0 from 6 votes
Struffoli
This Italian inspired struffoli recipe not only tastes incredible, it also a beautiful showstopper of a dessert that your friends and family will love.
Prep Time
1 hr
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
3 hrs
Servings: 10 servings
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, divided
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp salted butter softened
- 3 medium size eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups canola oil
Honey Glaze
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp assorted sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, lemon zest, salt and baking powder.
- Cut butter into small chunks and add to the flour mixture. Mix until texture is mealy. Add in the eggs and vanilla, mix. Remove the dough from mixing bowl and transfer onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 2-3 minutes.
- Lightly dust hands and work surface with the flour so the dough doesn’t stick to you as you are working with it. Shape into a ball, then cover the dough and allow it to rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
- After one hour, roll out dough, then cut it into strips about as wide as your index finger. Roll the strips into ropes about ¼ inchthick. Then cut into ¼ inch pieces, approximately the size of marbles. Make sure all pieces are separated on the cutting board, so they don’t stick together while cooking.
- Heat oil to 375 degrees F - hot enough so the balls of dough cook quickly and don’t absorb too much oil. Use of a thermometer is highly recommended.
- Fry dough balls in non-crowded batches, just until golden, which should only it take a couple of minutes. Turn with a slotted spoon or wire strainer to make sure they turn golden all over. As each batch is cooked, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- In a large pot, bring honey, sugar, and lemon juice until melted and smooth. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the struffoli to the pot and stir gently until all of the balls are evenly coated.
- Arrange the struffoli into a wreath shape, or mound like a Christmas tree, on a serving plate. Lightly cover with sprinkles and serve!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Always use caution when frying foods. Review the USDA's recommended safety guidelines for frying.
- You don’t need to roll the dough pieces into balls after cutting them, the little pieces round out while cooking
- To make in the shape of a wreath, place a glass in the middle of the serving plate. Then, place the glazed balls around it. Remove the glass when ready to serve. I find that spraying the glass lightly with non-stick cooking spray helps it pop right out.
Nutrition Information
Calories
307kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
55g
(18%)
Protein
5g
(10%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
55mg
(18%)
Sodium
157mg
(7%)
Potassium
92mg
(3%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
31g
(62%)
Vitamin A
141IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
24mg
(2%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 307kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 157mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 92mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 31g | 62% |
| Vitamin A | 141IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 24mg | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.