Mandazi Coconut Doughnuts with Cardamom Sugar

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet Kenyan fried doughnuts infused with coconut milk and warm cardamom, dusted with spiced sugar for a perfect breakfast treat. This african-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder 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: 15 min Serves 8 African cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly combined.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 3/4 cup coconut milk and 3 tbsp vegetable oil until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined into a soft dough; do not overmix.
  3. Step 3: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly for 1-2 minutes. Roll into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle and cut into 2-inch triangles or diamonds.
  4. Step 4: Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry doughnuts in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp ground cardamom in a shallow bowl. While still warm, roll each mandazi in the spiced sugar to coat.
  6. Step 6: Serve these fragrant mandazi warm as a sweet breakfast or snack inspired by Kenyan flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mandazi Coconut Doughnuts with Cardamom Sugar take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Mandazi Coconut Doughnuts with Cardamom 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 Mandazi Coconut Doughnuts with Cardamom 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 Mandazi Coconut Doughnuts with Cardamom Sugar 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 Mandazi Coconut Doughnuts with Cardamom 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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