugar treats to decadent chocolate-filled and hazelnut-spread zeppoles, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a sweet and tangy lemon glaze or a savory garlic and herb twist, these recipes are sure to impress. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and treat your taste buds to a zeppole extravaganza!