Sweet Kenyan Mandazi Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fluffy fried mandazi doughnuts scented with cardamom and coconut milk, a beloved Kenyan treat perfect for breakfast or snack time. 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 180 calories and feeds 12, 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 African cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/2 tsp salt until well combined.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 1 cup coconut milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Gradually pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. If too dry, add up to 1/4 cup water a little at a time.
  3. Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 3-inch squares or triangles.
  5. Step 5: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry the mandazi pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm or at room temperature as a sweet snack or breakfast accompaniment.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Kenyan Mandazi Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Kenyan Mandazi 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 Sweet Kenyan Mandazi 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 Sweet Kenyan Mandazi Doughnuts with Cardamom and Coconut for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Kenyan Mandazi 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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