Fried Puff-Puff Doughnuts with Spiced Sugar

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

Light and fluffy West African-inspired fried dough balls coated in a warm cinnamon sugar blend, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. This african-inspired desserts ready in about 30 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 300 calories and feeds 6, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 African cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp granulated sugar into 250 ml warm water (110°F/43°C). Let stand for 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine 300 g all-purpose flour, 50 g granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
  3. Step 3: Stir the ingredients together to form a smooth batter, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 liter vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Step 5: Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of batter carefully into the hot oil, frying 5-6 pieces at a time for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, turning occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Remove puff-puffs with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Step 7: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp powdered sugar with 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Toss the warm puff-puffs in the spiced sugar to coat evenly before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fried Puff-Puff Doughnuts with Spiced Sugar take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Fried Puff-Puff Doughnuts with Spiced Sugar?

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 Fried Puff-Puff Doughnuts with Spiced Sugar?

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 Fried Puff-Puff Doughnuts with Spiced Sugar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Fried Puff-Puff Doughnuts with Spiced Sugar?

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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