Mandazi Fritters with Cardamom and Coconut Sugar Glaze

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

Light and fluffy East African fried doughnuts infused with cardamom, finished with a sweet coconut sugar glaze for a perfect snack or breakfast. This african-inspired desserts ready in about 105 minutes layers all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water 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 280 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: 90 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in 3/4 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/2 tsp salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and 1/2 cup coconut milk. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Punch down the dough and roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch triangles or squares.
  5. Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the dough pieces in batches, turning occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until golden and puffed. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over low heat. Stir in 1/4 cup coconut sugar until dissolved and syrupy.
  7. Step 7: Drizzle the warm coconut sugar glaze over the fried mandazi fritters and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mandazi Fritters with Cardamom and Coconut Sugar Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (90 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 Fritters with Cardamom and Coconut Sugar Glaze?

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 Fritters with Cardamom and Coconut Sugar Glaze?

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 Fritters with Cardamom and Coconut Sugar Glaze 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 Mandazi Fritters with Cardamom and Coconut Sugar Glaze?

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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