Puff Puff is a popular West African treat, known for its fluffy, golden exterior and soft, airy center. This easy-to-make fried dough is lightly sweetened, warm with a hint of nutmeg, and perfect for snacking or serving as a dessert. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and completely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Puff Puff Recipe
This Puff Puff recipe is simple, requiring basic pantry ingredients, and yields soft, delicious fried dough balls that everyone will love. With a bit of time to let the dough rise and develop flavor, you’ll have the perfect snack in no time. They’re great as a sweet treat on their own or served with a dipping sauce for extra flavor!
Ingredients You Will Need
- Flour
- Nutmeg
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Warm Water
- Oil
If you love these Puff Puffs, don’t miss our Sopaipillas (Mexican Beignets) for a fried dough delight, Sweet Potato Flan for a creamy, spiced dessert, or our Zesty Orange Cake Recipe for a burst of citrusy sweetness.
Tips & Tricks
- Check Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer if possible to keep the oil at the right temperature for perfect frying.
- Rest for Fluffiness: Resting the dough in the fridge makes it easier to handle and results in fluffier Puff Puffs.
Storage Advice
Room Temperature: Keep leftover Puff Puffs in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month, then reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
Variations
- Spiced Puff Puff: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger for extra warmth.
- Sugar-Dusted Puff Puff: Toss with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar after frying.
- Coconut Puff Puff: Add a bit of coconut milk to the batter for a tropical twist.
- Banana Puff Puff: Mash a ripe banana and mix it into the batter for a subtle banana flavor and extra moisture.
Puff Puff (African Deep-Fried Dough)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp yeast
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, nutmeg, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Gradually add warm water in small quantities, mixing as you go. Continue until the mixture has a thick consistency, thicker than pancake batter.
- Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rest for about 60 minutes. For extra fluffiness, place the bowl in the fridge for another hour if desired. Once risen, the dough should have small air bubbles and be about three times its original size.
- In a deep pan, heat oil to around 170°C (340°F). Test by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should rise to the surface if the oil is hot enough.
- Use your hands or a spoon to form small balls of dough. Carefully drop them into the oil, letting them fry for a few minutes until golden brown. They should turn themselves over, but if not, flip to ensure even browning.
- Place the fried Puff Puffs on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy!
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