Ever wanted to make traditional Italian struffoli at home, even with dietary limits? Picture biting into a crisp, golden dough ball covered in sweet honey glaze. It’s a Christmas treat you can’t resist. Our easy gluten-free struffoli recipe lets you enjoy this Italian holiday delight without gluten worries.
Key Takeaways
- Discover a delicious gluten-free version of the classic Italian struffoli recipe
- Learn how to fry the dough balls to achieve a perfect crispy texture
- Explore the citrusy flavors and health benefits of the key ingredients
- Uncover the heartwarming family tradition behind this holiday dessert
- Enjoy a festive and indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones
Reviving a Family Tradition with Gluten Free Struffoli Recipe
Memories and Significance of Struffoli
As a kid, struffoli was a big deal in our family during the holidays. My great aunt Josie made the deep-fried dough balls every year. It was a time when family came together at my grandparents’ house.
We’d all take the little balls off the table. The struffoli looked amazing, but the taste is mostly a memory now. After Aunt Josie passed away, the struffoli stopped coming out for Christmas.
But with our third child on the way, I wanted to bring back the tradition. I wanted to spend quality time with my girls and keep the struffoli alive.
Creating this nut-free struffoli recipe was a way to honor my aunt and our family’s past. Making it gluten free was important to me. I want to make new memories with my family, just like I did as a kid.
“Struffoli have always been an integral part of our family’s holiday celebrations. They’re not just a dessert, but a symbol of our shared history and the bonds that tie us together.”
With the Gluten Free Struffoli Recipe, I can still enjoy this Italian dessert. It’s a way to keep our Christmas traditions alive for years to come.
Gluten Free Struffoli Recipe: A Bright and Delightful Dessert
Enjoy the festive tastes of Italy with our gluten-free struffoli recipe. These small Italian honey ball desserts are a holiday tradition. Now, you can make them without gluten. Our recipe uses orange and lemon for flavor and Italian arancello liqueur for an authentic taste.
The honey sauce is full of fresh-squeezed lemon juice. This makes a bright and delightful dessert. It’s a nut-free struffoli recipe that’s great for sharing during the festive holiday season.
Follow our easy steps to make these deep-fried dough balls. Coat them in our special honey sauce and add colorful sprinkles. You’ll get a Italian honey ball dessert that tastes amazing.
Struffoli: A Sweet Journey Through Time
Struffoli has been a part of Italian Christmas celebrations for centuries. This sweet treat comes from Naples, a city in southern Italy. People think the name “struffoli” comes from the Greek word “strongoulos,” which means “rounded.”
In the old days, nuns in convents made struffoli to give as gifts. Today, families all over Italy and around the world make this dessert during the holidays.
Our gluten-free version keeps the tradition alive for people who can’t eat wheat. It’s a way to enjoy a taste of Italian history, even with dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Struffoli Recipe Ingredients
- ¾ cup gluten-free sweet rice flour
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free brown rice flour
- 1 cup gluten-free sorghum flour
- ¼ cup gluten-free potato flour
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free potato starch
- 2 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon gluten-free guar gum
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 9 whole eggs
- 5 tablespoons cubed butter
- 2/3 cup honey *
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 3 tablespoons pignoli (pine nuts)
- 1 tablespoon water
* Honey from a local beekeeper adds real flavor to this nut-free struffoli recipe. Most of the ingredients are easily available in local store, or you may check on Amazon
Our gluten-free struffoli recipe lets you make a holiday dessert that’s both festive and delicious. It’s perfect as a centerpiece or to share with family and friends. Enjoy a memorable Italian honey ball dessert experience.
Step-by-Step Process for Gluten-Free Struffoli
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flours (sweet rice, brown rice, sorghum, and potato), potato starch, baking powder, baking soda, and guar gum.
- Add sugar and whisk the dry ingredients together.
- Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly.
- Add the cubed butter to the eggs and mix well.
- Combine and Knead:
- Pour the egg mixture into the well of dry ingredients.
- Gradually mix the wet and dry ingredients, forming a dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the Dough:
- Divide the dough into small portions.
- Roll each portion into thin ropes, about 1/2 inch in diameter.
- Cut the ropes into small, marble-sized pieces.
- Fry the Struffoli:
- Heat olive oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil in batches.
- Fry until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes, turning them for even cooking.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Honey Glaze:
- In a large saucepan, combine honey, water, and a splash of arancello liqueur.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until well combined.
- Coat the Struffoli:
- Add the fried dough balls to the warm honey mixture.
- Gently stir to coat all the struffoli evenly.
- Add Nuts and Decorate:
- Stir in the slivered almonds and pine nuts.
- Transfer the struffoli to a serving platter, shaping them into a wreath or mound.
- Sprinkle with colorful nonpareil sprinkles while the honey is still warm.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the struffoli cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade gluten-free struffoli with family and friends!
Serving Ideas
Struffoli isn’t just for eating on its own. Here are some fun ways to serve it:
- Put it on a pretty plate as a centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Serve it with espresso or Italian hot chocolate for a special treat.
- Add it to a dessert board with other Italian sweets for a festive spread.
If you are fond of candies but looking for gluten-free alternative, you might find this as gold-mine: Gluten Free Candy List
Storing Your Gluten-Free Struffoli
After you make your struffoli, you might wonder how to keep them fresh. Here are some tips:
- Keep them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
- They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.
- Don’t put them in the fridge – this can make them soggy.
When you’re ready to eat them, you can warm them up a bit in the oven. This will make the honey coating soft and sticky again.
Creating Holiday Memories with Gluten Free Struffoli Recipe
As we gather in the kitchen to make our gluten-free Struffoli, we think about the simple moments that make memories. The smell of warm honey and the sound of deep-fried dough balls take us back to happy times. We remember when our families came together to enjoy traditional flavors.
Our family loves making Struffoli every year. We play Christmas music, drink hot chocolate, and put on our aprons. We’re making this nut-free, Italian honey ball dessert together. Every Struffoli we make brings new memories for our kids.
By making this gluten-free Struffoli, we keep a tradition alive. We also build a sense of belonging and connection in our family. Working together, we share laughs and stories. This creates strong bonds that last through time, keeping the holiday spirit alive with every Struffoli.
Remember, struffoli is meant for sharing. It’s a dessert that brings people together, just like it did in my family. So gather your loved ones and enjoy this sweet taste of Italy!
I’m Dr. Shivani, a Kolkata-based nutritionist since 2015. After 10 years of igniting a love for healthy eating in young minds as a High School nutritionist teacher, I now help individuals unlock their full potential through personalized diet plans. My passion for writing and sharing nutrition knowledge (through blogs and observations) keeps my practice fresh and fuels my love for the field!
