Semolina Dolce & Apple Fritelle

 Semolina Dolce & Apple Fritelle

Italian-style sweet treats that feel like a cosy Nonna dessert platter: soft, fragrant semolina cakes rolled in sugar, served with golden apple fritters still warm from the pan. Simple, rustic, and irresistible.

Semolina Dolce (Semolina Sugar Cakes)

Ingredients

1 litre whole milk

200 g fine semolina

120 g sugar

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp vanilla extract

40 g butter

A pinch of salt

Extra sugar for coating

Method

Heat the milk gently with the sugar, lemon zest, salt, and vanilla.

When it begins to steam, rain in the semolina while whisking.

Cook on low heat for 5–8 minutes until thick and creamy.

Stir in the butter until smooth.

Spread the mixture onto a lined tray to about 2–3 cm thick.

Leave to cool completely, then cut into diamond or square shapes.

Roll each piece lightly in sugar.

Serve as-is or pan-fry briefly in butter for extra indulgence.

Soft, tender, lightly fragrant — they’re perfect with espresso.

Apple Fritelle (Italian Apple Fritters)

Ingredients

2 apples, peeled & cored

Juice of ½ lemon

120 g flour

1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 egg

160 ml milk

A pinch of salt

Oil for frying

Sugar to sprinkle

Method

Slice the apples into rings and toss with lemon juice.

Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, egg, and milk to form a smooth batter.

Heat oil in a pan to medium-hot.

Dip each apple slice into the batter and fry until golden on both sides.

Drain on paper towel and sprinkle generously with sugar while warm.

Crisp outside, soft apple inside — pure comfort.

Serving suggestion

Arrange the sugar-coated semolina squares with the warm fritelle, dust with extra sugar, and enjoy them as a classic Italian merenda or simple dessert.