Irresistibly Decadent Italian Ricotta Doughnuts with Zesty Lemon

Decadent Italian Ricotta Doughnuts with Zesty Lemon Flavor are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Dessert, Doughnuts, Fried, lemon, Ricotta, sweet treat

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 15

Resting Time: 20

Total Time: 55

Servings: doughnuts

Calories: 150kcal

Equipment

Heavy-bottomed pot
Mixing bowl
Sieve
Cheesecloth
Cookie Scoop

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts

1 cup Ricotta (whole milk) Opt for good-quality and strain if watery for the best texture.
2 large Eggs Fresh eggs significantly enhance the flavor.
0.25 cup Granulated Sugar Balances the tangy lemon flavor.
1 zest Lemon Essential for the zesty lemon flavor.
1 cup All-Purpose Flour Sifting ensures a light and airy texture.
1 tsp Baking Powder Provides important lift.
0.25 tsp Salt Enhances sweetness and brings flavor harmony.
1 cup Vegetable Oil Choose a high smoke point oil for frying.
3 tbsp Sugar For dredging; consider using powdered sugar for an alternative.

Instructions

How to Make Decadent Italian Ricotta Doughnuts

Strain the ricotta by placing it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve and let it drain for about 15 minutes.
Combine the strained ricotta, eggs, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the zest of one lemon carefully.
Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate this into the ricotta mixture.
Rest the dough at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry tablespoon-sized balls of dough in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes each.
Transfer fried doughnuts to a paper towel-lined tray and dredge in sugar while warm.

Notes

Allow doughnuts to cool slightly before dredging in sugar. Consider optional dusting with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition