Celebrate La Festa del Papà with Italy’s Sweetest Tradition
In Italy, Father’s Day - La Festa del Papà - falls on March 19th, coinciding with the Feast of St. Joseph (San Giuseppe), the patron saint of fathers and workers. Unlike in other countries, where gifts take center stage, in Italy, the true celebration happens around the table - with family, tradition, and irresistible sweet treats.
One pastry reigns supreme on this special day: Zeppole di San Giuseppe. These golden, delicate pastries, filled with silky crema pasticcera and topped with Amarena cherries, are a staple of Italian Father’s Day celebrations. Whether deep-fried for a crisp, airy texture or oven-baked for a lighter bite, Zeppole capture the heart of Italian pastry-making—simple ingredients, expertly crafted, and filled with love.
What You’ll Need to Make Zeppole di San Giuseppe
To bring this tradition to life at home, we’ve put together the La Festa del Papà Kit, featuring everything you need to make authentic Zeppole.
> Biscottificio Mascolo Oven-Baked Zeppoline (150g) – These light, golden pastry shells are the perfect foundation for Zeppole di San Giuseppe. Oven-baked for a delicate crispness, they’re ready to be filled with indulgent custard.
> Toschi Amarena Cherries in Syrup (250g) – The iconic wild Amarena cherries, preserved in a luscious syrup, add a beautifully tart and sweet finishing touch.
> Paneangeli Zucchero a Velo (125g) – This fine icing sugar provides the perfect delicate dusting, just like in traditional Italian pasticcerias.
> Paneangeli Crema Pasticcera (2x160g) – A luxuriously smooth, rich custard, made with an authentic Italian recipe, to fill each Zeppolina with indulgent flavour.
With these carefully selected ingredients, you can recreate this Italian classic at home and celebrate La Festa del Papà the authentic way.
How to Prepare Zeppole di San Giuseppe
Step 1: Fill the Pastry
Fill each Biscottificio Mascolo Zeppolina with Paneangeli Crema Pasticcera using a piping bag or a simple DIY alternative. If you don’t have a piping bag, just scoop the custard into a disposable press-and-seal food storage bag, snip a small hole in one corner, and gently squeeze to create a smooth swirl of custard on top.
Step 2: Add the Finishing Touches
Dust generously with Zucchero a Velo, then place an Amarena Toschi cherry on top—this signature touch gives Zeppole their unmistakable look and flavour.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
Arrange your Zeppole on a beautiful plate and serve with a strong espresso or a glass of Sartori Bardolino Classico - just as they do in Italian pasticcerias.
The Sweetest Way to Celebrate
Whether you're honouring your own father, keeping a family tradition alive, or simply looking for an excuse to indulge in one of Italy’s finest pastries, Zeppole di San Giuseppe are the perfect way to celebrate.
Order the La Festa del Papà Kit now and bring the warmth of an Italian Father’s Day to your home.