Koeksisters are a beloved South African delicacy, known for their sweet and syrupy goodness.
These twisted, deep-fried pastries are a staple in South African cuisine, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Below are two delightful recipes to create your own homemade koeksisters, along with their nutrition facts.
Name: | Koeksisters Recipe |
Cuisine: | South Africa |
Prep Time: | 30 minutes |
Cooking Time: | 20 minutes |
Total Time: | 2 hours (including resting time) |
Servings: | 16 koeksisters |
Yield: | 16 koeksisters |
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Syrup
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Zest of 1 lemon
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 30g
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix to form a dough.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 1 hour.
Shape the Koeksisters
Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut into strips, about 4 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.
Make a lengthwise slit in each strip, but leave the top and bottom joined.
Carefully twist each strip and press the ends to seal.
Fry the Koeksisters
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the twisted dough strips until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Syrup
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and lemon zest.
Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
Coat the Koeksisters
Dip the warm koeksisters into the syrup, ensuring they are fully coated.
Allow them to soak for a few minutes, then remove and let excess syrup drip off.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the koeksisters warm or at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 52g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 30g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 75mg
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 2.1mg
Potassium: 83mg
Enjoy the delightful flavors and cultural experience of homemade koeksisters with this simple yet delicious recipe. Experiment with different variations to suit your taste and savor the sweetness of South African cuisine!
10 Simple Delightful Koeksisters Recipes
Koeksisters, a popular South African delicacy, are sweet and syrupy deep-fried dough twists. To make them, mix flour, baking powder, and milk, shape the dough, deep-fry until golden, and soak in a syrup infused with cinnamon and ginger. Enjoy this delicious treat!
Coconut-Infused Koeksisters

Elevate your koeksisters by adding a tropical twist. After the traditional frying and soaking process, roll them in desiccated coconut for a delightful crunch and a hint of exotic flavor.
Chocolate-Drizzled Koeksisters

Take a classic koeksister and give it a chocolatey makeover. After soaking in syrup, drizzle them with melted chocolate for a delightful blend of sweet and rich indulgence.
Almond-Pistachio Koeksisters

Incorporate a nutty dimension by sprinkling crushed almonds and pistachios over the syrup-drenched koeksisters. The crunch and flavor of the nuts perfectly complement the sweetness.
Cardamom-Infused Koeksisters

Add a touch of the Middle East by infusing the syrup with cardamom. The aromatic and slightly spicy notes of cardamom enhance the overall flavor of the koeksisters.
Orange-Zest Koeksisters

Infuse a zesty citrus flavor by adding orange zest to the syrup. The bright and tangy notes of orange zest bring a refreshing twist to the traditional sweet syrup.
Vanilla-Cinnamon Koeksisters

Enhance the syrup with a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of ground cinnamon. The warm, comforting flavors of vanilla and cinnamon complement the sweetness of the koeksisters.
Ginger-Spiced Koeksisters

For a bit of heat and complexity, infuse the syrup with grated ginger. The spicy kick of ginger adds a unique and invigorating element to the sweet koeksisters.
Lemon-Poppy Seed Koeksisters

Introduce a burst of citrusy flavor by adding lemon zest to the dough and syrup. Sprinkle some poppy seeds over the soaked koeksisters for a delightful crunch.
Honey-Glazed Koeksisters

Substitute part of the sugar in the syrup with honey for a different sweetness. The natural richness of honey gives the koeksisters a distinctive taste.
Rooibos-Infused Koeksisters

Create a South African fusion by infusing the syrup with brewed rooibos tea. The earthy and slightly sweet rooibos flavor enhances the authenticity of this beloved South African treat.
Discover the joy of making koeksisters with these 10 delightful recipes. From traditional to modern twists, these simple recipes will have you creating this beloved South African treat in no time. Whether you prefer a crispy or syrupy finish, there’s a recipe here to satisfy every palate. Embrace the sweet, cinnamon-infused goodness of koeksisters today.