So many zeppole, so little time

The Cranston Herald ·

On Monday, March 19, there were lines out the door at local bakeries as Rhode Islanders lined up in droves to get their zeppole.

A zeppole is a traditional, cream-filled pastry topped with powdered sugar and a cherry, which can either be baked or fried. However, in recent years bakers have become more creative with their zeppole and there’s a zeppole for any taste, whether you prefer a custard cream filling, a Boston Cream filling, or a flavored filling such as chocolate or Irish Creme. Locals have their favorite spots to get their zeppole, and they recently shared their St. Joseph’s Day preferences with us.

Michelle Dumas, a native Rhode Islander now living in Connecticut travels just over the state line and heads over to Pastryland in Johnston to get her fried zeppole with traditional cream filling, since there are none to be found in Connecticut. Jennifer Larsh goes completely non-traditional at Sweet Indulgence in Pawtuxet Village and chooses a zeppole cupcake to satisfy her cravings.

Sue Soares and her husband Everett Soares have visited Antonio’s in their hometown of Warwick, and prefer an Irish Creme filled zeppole. Cranston’s Melissa Richard will also head to Warwick and over to Antonio’s to get her zeppole.

Cari Petrella of Cranston is one of the many fans who enjoys the traditional fried, custard-filled zeppole at Solitro’s Bakery in Knightsville, while Kristen Marques prefers the baked variety that Solitro’s offers instead. According to Roger Stock, no matter which kind you prefer, it’s the cherry on top that makes the pastry special.

Demetra Moschetti heads over to The Original Italian Bakery in Johnston. “There are so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one,” she said.

Fellow Cranstonian Angela Prior agrees.

“I love them all!” she said.

For those with food allergies who thought they might have to miss out on their favorites this week, A&J’s Bakery on Park Avenue in Cranston has nut-free, gluten-free traditional zeppole available for purchase. “Before having to go gluten free, Solitro’s was the best,” said Cranston’s Elizabeth Reis. “A&J’s has the best gluten free zeppole, honestly as good as and delicious as the one at Solitro’s.”

Although Monday was officially St. Joseph’s Day, most local bakeries offer zeppole all year long, giving Rhode Islander’s the chance to do their zeppole taste-testing 365 days a year.