Maandazi Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet, pillowy Kenyan fried doughnuts subtly flavored with cardamom and coconut, perfect for breakfast or a snack with tea. This african-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, teaspoons instant 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 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 8 African cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons instant yeast, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup warm water (110°F) to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon until a sticky dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough back in the bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  3. Step 3: Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut dough into diamond shapes or 3-inch squares using a knife or pizza cutter.
  4. Step 4: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep, heavy pot to 350°F. Fry the dough pieces in batches, turning occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
  5. Step 5: Remove the fried maandazi with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Dust with 1/4 cup desiccated coconut if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maandazi Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut 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 Maandazi 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 Maandazi 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 Maandazi 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 Maandazi 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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