Description
Struffoli Honey Balls are delightful, light, crispy dough bites coated in a luscious natural honey syrup with a perfect balance of crunch and softness. These golden spheres offer bursts of natural sweetness with fresh lemon and warm vanilla. Easy to prepare, versatile, and customizable, they make a wonderful festive treat or unique dessert to enjoy year-round.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Syrup Ingredients
- 1 cup natural honey
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Garnishes and Add-ons
- Chopped toasted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts
- Cinnamon or cardamom (for spiced dough variation)
- Finely chopped dried apricots or dates (for fruit-infused variation)
- Dark chocolate (plant-based) for drizzle
- Smoked turkey bacon bits
- Colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and lemon zest. Add the eggs and softened plant-based butter. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Cover with a cloth and let rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Roll and Cut: After resting, roll the dough into long, thin ropes approximately half an inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the ropes into small, uniform balls about the size of a small marble to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Fry the Dough Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough balls in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Honey Syrup: In a saucepan, warm the natural honey with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural vanilla extract, and the natural gelling agent. Stir gently over low heat until combined and slightly thickened into a sticky syrup to glaze the honey balls.
- Combine and Coat: Transfer the fried dough balls to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey syrup over them and gently toss to coat every ball thoroughly. The syrup will bind them so you can shape them as a mound or nest.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with optional colorful sprinkles, chopped nuts, or smoked turkey bacon bits if desired. Allow the struffoli to set for about 30 minutes so the syrup firms up before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is accurate to achieve crispy dough balls without greasiness.
- Cut dough balls evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and texture.
- Stir the honey syrup gently without boiling to preserve delicate flavors.
- Let the coated balls rest to allow the syrup to set perfectly.
- Store in an airtight container to keep honey balls fresh and crunchy for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Struffoli, Honey Balls, Italian dessert, crispy dough, natural honey syrup, plant-based dessert, festive treat
