Zeppole(St. Joseph'S Day Cream Puffs)
Delicious St. Joseph's Day cream puffs known as Zeppole feature a light, airy choux pastry infused with orange peel, perfect for festive celebrations and dessert lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set out a 9-inch round layer cake pan.
- Combine hot water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in sifted flour until smooth.
- Allow mixture to cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until batter is smooth and glossy.
- Mix in grated orange peel.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or fill a piping bag with the batter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool slightly before filling or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them in. If you don't have grated orange peel, lemon zest can be a good substitute, adding a bright flavor. To ensure even baking, space the batter evenly on the baking sheet. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent collapsing.
Serving Suggestions
These zeppole are delightful served warm, dusted with powdered sugar. For an indulgent touch, fill them with whipped cream or pastry cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of espresso or a dessert wine. Consider serving alongside Italian recipes like Almond Cassata for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover zeppole in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, which will help restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zeppole(St. Joseph'S Day Cream Puffs) contains roughly 231 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 19g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It's best to use the batter immediately after preparing it for the best texture. If you must prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge for no more than a couple of hours, as the batter may lose its ability to rise properly when baked.
What can I fill these zeppole with?
Common fillings include sweetened whipped cream, custard, or chocolate ganache. For a unique twist, try a fruit compote or a rich pastry cream, which complements the lightness of the zeppole beautifully.
Why did my zeppole not rise?
If your zeppole did not rise, it could be due to undercooking the batter or not beating the eggs well enough. Make sure to mix until smooth and glossy, and avoid opening the oven door while baking, as this can cause them to collapse.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).