For unique, wonderful sweet pastries, consider trying these fried flowers, which are a classic Italian treat to each during the Carnival season. They are a little different from other types of Italian sweet fritters in that they are shaped into flower shapes before being fried for the cutest snacks or desserts.
To make these fried flowers, a dough is first made by mixing flour with baking powder, egg, milk, and butter. Then, the dough gets rolled out and cut into flower shapes before being stacked in threes, and fried in hot oil. Glazed in a sweet syrup, these pastries are crisp and flaky with a delicious sweet flavour.
What are Fried Flowers?
Fried flowers, or rose di carnivale, are sweet Italian fritters that have a crisp texture and are in the shapes of flowers. They are typically made during Carnival in Italy, and have a light crispy texture and a golden colour. By dunking the fried treats in a simple syrup, they become glossy and infused with sweetness.
Pro Tips
- When you make the simple syrup, boil it just until the sugar is dissolved.
- Make sure the dough is rolled into a very thin sheet to ensure that the fritters aren’t too thick.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the pastry flowers. The ideal temperature for frying is around 350 F to 375 F (177 C to 190 C) as this will ensure they cook through evenly without burning or absorbing too much oil.
- Remove the fritters from the oil with a slotted metal spoon as this will ensure the excess oil drains off.
- Feel free to dust the fried flowers with powdered sugar as well if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Fritters Greasy?
If you find that your fritters have a greasy texture, it could be that the oil was too cold resulting in the fritters absorbing too much of the oil. To prevent this, use an instant-read thermometer to check the oil temperature and ensure it is somewhere between 350 F to 375 F (177 C to 190 C).
Can I Make Fried Flowers Dairy-Free?
Yes, while this fried flower fritter recipe includes milk, you could replace it with plant-based milk like almond milk or soy milk instead.
How Can I Re-warm Fried Flower Pastries?
Since these pastries have a simple syrup on them, it is best not to re-warm them in the oven as the syrup may become extra sticky on them. These pastries don’t keep very well and should be consumed the same day they are made.
How to Store Fried Flowers
Leftover fried flower fritters can be stored in an airtight container until you are ready to serve them. However, they are best eaten the day they are made.
Ingredients
How to Make Fried Flowers
In a bowl, whisk the butter with the egg and milk until combined.
In a bowl, whisk the butter with the egg and milk until combined.
Sift in the flour and baking powder, and stir until combined. Set the dough aside for 10 minutes.
Sift in the flour and baking powder, and stir until combined. Set the dough aside for 10 minutes.
To make a simple syrup, combine the water and sugar with a lemon slice in a pot. Bring it to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Set it aside.
To make a simple syrup, combine the water and sugar with a lemon slice in a pot. Bring it to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Set it aside.
Roll the dough into a very thin sheet.
Roll the dough into a very thin sheet.
Cut the dough into flower shapes with a cookie cutter.
Cut the dough into flower shapes with a cookie cutter.
Create stacks of three flowers and press them in the centre to secure them together.
Create stacks of three flowers and press them in the centre to secure them together.
Fry the flowers until golden brown on both sides.
Fry the flowers until golden brown on both sides.
Dip them in the syrup.
Dip them in the syrup.
Serve them immediately!
Serve them immediately!
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