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Homemade Zeppole Recipe (Italian Doughnuts)
5 from 39 votes

Homemade Zeppole Recipe (Italian Doughnuts)

Homemade Zeppole are Italian doughnuts made from a yeast-leavened batter that is fried until golden brown. The batter is enriched with warm milk, sugar, eggs, and seasoned with a hint of lemon zest. The dough proofs until doubled, and small spoonfuls are fried in hot oil, then coated with powdered sugar for a tender, airy treat served warm.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 42
Calories: 34 kcal
Course: Dessert, Breakfast
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk 112° to 115°, warm
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon active yeast
  • 2 ¼ cups 00 flour
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt coarse
  • lemon optional, zest of ½
  • 2 egg large, whisked
  • neutral cooking oil for frying
  • powdered sugar for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast until combined. Set it aside for 5 to 7 minutes or until a raft has formed.
  2. In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar, and lemon zest.
  3. Form a well in the dry ingredients and add in the 2 whisked eggs.
  4. Mix in the eggs as much as possible.
  5. Add the milk and yeast mixture and combine until the ingredients are mixed.
  6. Cover with plastic and keep in a warm dark place to proof for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
  7. Add the oil to a pot and heat until it reaches 350°.
  8. Using two spoons, scoop out about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the batter and drop it into the oil.
  9. Cook it for about 45 seconds per side or until browned. You must flip them over when frying so that both sides become brown.
  10. Remove from the fryer and place on a rack to drain off any excess oil.
  11. Immediately sprinkle on cinnamon, sugar, or powdered sugar. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Zeppole are best enjoyed freshly fried and warm for optimal texture.
  • Keep cooked doughnuts warm on a rack in a low-temperature oven until serving.
  • You may dust them with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, according to preference.

Nutrition Information

Calories 34kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 0.4g (1%) Saturated Fat 0.2g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.04g (0%) Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g (1%) Cholesterol 1mg (0%) Sodium 32mg (1%) Potassium 25mg (1%) Fiber 0.2g (1%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 19IU (0%) Calcium 15mg (2%) Iron 0.3mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 42 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 34

% Daily Value*

Calories 34kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 0.4g 1%
Saturated Fat 0.2g 1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.04g 0%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 32mg 1%
Potassium 25mg 1%
Fiber 0.2g 1%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 19IU 0%
Calcium 15mg 2%
Iron 0.3mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.