Sure, it takes time and forethought into making classic doughnuts , and if you are pressed for time . You just don’t want to go through that process. Rest assured these may just qualify as the ultimate convenient doughnut -you can still get your doughnut fix , in less than 15 minutes. Assuming you are just like me and can’t wait …. you eat while you are cooking. Well if you don’t , trust me ,you will with these crunchy, pillowy treats.
In America ,these doughnuts are call drop doughnuts and is classified as a breakfast food. In some parts of Africa it is referred to as doughnuts , but when you are in the U.S , you have to be specific about it’s name – African doughnuts.
These african doughnuts was introduced to Africa by European setters along with a variety of sumptuous desserts, snacks. They taste great- crunchy on the outside pillowy soft on the inside with a hint of nutmeg and orange .In Africa, they are party food , although they are now being sold on every street corner throughout various parts of the continent in one disguise or another.
After frying the doughnuts you can toss them in cinnamon sugar, if desire or just sprinkle powder sugar. Personally , I feel it taste just fine without the additional sugar.
Watch How To Make It
African Doughnut (Drop Doughnut)
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (312.5 grams ) All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon grated orange
- 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup milk , whole or 2%
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup (115 g) melted butter or vegetable oil
- oil for deep frying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl mix all the dry ingredients, flour baking powder, salt, sugar, grated orange, and nutmeg.
- Stir in the milk, eggs, vanilla, and oil, mix well until everything has been fully incorporated. The batter should be smooth, thick, and spoonable.
- In a large saucepan, pour vegetable oil, until it is at least 3 inches (or about 5 centimeters) high (too little will result in flatter balls), and place on medium heat until oil is 375 degrees.
- I use my hands to scoop up the batter, you can do the same or use 2 spoons - one to scoop up the batter, and another spoon or spatula to drop it in the oil- in the shape of a ball. Do not overcrowd the pan. Do so in batches.
- Fry for a few minutes until the bottom side is golden brown.
- Turn the ball over and fry for a few more minutes until the other side is golden brown.
- Use a large spoon or something like that to take it out of the oil. I usually place them on napkins right away to soak up some of the excess oil.
- If desired, you can roll the finished product in table sugar or powdered sugar to make it sweeter.
Tips & Notes:
- If the mixture is too thick add one to two tablespoons of milk.
Nutrition Information:
Sarah says
THESE. WERE. INCREDIBLE. Quick, delicious, and disappeared quickly…I’ll definitely make these again. Maybe even right now…..
ImmaculateBites says
Great! Thanks so much.
Emmanuel says
Please, how much is the serving size in grams?
Immaculate Bites says
Hi Emmanuel, at the recipe card, there is a link that’s named Metric. You can click it and it will convert to grams. If you mean per donut, I didn’t weigh them. Hope this helps!
Maurice Nahas says
Was very easy to make, tastes wonderfull , nice thin crusty-crust.
Immaculate Bites says
Glad you were able to make this, Maurice! 🙂
Nancy Kuoh says
How do you drop the dough in the oil?
Immaculate Bites says
Hi Nancy! I use my hands to scoop up the batter , you can do the same or use 2 spoons – one to scoop up the batter, and another spoon or spatula to drop it in the oil- in the shape of a ball.
Ozy says
It was so good but will reduce the sugar next time
Immaculate Bites says
Hi Ozy! Yes, please feel free to adjust the recipe based on your preferred level of sweetness and such. 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Pappitha Rajendran says
Hi Imma can i skip eggs in this recipe. Am a vegetarian.
Immaculate Bites says
Hello Pappitha! I can’t recommend skipping eggs in this recipe because I haven’t tried it yet. You may substitute the egg for a vegan option, if you want to give it a try. Let me know how it turns out.
Benjamin Migan says
This is awesome,Yummy doughnuts,but what is the shelf life if you are doing it as commercial business.
ImmaculateBites says
Sorry, I don’t have experience in that field.
Yolande says
I love this recipe..the doughnuts are delish. But can I use powdered milk or condensed milk for this recipe ?
Mutanga careen says
The recipe is so good and it’s so easy to make but i find difficulties in frying because the batter was so sticky and i had to make the drop doughnuts small im size
Ivy Nicholas says
Please can I get the recipe for larger quantity ? Thank you.
Diana says
Thank you for this, this is the first time I’m seeing something that looks like puff puff but it doesn’t have yeast. But I want to know, what makes this different from Nigerian buns?
ImmaculateBites says
Not much difference. I would say it is the same thing
Patrick says
Hi. Can i make the batter and fry it later?
ImmaculateBites says
How long do you plan on storing it ?
Felicity says
Hello, could you please tell me what kind of oil you use or which do you personally recommend. I’m in the UK, thank you. They look divine!
ImmaculateBites says
I use vegetable oil or canola oil
Eurdycie says
I just made these & I used 2 spoons. They turned out perfect, great snack after dinner.
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks for the feedback.
Janet says
This recipe is awesome! We reduced the sugar as we were having it with icecream topping.
ImmaculateBites says
Oh BOY! You have me wanting to make this with ice cream .
Bev says
Is it possible to bake this recipe instead of frying.
Thanks.
ImmaculateBites says
I have tried – the consistency is not the same .
Dany says
Buone queste frittelle !
Le farò tra qualche giorno !
Ciao
ImmaculateBites says
Do let me know how it works out.
Ciao
Patlisa says
Please can I exclude the baking powder
ImmaculateBites says
No you can’t . You need the baking powder to make the dough light and fluffy.
Dam says
I love your recipe,it was tasty,and extra sort,even if i did not add zest
Ayuk says
Please for how long and in what conditions can these donuts be stored
ImmaculateBites says
These doughnuts are best eaten the same day. Or freeze and reheat in the oven.
Dam says
Pls, how can I make ring doughnut,I love your puff puff recipe,my sister loves it too
ImmaculateBites says
Have you checked out his doughnut recipe here https://www.africanbites.com/krispy-kreme-doughnut-recipecopy-cat/ ?
Nanwal says
Please ma after mic the whole ingredients do I fry immediately or I am let the batter rest for sometime b4 frying?
ImmaculateBites says
fry immediately.No need to wait.
Abutujoy says
Can I use a hand mixer if I am mixing a large quantity?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Abutujoy. Yes, you can!
Ivy K says
Hello!
I’m so happy I found this page and learned the history of these African doughnuts!
When I was a child, I became really close friends with my neighbors. They’re from South Africa. I looked forward to weekends when their mom would make these addictive delicious doughnuts and offer me a bunch!
Brings back memories! I can’t wait to try these, I am so grateful ♡ Thank you!
ImmaculateBites says
Hello Ivy!! Welcome to my blog!! I am so thrilled to have you here. I am glad this recipe took you down memory lane. Can’t wait for you to try these out 🙂
Tania says
Tried this recipe today! So good and easy to make! I didn’t have orange so I used lemon zest. I need to work on the shape- but that’s on me!
ImmaculateBites says
Hello Tania. Lol, don’t worry, it usually takes a couple of tries to get the shape right. Glad you loved it though.
Naa says
Mine soaks up too much oil during frying. Any advice on how to go about my frying?
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Naa! Sorry you are having trouble with your doughnuts. Next time, make sure your oil is hot enough, about 375 F and do not overcrowd your pan when frying. Also when taking out your doughnut, make sure to use a perforated spoon. Shake out the excess oil and place your doughnuts on a paper napkin to absorb any more oil. Hope this helps!
Bola says
Hello,
I have tried this recipe today, and I am very pleased with the result. Thanks for sharing
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome!! Thanks for letting me know, Bola!
MOA says
Thanks alot, I will try it .
ImmaculateBites says
Great!
Dam says
I don’t have orange ,or lemon zest,what should I use
ImmaculateBites says
Don’t stress! Leave it out completely.
Sidonie says
Hi ma,am do I need to allow the mixture to rise .if so for how many minutes.I really enjoy your recipe. Pls ma,am recipe for puff puff .thank you .I want to try the recipe for doughnuts doing this stay at home
ImmaculateBites says
Hello Sidonie. These African Doughnuts do not need to rise before frying. You can start frying them immediately you finish mixing 🙂 !
Also, here is the recipe for Puff Puff Happy Cooking!
Ekua says
I’ve used this recipe several times. Used it again today under lockdown conditions. I used self raising flour, added cinnamon and added lemon essence because I didn’t have oranges…still turned out great, soft and nice and the kids wasted no time finishing it.
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Ekua! This is always a hit with kids :)! Glad you loved it. Thank you for the feedback!
Sally Green says
This looks amazing! I was wondering how to go about things if I wanted to add dedicated coconut? Should I reduce the amount of flour?
ImmaculateBites says
No you don’t have to . Just add about 1/3 coconut flakes to the batter. Mix and fry.
Josephine says
Please that grated orange in the recipe…I don’t really get it
ImmaculateBites says
Grated orange is orange zest. You use a grater to grate, or scrape the outer skin of the orange.This is added to the doughnuts for extra flavor , lime or lemon works as well. It is optional.
Gbemisola says
Thanks,i will practice the drop doughnuts
Gloria says
Is it the orange peels you are to grater?
ImmaculateBites says
Yes, grate it and use . It’s optional though.
Jo says
Hello, good recipe. Can you give the quantity of milk?
imma africanbites says
Hi, Jo. It’s 1/2 cup of whole milk or 2%.
Jemtai says
Nice recipe..definitely giving it a try.
What can I use in place of nutmeg?
Imma Adamu says
Pumkin pie spice, Cinnamon, cloves.. vanilla extract, what flavorings are you fond of. Try them out… and let me know which one you choose please
Lydia says
This recipe is the best I’ve ever tried, thanks Ma’am
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome! Thanks for stopping by!
Chrystal Jelena says
My friend and I were stoned last night and I decided I wanted African doughnuts. Googled that and found this. This is now on our list of best recipes from our Stoner Kitchen Rules. Thank you. Reminds me of our flavours of Africa.
Vandy says
Amazing recipe. Tried this today and it turned out wonderful. Five star chef you are!
Joney yvette says
I tried making and it came out very well. But now I want to make a large quantity of 5kg four and I will like you to help me with the exact quantity of all the ingredients needed. Thank you
Imma says
Hi Joney, in the recipe box you can adjust the amount of people you’d like to serve and the quantity of ingredients will change in correlation. Please let me know how it turns out.
Babe says
Can I use baking soda in place of baking powder?
Imma says
Hello, you can indeed. Please follow the instructions via this site here
Oke Omolara says
Hi Immaculate. This is quite catchy I must say.
Is it compulsory to make use of egg and milk? Can’t the drop doughnuts go well without them?
ImmaculateBites says
You have to use at least one of them. They both add flavor and texture . You may use egg only and replace milk with water.
koua says
would it be best to eat it fresh when cook or can it be keep overnight and still have the same taste?
imma africanbites says
Hi. It’s truly best enjoyed on the day it’s made. But yes, you may keep it overnight in an airtight container in the fridge and just reheat the following day.
Cami Veric says
How can doughnuts be preserved to last a week longer?
imma africanbites says
Hi. It’s actually best enjoyed on the day it’s made. However, you can cook them ahead, store in a container and freeze. Then reheat in the oven (300 degrees F) until heated through.