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Italian Ricotta doughnuts Recipe

Italian Ricotta doughnuts Recipe

5 from 29 reviews

Delight in these light and fluffy Italian Ricotta Doughnuts, featuring a tender ricotta cheese batter infused with fresh orange zest and juice. Fried to a golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, these doughnuts offer a perfect balance of citrus aroma and creamy texture, ideal for a sweet breakfast treat or an indulgent snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 loosely packed cup Italian 00 flour or all-purpose flour (130g)
  • 2 tablespoons caster sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt

Wet Ingredients

  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (250g)
  • 2 large eggs

For Frying and Serving

  • 35 fluid ounces sunflower oil (4 cups / 1 litre)
  • Powdered sugar (icing sugar), for dusting

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Heat the sunflower oil in a heavy-based pot until it reaches 355°F (180°C). Prepare a plate lined with paper towels for draining the doughnuts after frying.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, ricotta cheese, orange zest, and orange juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold together gently to form a smooth and sticky dough.
  4. Fry the doughnuts: Using a tablespoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil in batches of 3 to 4 doughnuts at a time. Fry each doughnut for about 5 minutes or until they turn a deep golden brown, turning as needed for even cooking. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Serve: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use Italian 00 flour if available for a lighter texture, otherwise all-purpose flour works well.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at around 355°F (180°C) to ensure doughnuts cook evenly and absorb minimal oil.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot when frying to prevent the temperature from dropping.
  • These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
  • Orange zest and juice add a lovely citrus note; you can substitute with lemon zest and juice if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian doughnuts, ricotta doughnuts, orange zest, fried dough, sweet snack, Italian dessert