Neapolitan Struffoli

Heavenly Neapolitan Struffoli: A Traditional Italian Treat

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italy with Neapolitan Struffoli, a beloved dessert that captures the essence of Italian culinary tradition. These sweet, bite-sized balls of dough are fried to golden perfection, then coated in luscious honey syrup and adorned with colorful sprinkles. With their irresistible taste and festive appearance, Neapolitan Struffoli are a must-have for special occasions and holiday gatherings. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making this classic Italian treat from scratch, ensuring each bite is a taste of pure bliss.

Ingredients:

  • 6 jumbo eggs
  • 2 cups honey
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 lemon
  • 1/2 orange
  • 5 cups King Arthur gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cane sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup multi-colored sprinkles
  • 2 quarts vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, cane sugar, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, vanilla extract, and the zest of one lemon and half an orange.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more olive oil or water to achieve the right consistency.
  4. Form the Struffoli:
    • Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into ropes about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut the ropes into small pieces, approximately 1/2 inch in length, to form the struffoli balls.
  5. Fry the Struffoli:
    • In a large, deep pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the struffoli balls to the hot oil in batches, frying them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried struffoli and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. Prepare the Honey Syrup:
    • In a separate saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until it becomes thin and pourable. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  7. Coat the Struffoli:
    • Transfer the fried struffoli to a large mixing bowl and pour the warm honey syrup over them. Gently toss the struffoli until they are evenly coated in the honey syrup.
  8. Add the Finishing Touches:
    • Sprinkle the coated struffoli with multi-colored sprinkles while the honey syrup is still sticky. Toss them lightly to ensure the sprinkles adhere to the struffoli.
  9. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Arrange the Neapolitan Struffoli on a serving platter and serve them warm or at room temperature. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive occasions or as a sweet indulgence any time of year.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Lemon Zest Substitute: If you don’t have fresh lemon and orange on hand, you can substitute with lemon and orange zest from store-bought sources or skip it altogether for a milder flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Flour: This recipe uses King Arthur gluten-free all-purpose flour, but you can also use regular all-purpose flour if you don’t need to avoid gluten.
  • Sprinkle Options: Get creative with your choice of sprinkles. While multi-colored sprinkles are traditional, you can also use chocolate sprinkles, nonpareils, or seasonal-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Unfortunately, traditional Neapolitan Struffoli is not suitable for a keto diet due to its high carb content from flour and honey. However, you can experiment with alternative flours such as almond flour or coconut flour to create a low-carb version. Replace honey with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.

Low-Carb Version:

  • For a low-carb version, use almond flour or coconut flour instead of wheat flour. You can also use a sugar-free syrup or a blend of stevia and water instead of honey to reduce the carb content further. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly from the traditional recipe, but it’s still a delicious option for those watching their carb intake.

In conclusion, Neapolitan Struffoli is a delightful Italian dessert that brings joy to any occasion with its crispy texture, sweet honey coating, and colorful sprinkles. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a taste of Italy, these little golden balls of goodness are sure to please. With this recipe, you can recreate the magic of Neapolitan Struffoli in your own kitchen and share the tradition with your loved ones. Buon appetito!