Zeppole di San Giuseppe Recipe

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Zeppole di San Giuseppe are traditional Italian pastries enjoyed on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day, which also coincides with Father’s Day in Italy. These delightful treats are especially popular in Naples and the surrounding Campania region. Made from choux pastry, they are filled with rich pastry cream, dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with a cherry. Whether baked or fried, zeppole are a festive and delicious way to celebrate the occasion.

Why You Will Love the Zeppole di San Giuseppe Recipe

Zeppole di San Giuseppe offer a delightful combination of textures and flavours that make them irresistible.

• The light and airy choux pastry contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy filling.

• The sweet pastry cream adds a rich flavour, complemented by the tartness of the cherry on top.

• They are versatile; you can bake or fry them to suit your preference.

• Perfect for celebrating St. Joseph’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make Zeppole di San Giuseppe, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) water

• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

• 4 large eggs

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk

• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour

• 4 large egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

• Maraschino or amarena cherries, for garnish

How to Make Zeppole di San Giuseppe

Follow these steps to create your zeppole:

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry

In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour until the mixture forms a ball. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Pipe the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the dough into rings about 3 inches in diameter on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Pastries

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Turn off the oven and let the zeppole cool in the oven with the door ajar for 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Pastry Cream

In a saucepan, heat the milk until just boiling. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and egg yolks. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow to cool.

Step 6: Assemble the Zeppole

Once the pastries have cooled, use a small knife to make a hole in the side of each zeppola. Fill a piping bag with the cooled pastry cream and pipe it into the center of each pastry. Pipe additional cream on top and garnish with a cherry. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Zeppole di San Giuseppe

Zeppole di San Giuseppe are classic Italian pastries traditionally enjoyed on St. Joseph’s Day. Light, airy choux buns filled with silky pastry cream and topped with a cherry, they offer a delicate balance of sweetness and texture.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 10 Servings

Course: Dessert, Pastry

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup 240 ml water
• 1/2 cup 115 g unsalted butter
• 1 cup 125 g all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups 480 ml whole milk
• 1/2 cup 100 g granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup 30 g all-purpose flour
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Maraschino or amarena cherries

Method

 

1. In a saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and stir in flour until a dough ball forms. Cool slightly.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each until the dough is smooth and glossy.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Pipe 3-inch rings onto the sheet using a star tip.
4. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and puffed. Turn off oven, let cool 10 minutes with door ajar. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Heat milk until nearly boiling. Whisk sugar, flour, and egg yolks in a bowl. Gradually add hot milk, whisking. Return to saucepan, cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, cool.
6. Make a hole in the side of each pastry. Pipe pastry cream inside and on top. Garnish with a cherry and dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Ensure the choux pastry is fully baked to avoid sogginess when filled. Pastry cream can be prepared a day in advance and chilled. Use a star tip to achieve traditional ridged pastry appearance. Leftover zeppole can be stored in the fridge, but fill only when ready to serve.

Serving Tips for Zeppole di San Giuseppe

Enhance your zeppole experience with these serving suggestions:

• Serve them fresh for the best texture and flavour.

• Pair with a cup of Italian espresso or sweet dessert wine.

• For a festive touch, add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

• Experiment with different fillings like ricotta or pistachio cream.

• If not serving immediately, store in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

Nutritional Benefits of Zeppole di San Giuseppe

Zeppole di San Giuseppe offer a delightful treat with some nutritional value:

• Rich in protein from the eggs and milk used in the pastry and cream.

• Provide calcium and vitamins from the dairy ingredients.

• It contains carbohydrates from the flour, offering a quick energy source.

• When baked instead of fried, they are lower in fat and calories.

Enjoying these pastries in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Zeppole di San Giuseppe are a delightful Italian tradition that brings joy to any occasion. With their light pastry, rich cream, and festive presentation, they are sure to impress your guests. Whether celebrating St. Joseph’s Day or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these pastries are a must-try.