Golden, Round and Fluffy Classic Carnival Fritters

Carnival season calls for delicious, festive treats, and these Classic Carnival Fritters fit the bill perfectly. Soft, fluffy, and coated in sugar, these golden fritters are a beloved Italian tradition during Carnevale. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving something sweet, these easy-to-make fritters bring a taste of Italy straight to your kitchen.

What Are Carnival Fritters?

Carnival fritters, or frittelle di Carnevale, are a classic Italian dessert enjoyed during the pre-Lenten festivities of Carnevale. Every region in Italy has its twist on this festive treat. These yeast-based fritters puff up beautifully when fried, resulting in golden, airy dough balls that are rolled in sugar for a delightful crunch.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Light and Airy Texture – Thanks to yeast and careful proofing, these fritters are incredibly soft.
• Perfectly Sweet – A light sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Ideal for Celebrations – A must-have during Carnival but perfect for any festive occasion.
• Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples, these fritters are budget-friendly and easy to whip up.

Cooking Tips

• Use Warm Milk – Slightly warm milk helps activate the yeast, resulting in a better rise.
• Let the Dough Rise Properly – Be patient with proofing; it ensures a fluffy, light texture.
• Monitor Oil Temperature – Keep the oil around 340–350°F (170–175°C) for even frying.
• Sugar Coat While Warm – Coating the fritters while they're still warm helps the sugar stick better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make The Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and frying.

What Oil is Best For Frying Carnival Fritters?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like sunflower or canola oil, works best.

Can I Add Fillings to These Fritters?

Absolutely! Once fried, you can fill them with pastry cream, jam, or Nutella using a piping bag.

How Do I Know When The Fritters Are Done Frying?

They should be golden brown on all sides and sound hollow when tapped.

Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?

While traditionally fried, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, though they won't be as airy.

How to Store

Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, warm briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) before serving.

How to Freeze

You can freeze the uncoated, fried fritters in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before coating with sugar.

How To Make Them

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, dry yeast, and sugar.

Add the warm milk and vegetable oil to the bowl and whisk until a dough starts to form.

Knead the dough by hand until smooth and compact.

Cover the bowl with cling film and let the dough rise for 2 hours, or until doubled in size. Transfer the risen dough to a floured work surface and gently press to release gas.

Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.

Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined tray, cover with a cloth, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Gently press each dough ball in the center to flatten slightly.

Heat oil in a deep pan to 340–350°F (170–175°C).

Fry the dough discs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on both sides.

Remove and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll the fritters in granulated sugar to coat evenly.

Arrange on a serving dish and enjoy immediately!