Saint Joseph’s Day is around the corner, and that means one thing across Rhode Island bakeries: zeppole season is in full swing. These airy Italian pastries, traditionally filled with pastry cream and topped with powdered sugar and a cherry, arrive just in time for the March 19 celebration of the Festa di San Giuseppe.
You definitely don’t need to be Italian American to join the fun. From classic custard to creative fillings like pistachio, rum cream, and chocolate mousse, bakeries across the Ocean State fill their cases with these irresistible treats every March. Just be prepared to arrive early or place a pre-order. During peak zeppole season, trays disappear fast.
Locals adore this timeless Italian bakery on Tiogue Avenue. During Saint Joseph’s season, Borrelli’s fills boxes with traditional, ricotta, coffee, chocolate mousse, and fresh strawberries and cream varieties.
This family-owned Johnston bakery has built a loyal following for its Italian pastries. Their zeppole lineup includes traditional, whipped cream, pistachio, chocolate, and rum. J
Buono’s Italian Bakery
A Providence standout, Buono earns praise every year for both classic and creative zeppole. Alongside traditional pastry cream, expect flavors like rum cream, ricotta, and a playful Neapolitan version layered with chocolate, vanilla, and classic creams. Minis are also available.
South County locals already know this Narragansett favorite for pizza and calzones, but their zeppole are equally beloved. While they offer them year-round, March brings extra flavors like chocolate and Irish cream.
This longtime Cranston bakery at 701 Oaklawn Avenue crafts beautiful, flavor-packed zeppole that keep regulars coming back each year. Their Italian cooked cream with rum flavoring is especially popular, alongside classic fillings and minis.
This cozy West Warwick bakery may fly under the radar, but locals know to stop in early when zeppole season begins. Trays start appearing as early as February, and customers quickly scoop up the freshly made pastries.
Felicia’s Coffee in East Greenwich takes a different approach with giant baked zeppole made from scratch. These oversized treats, often filled with rich Italian-style cream, are perfect for sharing alongside a cup of their excellent coffee.
Zeppole fans flock to this husband-and-wife–run Cumberland bakery for their take on the classic pastry. Arrive early or pre-order, because trays tend to sell out quickly once Saint Joseph’s Day approaches.
A Providence institution since 1930, LaSalle begins zeppole season in early February and continues through Easter. Their lineup includes traditional fried zeppole along with Bailey’s cream and chocolate mousse variations.
Known for creative fillings and strong pastry craftsmanship, Pastry Box often earns buzz in local taste tests. If you like inventive spins on classic zeppole, keep an eye on their seasonal offerings and rotating flavors.
Part Italian market, part bakery, and part coffee and wine bar, Pastryland offers a little bit of everything. Regulars rave about their ricotta and Bailey’s Irish Cream zeppole alongside the traditional variety.
This Federal Hill landmark has been making pastries for more than a century. During zeppole season, the Atwells Avenue bakery draws crowds eager for its authentic take on the Saint Joseph’s Day staple.
Chocolate lovers take note. This East Providence Portuguese bakery serves traditional custard-filled zeppole along with decadent chocolate mousse and Nutella mousse versions.
Lines stretch down Smithfield Avenue during zeppole season at this Pawtucket favorite. In addition to classic pastries, the bakery sometimes adds festive twists like shamrock-topped versions around Saint Patrick’s Day.
Located on West Shore Road in Warwick, Antonio’s Bakery draws attention for its wide selection of zeppole flavors. Traditional pastry cream joins options like strawberry cream, ricotta, Irish cream, and triple chocolate mousse.
This Johnston bakery leans into creativity with flavors that range from traditional and chocolate to cannoli cream, pistachio, Bailey’s, and even fluffernutter. Fresh batches appear daily during zeppole season.
Wherever you go, expect crowds, powdered sugar, and plenty of pastry boxes heading out the door. After all, Saint Joseph’s Day comes just once a year, and Rhode Island bakeries know exactly how to celebrate it.
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