If you love Italian cuisine, you probably already know about the golden, crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside Italian doughnuts called zeppoles. These balls are a feast for your taste buds. And the best part is they are super easy to make.
Zeppoles are usually made with a yeast-based dough, but this recipe uses pancake mix as a shortcut. The result is a light and airy zeppole that is just as delicious as the traditional version. This recipe is quick and easy to follow, so you can enjoy fresh zeppoles any time!
So if you are wondering how to make zeppoles with pancake mix? We have all the information you need!
What are zeppoles?
A Zeppole is an Italian doughnut-like pastry fried and dusted with confectioners’ sugar. It is a traditional pastry from the southern region of Italy and is often served on Saint Joseph’s Day.
The word “zeppole” comes from the Italian word “zeppa,” which means “bump” or “swelling.” The pastry was traditionally made in a deep fryer filled with lard or vegetable oil. Today, zeppoles are often made with a light, airy dough and can be filled with cream, ricotta, chocolate, or fruit.
Zeppoles are a popular treat in Italy and around the world. If you’re looking for something sweet and unique, give them a try!
Can you make zeppoles with pancake mix?
The traditional zeppoles recipe might have a lot of ingredients, but we have an amazing shortcut recipe that gives you the same texture minus adding several ingredients. You might be surprised at how well pancake mix substitutes the usual ingredients. The results are light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. And best of all, this method is much simpler than the traditional one. So if you’re looking for an easy way to impress your guests this zeppole season, give this recipe a try.
Tips to remember
When it comes to making zeppoles, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Be sure to use a deep fryer or a pot rather than a pan, as this will ensure that your zeppoles come out nice and crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer, as this will make it harder to turn the zeppoles and could result in them sticking together.
- You can use any brand of pancake mix to make zeppoles.
- You can use light brown sugar instead of white sugar. It will add a deeper flavor to the zeppoles.
- Skip adding vanilla extract to zeppoles if you want, and you will still get that delicious, traditional flavor.
- Use any vegetable oil for frying.
How to serve zeppoles
Here are a few ways of serving zeppoles:
- You can serve zeppoles by drizzling chocolate or strawberry syrup over them. Maple syrup will work as well.
- Try serving it with Nutella. It is a heavenly combination!
- For more texture, you can also coat zeppoles with chopped nuts or desiccated coconut.
- Serve these with fresh fruits. The textures pair very well. In short, get creative!
How to store zeppoles
The best way to store zeppoles is in an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day or two. However, if you want to keep them longer, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator.
To keep your zeppoles fresh for as long as possible, wrap them tightly in cling film or a similar material. This will help to prevent them from drying out and becoming stale.
If you have any leftover zeppoles, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
How to make zeppoles with pancake mix
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 3 minutes
- Total time: 8 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup pancake mix
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 whole egg at room temperature
- 1 ¼ tsp. baking powder
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. white sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, crack eggs and whisk with an electric mixer until bubbles appear.
- Then add vanilla extract, salt, sugar, baking powder and pancake mix, and beat until the mixture has a crumbly consistency.
- Finally, add ricotta cheese to the mixture and fold until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Pour oil into a Dutch oven over medium heat; once the oil is hot, using an ice-cream scoop, scoop the dough and drop them into the hot oil.
- Cook each Zeppole for 3 minutes or until the color becomes golden brown, turning them frequently.
- Once ready, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel.
- When the oil drain, dust with powdered sugar and serve.
How to Make Zeppoles with Pancake Mix
Ingredients
- ½ cup pancake mix
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 whole egg at room temperature
- 1 ¼ tsp. baking powder
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. white sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, crack eggs and whisk with an electric mixer until bubbles appear.
- Then add vanilla extract, salt, sugar, baking powder and pancake mix, and beat until the mixture has a crumbly consistency.
- Finally, add ricotta cheese to the mixture and fold until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Pour oil into a Dutch oven over medium heat; once the oil is hot, using an ice-cream scoop, scoop the dough and drop them into the hot oil.
- Cook each Zeppole for 3 minutes or until the color becomes golden brown, turning them frequently.
- Once ready, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel.
- When the oil drain, dust with powdered sugar and serve.
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