Sweet Banana and Cardamom Mandazi Fritters

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fluffy, lightly spiced East African fried doughnuts flavored with ripe bananas and fragrant cardamom, perfect for breakfast or a snack. This african-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers all-purpose flour, medium, mashed ripe bananas, sugar 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 180 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 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup warm water and 2 tsp active dry yeast with 1 tbsp sugar. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 mashed medium ripe bananas, 1/4 cup milk, and the frothy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into diamond or triangle shapes.
  6. Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Fry the dough pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed.
  7. Step 7: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm plain or dusted with powdered sugar.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Banana and Cardamom Mandazi Fritters 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 Sweet Banana and Cardamom Mandazi Fritters?

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 Sweet Banana and Cardamom Mandazi Fritters?

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 Sweet Banana and Cardamom Mandazi Fritters 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 Sweet Banana and Cardamom Mandazi Fritters?

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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