Easy Zeppole San Giuseppe
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
St. Joseph’s Day is a cherished occasion in Italian culture, and what better way to celebrate than with homemade Zeppole? These delightful pastries are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The process begins with a rich custard, infused with citrus zest for a refreshing twist. The custard is then piped into light, airy pastry shells that can be baked or fried, depending on your preference.
The beauty of making Zeppole lies in their versatility. While the traditional method involves frying, baking them offers a lighter option that still delivers on flavor. As you prepare the dough, the transformation from a liquid to a thick paste is a crucial step that ensures the perfect texture. Once cooled, the shells are filled with the luscious custard and topped with a drizzle of syrupy Amarena cherries, creating a stunning dessert that is sure to impress.
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these Zeppole are a delightful addition to any occasion. Their combination of creamy filling and crispy exterior makes them irresistible. Plus, they are a wonderful way to honor Italian traditions while creating new memories in the kitchen. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious pastries with family and friends!
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Add strips of orange or lemon to milk in a saucepan.
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Tip: Add a small pinch of salt to desserts to enhance flavor.
Add flour and cornstarch to the egg mixture and whisk until combined.
Drizzle hot milk into the egg mixture to temper the yolks.
Cook the mixture on gentle heat while whisking for 5 to 7 minutes.
Tip: Cook custard on gentle heat to prevent scorching.
Cover the custard with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent skin.
Place the custard in the fridge until room temperature.
In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, butter, and optional salt and zest.
Tip: Add a little lemon or orange zest to the dough for a light aroma.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off heat and add flour.
Cool the dough by whisking it with a mixer to incorporate air.
Add eggs one at a time to the cooled dough, mixing well after each.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Get a piping bag ready with a large star tip.
Use a bit of batter to stabilize parchment paper on the baking sheet.
Tip: Use a tiny bit of batter to stabilize parchment paper on the baking sheet.
Pipe the dough into small circles on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the piped dough with egg wash.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes.
Cut squares of parchment paper for frying zeppole.
Place the dough on parchment to lift into hot oil.
Tip: Use squares of parchment paper to lift zeppole into hot oil.
Fill the piping bag with the dough for frying.
Fry the zeppole in hot oil, turning until golden.
Tip: Fry zeppole for about a minute and a half per side for best results.
Drain fried zeppole on a rack to remove excess oil.
Fill the cooled zeppole with custard using a piping bag.
Top with cherries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tip: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!
Interesting Tidbits
- •Zeppole are traditionally made for St. Joseph's Day, celebrated on March 19th.
- •The custard filling can be flavored with vanilla, lemon, or orange zest.
- •Zeppole can be either baked or fried, offering different textures.
- •Amarena cherries are a classic topping for zeppole, adding a sweet-tart flavor.
