DELIGHTFUL CUSTARD FILLED “FRITTELLE”

These traditional Italian fritters, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, are the perfect combination of texture and flavor.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these golden fritters are sure to impress.

Filled with delicious homemade custard and covered in sugar, they offer an authentic Italian experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Italy.

Ideal for parties like Carnevale or as an anytime treat, this easy frittelle recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic: A beloved Italian treat with a rich custard filling.
• Versatile: Perfect for holidays, parties, or as a special snack.
• Irresistible Texture: Golden and crispy outside, soft and creamy inside.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 40 minutes (plus 1–2 hours rising time for dough)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2–3 hours
• Servings: Makes about 20 Frittelle

Ingredients

For the Frittelle:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Granulated sugar for dusting

For the Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
• Zest of 1 lemon or 1 vanilla bean

Step-by-Step Method

Preparing the Custard

1. Heat the Milk
   • In a saucepan, heat the milk with lemon zest or a vanilla pod over medium heat, but do not let it boil. Allow it to infuse for a few minutes and remove from heat.
2. Whisk the Yolks
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the cornstarch (or flour) and mix until smooth.
3. Combine and Cook
   • Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
   • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
4. Cool the Custard
   • Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (pressing it directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool completely.

Preparing the Frittelle

1. Prepare the Dough
   • In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, lemon zest, and salt.
   • Add the eggs, warm milk, and melted butter. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour.
2. Let the Dough Rise
   • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
3. Shape the Fritters
   • Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a round pastry cutter or glass to cut circles from the dough.
4. Fry the Fritters
   • Heat a large pan with about 3 inches of vegetable oil to 340–350°F (170–175°C). Fry the fritters in small batches, turning until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
5. Fill the Fritters
   • Once cool enough to handle, use a pastry bag with a narrow tip to fill each fritter with custard. Roll the filled fritters in granulated sugar.

Serve

Enjoy these Frittelle slightly warm for the best experience, though they’re just as delicious at room temperature. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack!

Tips

• Temperature Control: Keep the oil temperature steady to ensure evenly fried fritters.
• Custard Variations: Substitute lemon zest with orange zest or a dash of almond extract for unique flavors.
• Storage: Store unfilled fritters in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Fill them just before serving for optimal freshness.

Nutritional Information (Per Fritter)

Buon Appetito! These delightful Frittelle will bring the flavors of Italian street fairs straight to your home!

Delightful Custard Filled “Frittelle” Recipe

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Ingredients

  

Ingredients for the Frittelle:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter melted
• 1 packet active dry yeast about 2 ¼ teaspoons
• Zest of 1 lemon optional
• A pinch of salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Granulated sugar for dusting

Ingredients for the pastry cream:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
• Zest of 1 lemon or 1 vanilla bean

Instructions

 

Preparing the custard:

• Heat the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk with the lemon zest or vanilla pod, but without letting it boil. Let it stand for a few minutes to infuse the flavorings.
• Whip the yolks: in a separate bowl, beat together the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the cornstarch (or flour) and stir until smooth.
• Combine the milk and yolks: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
• Cook the cream: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens. Once thickened, transfer it to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (pressing it directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming) and let it cool completely.

Preparing the fritters:

• Prepare the dough: in a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest and salt. Add the eggs, warm milk and melted butter. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour.
• Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
• Shape the fritters: On a floured surface, roll out the dough about half an inch thick. Use a round pastry cutter or glass to cut out circles of dough.
• Fry the fritters: heat a large pan with vegetable oil (about 3 inches deep) to 340-350°F. Fry the fritters in small batches, turning them until they are golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
• Fill the fritters: Once the fritters are cool enough to handle, use a pastry bag with a narrow tip to fill them with the custard. Roll the filled fritters in granulated sugar.

Serve:

• These fritters are best enjoyed slightly warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch or a sweet snack!

Notes

Makes about 20 frittelle