Mandazi Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut Milk

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fluffy Kenyan mandazi doughnuts subtly flavored with cardamom and coconut milk, perfect for a sweet snack or breakfast. This african-inspired desserts ready in about 35 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated 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 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/2 tsp salt until combined.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 1 cup coconut milk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface for 3 minutes until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Roll the dough out to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into diamond or triangle shapes using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
  4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C), ensuring at least 2 inches depth for frying.
  5. Step 5: Fry the mandazi pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, turning until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm as a sweet treat or breakfast accompaniment with tea or coffee.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mandazi Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut Milk 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 Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut Milk?

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 Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut Milk?

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 Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut Milk 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 Fried Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut Milk?

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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