Give me these twisted doughnuts warm with a glass of milk and I will be in snacking heaven!
These twisted doughnuts are life - slightly crunchy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside with an irresistible buttery flavor. They are a variation of African doughnuts which are made into twists - such fun shapes!
Once upon a time, I was at a party making hot gateau (an insanely delicious deep fried dough snack) for people to feast on while a Sierra Leonean woman watched me, assisted me and fed me with stories.
Part of the stories included telling me how the gateau dough was so similar to the dough for Sierra Leonean doughnuts. She even took a part of the dough and tried to shape it into these twisted doughnuts.
The food fusion in the world is amazing! You know why I say so? Sierra Leoneans make these twisted doughnuts, Cameroonians make them - in Cameroon, they are referred to as gateau (just like Cameroonian gateau).
They are also made in Korea - where they are called kkwabaegi. And they are made in the Philippines - where they are known as shakoy. AND this same dough could be used to make Nigerian doughnuts by simply shaping the dough into rings!
So these twisted doughnuts cut across continents from Africa to Asia! And let me tell you: they have a universally appealing taste so no matter what part of the world you are from, you will enjoy them.
I mean, who can resist the slightly crunchy outside with the fluffiness on the inside and a buttery taste? No one!
In the Asian store where I usually shop for African food, something similar to these twisted doughnuts is sold and labeled as "sweet twists". I love buying a pack when I go shopping. But let me tell you, homemade is wayyyy better.
I noticed that the storebought version is sometimes fried with old oil which yields an unpleasant taste. When you make these at home, the fresh homemade taste is unbeatable plus it is so much fun to make!
How To Make African Doughnuts
First, you make the dough which is made up flour, yeast, butter, sugar, milk, egg and a pinch of salt.
Then you let the dough rise until doubled in size. Then you rejoice at how yeast works it's magic in the dough. Then you punch the dough down to deflate and you shape into fun twists.
To make the twists, divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Take one piece and form a rope with it.
Then using both hands, roll both ends of the rope in opposite directions until it creates some tension. Like so:
Then you hold up and keep twisting with both hands in opposite directions until it forms 3-4 twists. Press the ends to seal them together.
Now note that if making the twists is too hard for you, you could simple shape the dough into small one-inch balls and fry. I'm not gonna lie - I have quickly shaped them into balls and fried when I was hosting an event in my home and had very little time to make the twists. But note that the balls take a longer time to get cooked through compared to the twists.
After forming the twists, you let them rise for a few more minutes then you fry them. The frying is the easiest part. And then comes the coating with granulated sugar and the eating! I insist that you must eat some while they are still warm. They are to die for!
I adapted this recipe from one of my favorite YouTube cooks, Maangchi. After testing the recipe several times, I successfully adjusted the ingredients to suit measurements in grams so those of you who use grams will find it easy to follow.
So for this recipe, you need 500 grams or half a kilogram of flour. Neat, right? Also, 500 grams of flour equates to 4 cups of flour so whether you choose to measure in grams or kilograms, you are good.
You can read more about the measurements in the full recipe below but first, let's look at some facts about African doughnuts!
WHAT ARE AFRICAN DOUGHNUTS?
African doughnuts, simply put are different forms of deep-fried dough. The doughnuts vary depending on which African country or part of Africa they are made/eaten in.
For instance, Nigerian doughnuts are made into rings while Cameroonian and Ghanian doughnuts are made into small balls.
In East Africa, the popular form of doughnuts eaten are called mandazi and they have triangle-like shapes. South African doughnuts are made into braids and are known as koeksisters.
All the various forms are similar in that similar ingredients are used to make them: flour, sugar, yeast (or baking powder) and margarine (or butter).
However, some are richer made with more ingredients while others like puff puff are made with very basic ingredients - just flour, yeast, sugar and salt. African doughnuts are always a hit at African parties. In whatever form you enjoy them,n they are a real treat!
So you guys, make these African doughnuts! Make them for snacking at home, make them for breakfast. Make them for wowing your guests, make them for picnics or potlucks. They are epic in every way!
If you make this recipe, please take a moment to rate it below. Also, share a picture with me on Facebook or tag me on Instagram. I'll love to see!
WATCH HOW TO MAKE AFRICAN DOUGHNUTS
Watch me making African Doughnuts in the video below. If you haven’t subscribed to my Youtube channel yet, SUBSCRIBE so you do not miss any of my videos.
African Doughnuts - Twisted Doughnuts
Ingredients
- 4 cups all purpose flour (500g or ½ kg)
- 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 oz sachet)
- 12 oz evaporated milk (354ml or 1 ½ cups)
- 3 tablespoons butter - melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (not heaped)
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying Corn oil, canola oil or vegetable oil will work well here.
Instructions
- Heat the milk to be just slightly warm to the touch. I heated it for 1 minute in the microwave. The milk should be about 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the yeast to the milk and let it rest for 2 minutes. Add the sugar, salt, melted butter and egg then whisk everything together. Finally, add in the flour and mix with a wooden spoon to form a dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough to deflate then place on a floured board and cut into 24 equal pieces. (I start off by cutting the dough into two. Then cutting each piece into two twice to form 8 pieces. Then I cut every 1 of the eight pieces into 3. That makes 24 pieces.)
- Take one piece and roll out into a 13-inch rope. Twist the rope in the opposite direction (move one hand upward and the other hand downward as you roll). Hold up and keep twisting until it forms a twisted doughnut. Press the ends together to seal them. Place the twisted doughnut on a large tray or chopping board. Repeat process with the rest of the dough.
- Let the twisted doughnuts rise for about twenty minutes. Halfway through, flip them to the other side so the flat side can rise too. Also, halfway through place oil to heat up on high.
- Let the oil heat up to about 350 degrees F or for about 8-10 minutes then turn the heat down to medium-low. Place in the twisted doughnuts to fry being careful not to overcrowd the pan. (I fry 6 doughnuts at a time in my wok). Once the doughnuts turn golden brown on one side, flip to the other side and let them cook. Once the other side is golden brown, remove and place on paper towel to absorb excess oil. They take about 4 minutes total to cook.
- If you desire, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a paper bag and place the hot doughnuts in and shake to coat. Insanely good!
Notes
Nutrition
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You are stronger than you think, braver than you think and more capable than you can ever imagine. Never stop believing in you!
Annie says
Hi Precious, am so eager to try this out. But I have doubts about what evaporated milk is. Am in Cameroon please can you guide me
Precious says
Hi Annie, evaporated milk is the liquid Peak milk sold in stores in Cameroon.
Meeky says
Thanks dear
Precious says
You are welcome.
Ndor says
Hello ma, I am so going to try this out. Thank you and keep winning ma, love you
Precious says
Awww love you too, Ndor. Please let me know how it goes when you try it.
Anasthasia says
Can I use regular milk
Precious says
So sorry for the late response. Yes, you could use regular liquid milk.
Ngombe says
oh that crunchy feeling.
Precious says
Crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. So good!
Debra Jonkers says
can these be baked in oven at 350F
Precious says
Hi Debra, you could definitely bake them and they will be good but not as good as the fried version. Hope you enjoy!
Ngombe says
I will try this soon.
Precious says
Let me know how it goes.
Audrey says
Hi Debra
I am a South African and enjoyed your koeksusters as we call them, Yummy my family enjoyed them.
Warm regards
Precious says
Glad to get this feedback from you, Audrey. Thank you!
Risikat Onikoyi says
Please can I use this recipe for the round shape doughnuts, is it going to be profitable for sales? at the rate of #50
Precious says
Hi, I think this recipe can work for the round-shaped doughnuts but not sure how it could work for business. You could try it and multiply the amount you make by the price you want to sell them at.
Laeti says
Tried it...lovely
Thanks for the recipes...you're doing a good job for some lovers of cooking like us.
God bless you
Precious says
Thanks for the feedback, Laeti! God bless you too.
Suzi says
These are the best thing ever!!!! And so easy to make!
Precious says
Thanks so much for the feedback, Suzi!
Chris says
Try putting some lemon juice in the sugar syrup
Precious says
Sorry Chris, I don't understand. There's no sugar syrup in this recipe.
Michele Hofer says
I'm looking forward to trying this recipe tomorrow! Thanks so much! Be blessed!
Precious says
Wonderful! Hope you enjoy!
Janet Rodriguez says
Hi Precious, I too love Jesus. My daughter, granddaughter and grandson went on a mission trip to Africa with our church and loved the country and the people so much. I’m going to make this recipe for them. They’ll be so happy. Thanks for sharing.
Pam says
What type of oil do you use to fry to donuts?
Precious says
Hi Pam, any oil without a strong flavor will work. I love using corn oil, canola oil or vegetable oil. Hope this helps.
Natalie says
I love the unique shape of these doughnuts! Looks beautiful!
Precious says
Thanks, Natalie!
Carrie says
Loved them! My 6 year old daughter enjoys making them twists and all. It is her favorite recipe. She woke up in the middle of the night and asked to make them. Thank you for helping us make such good memories together in the kitchen.
Precious says
Making these twists is so much fun! My love to your sweet daughter. Thanks for your kind words, Carrie.
Marjorie says
Hi Precious, I discovered your blog recently and I tried this recipe. It was sooooo good. I love these doughnuts !!!! Your recipe is on point and very easy to follow. I will try your other recipes as well. You're doing such a good job. Thank you!
Precious says
Thanks so much for your kind words, Marjorie. So glad you loved the doughnuts!
Kim says
Just made these for a party and they are delicious and really festive looking. Perfect for a celebration! I added a tiny pinch of nutmeg in with the cinnamon and sugar and it gave them a little depth.
My husband (who is a cheese monger suggested making the dough with some sweet ricotta next time. These would make them closer to zeppoli (sp?). I was wondering if you’ve come across a variation like that? Not exactly African, I know!
Precious says
Hi Kim, so glad you loved the doughnuts! I haven't come across a version like the one you mentioned but I think it will turn out great. If you try it, please let me know how it goes.
Carine Awunti says
Waoooo Am quite sure this will be delicious will try it tomorrow
Focus Angel says
Thanks for this recipe, just tried it and it came out fine with yummy taste. Please can I use powderd milk in place of liquid milk?thanks once more.
Precious says
You can use powdered milk and use water in place of liquid milk.
Danica says
Tried making them, turned out wonderful! My family ate them all in less than an hour. I will definitely make again! I had a little trouble twisting them, but after a couple tries it was much easier. Love from Cameroon 🇨🇲!
Precious says
Yay! So happy to hear that. Thanks for the feedback.
faith says
hi Precious, you left yours for two hours but wrote one hour. which is most recommended please.
Precious says
1-2 hours is fine. I left mine for 2 hours because I had to attend to my kids. 🙂 Hope this helps.
Miracle says
Pls ma sent u a mail one time asking for bread recipe pls kindly help mi
Precious says
Hi Miracle, simply type "bread" into the search bar here on the blog and several of my bread recipes will pop up. Let me know if you need any help.
Blessing Agendia says
could you give me your email? Please?
Precious says
precious at preciouscore dot com
Ayuk says
please precious for how long can they be stored and in what conditions
Precious says
Hi Ayuk, you can store them in an airtight bag for 2-3 days. They never last longer than 2-3 days in my house. To make them last longer you could store them in an airtight bag in the fridge or even in the freezer. I have frozen them before and they thaw well. Hope this helps.
Ayuk says
please precious how long can it be stored and in what condition
Precious says
In an airtight bag for up to one week in the fridge. You can also store the doughnuts in an airtight bag in the freezer if you want them to last longer. Thaw them by bringing them to room temperature or by warming them up for about a minute in the microwave or just until soft. Hope this helps.
Tessa says
Oh my goodness! I just made these and they are SO AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS. I love your video, which was very easy to follow. They are perfect!! I'm a sucker for a glazed donut so instead of rolling them in sugar I made a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and a touch of maple syrup and dipped them in. I also let them rise after them twisting shape for about 45 minutes (I got distracted), but they were still perfect, just a little puffier than in your video. Thank you!
Precious says
Hi Tessa, that sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Oluchi says
Hi Precious! This recipe looks so delicious and I can't wait to try it. Would it be okay to substitute the evaporated milk for regular whole milk? And if so how much? Thank you!
Precious says
Hi Oluchi, you can substitute evaporated milk with the same quantity of whole milk. Hope this helps.
Christine says
Wonderful treat, first batch seemed to disapear in 2 minutes! A Win for sure!
Precious says
Thank you for the great feedback, Christine!