Carnival is approaching, and you can already smell the traditional sweets in the air. Carnival fritters are among the most loved recipes of this period: a simple, easy, and quick dessert made with ingredients you almost always have at home.
These homemade fritters captivate with their soft texture, tender interior, and delicate flavor that both adults and children enjoy.
They are the classic dessert prepared at the last minute, without stress and without complicated techniques, perfect to serve for a delicious snack, a family dinner, or a Carnival party. Golden just right and irresistible while still warm, these simple and quick fritters disappear in no time.
These are the most delicious Carnival fritters, a traditional recipe that never goes out of style and brings a smile to our faces every year.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 40 fritters
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups cups milk
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Half custard
- 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
- as needed peanut oil
Tools
- Hand Whisks
- Piping Bag
- Tongs
Steps
In a pot, melt the butter, water, salt, and sugar over medium heat.
Once the butter is completely melted, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously with a spatula. Continue stirring until the dough becomes sticky to the touch and comes away from the sides of the pot (this will take about 3 to 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. At first, the dough may seem broken, but that is normal. Stir until you get a creamy and homogeneous mixture.
Shape the fritters with the help of two spoons, or transfer the mixture into a piping bag and form balls about 1.5 inches in diameter on a tray prepared with strips of parchment paper, spacing them well apart.
Drop the fritters into hot oil and fry until they are puffed and golden. If you used the piping bag method, drop the fritters together with the parchment paper; once it detaches from the fritters, remove it with a stainless steel kitchen tongs.
Once fried, drain the fritters on absorbent paper to remove excess oil, then immediately roll them in sugar for an irresistible touch of sweetness.
They are already delicious as is, but if you want to make them even more indulgent, fill them with custard once cooled!
In a saucepan, heat the milk with the vanilla extract (or vanillin) without bringing it to a boil.
In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, add the cornstarch, and gradually incorporate the hot milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Pour the mixture into a clean pot (not the one in which you heated the milk) and cook the cream over low heat, continuing to stir with a whisk until it thickens (when you see bubbles forming on the surface, it’s time to turn it off!).
Transfer the custard to a glass bowl, stir for a few moments to lower the temperature, cover with plastic wrap in contact with the surface to prevent a crust from forming.
Let the custard cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before using it.
Mix half of the still warm custard with the sifted cocoa powder until you achieve a homogeneous consistency.
Cover with plastic wrap in contact with the surface of the cream to avoid a crust from forming.
Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before using it.
Once cooled, quickly stir the cream with a whisk, transfer it to a piping bag equipped with a filling tip, and fill your fritters!
What are you waiting for to prepare them? Happy Carnival and enjoy!
Storage
Carnival fritters can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
