Kenyan Mandazi Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden, fluffy fried doughnuts infused with fragrant cardamom and shredded coconut, perfect for a sweet Kenyan breakfast or snack. This african-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, teaspoon ground cardamom 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 220 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 African cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup shredded coconut until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 1 cup whole milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. If too sticky, add a little more flour.
  3. Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly for 2 minutes until smooth. Roll out to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut into diamond or triangle shapes.
  4. Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat to 350°F. Fry the dough pieces in batches, turning occasionally, for 2-3 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Remove mandazi with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm or at room temperature as a sweet snack or breakfast treat.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Kenyan Mandazi Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut?

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 Kenyan Mandazi Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut?

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 Kenyan Mandazi Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Kenyan Mandazi Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut?

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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