Coconut and Cardamom Mandazi Doughnuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

East African fried doughnuts infused with fragrant cardamom and creamy coconut milk, offering a mildly sweet and aromatic treat. This African-inspired recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, sugar, active dry yeast into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 African cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center.
  3. Step 3: Pour the yeast mixture and 1 cup coconut milk into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and roll it out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch circles using a biscuit cutter.
  6. Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the doughnuts in batches, about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Step 7: Serve mandazi warm or at room temperature as a sweet snack or breakfast treat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut and Cardamom Mandazi Doughnuts take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Coconut and Cardamom Mandazi Doughnuts?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut and Cardamom Mandazi Doughnuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut and Cardamom Mandazi Doughnuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coconut and Cardamom Mandazi Doughnuts?

African desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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