Fried Koeksisters with Honey Syrup Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-03 · Updated 2026-05-03

Twisted South African doughnuts fried until golden and soaked in a sticky, sweet honey syrup for a delightful, syrupy treat. This african-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated 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 350 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water (for syrup)
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp active dry yeast in 3/4 cup warm water and let it activate for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Add the melted 3 tbsp unsalted butter and the activated yeast mixture to the flour. Stir to form a soft dough, then knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: While the dough rises, prepare the syrup by combining 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
6. Step 6: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12x8-inch rectangle. Cut into 1-inch wide strips, then twist two strips together to form the characteristic koeksister shape.
7. Step 7: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the twisted dough strips in batches for 3-4 minutes each until deep golden and crisp, turning occasionally.
8. Step 8: Immediately remove the fried koeksisters with a slotted spoon and immerse them in the warm honey syrup for 30 seconds, allowing them to soak up the glaze.
9. Step 9: Place the glazed koeksisters on a wire rack to drain excess syrup and cool slightly before serving.