Description
These Italian Ricotta Doughnuts are light, fluffy, and bursting with citrus flavor. Made with creamy ricotta cheese and fragrant orange zest, these fried doughnuts are crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for a delightful treat or special breakfast. Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- 1 loosely packed cup Italian 00 flour or all-purpose flour (130g)
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (250g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pinch salt
For Frying
- 35 fluid ounces sunflower oil (4 cups / 1 litre)
For Dusting
- Powdered sugar (icing sugar)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a heavy-based pot, heat the sunflower oil to 355°F (180°C). Prepare a plate lined with paper towels to drain the doughnuts after frying.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, ricotta cheese, orange zest, and orange juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Then fold this dry mixture gently into the wet ingredients until you form a smooth, sticky dough.
- Fry the doughnuts: Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil in batches of 3-4 doughnuts at a time. Fry each batch for about 5 minutes or until the doughnuts are deep golden brown, turning if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and cool: Remove the doughnuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on the prepared paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Once slightly cooled, dust the doughnuts generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays around 355°F (180°C) to prevent greasy or undercooked doughnuts.
- Do not overcrowd the pot to maintain the oil temperature during frying.
- Use a slotted spoon for easy removal of doughnuts from the oil.
- The dough is sticky; wet your spoon or hands slightly to handle it more easily if shaping by hand.
- These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated briefly in an oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
