Koeksisters
Koeksisters are a traditional South African dessert, featuring crispy, braided dough soaked in a spiced syrup infused with ginger and cinnamon. This recipe guides you through making these golden, deep-fried delights that are sweet, sticky, and aromatic.
Cook time 130 min
Prep time 60 min
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar1 tbsp ginger root
1 cinnamon stick
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup butter
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 egg
1/2 cup milk (1% fat)
Koeksisters are a traditional South African dessert known for their sweet, sticky, and aromatic flavor. These golden, deep-fried dough twists are soaked in a spiced syrup, making them a delectable treat that's perfect for any occasion. Follow this recipe to make your own delicious Koeksisters at home.
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, grated ginger, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a large, shallow dish and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled. Chilled syrup helps achieve the signature crispness of Koeksisters.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and ground nutmeg.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, beat the egg and combine it with the milk.
- Pour the egg-milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness.
- Cut the dough into rectangles approximately 4 inches by 2 inches (10cm by 5cm).
- Divide each rectangle into three strips, leaving one end uncut to keep the strips connected.
- Braid the three strips together, and then press the ends to seal them.
- In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Be cautious as hot oil can be dangerous.
- Fry the braided dough pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels briefly.
- While still hot, immerse the fried koeksisters in the chilled syrup for a few seconds to soak.
- Remove and place them on a wire rack to drain any excess syrup.
- Once cooled, your Koeksisters are ready to be enjoyed! They can be served as a delightful dessert or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.
Enjoy your homemade Koeksisters, a delightful South African treat that's sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of spiced syrup and soft, twisted dough creates a unique and irresistible dessert. Serve them fresh for the best experience!
Koeksisters FAQ:
A deep pan or a fryer is recommended for frying Koeksisters. Ensure it's deep enough to hold at least 2-3 inches of oil to allow the pastries to float freely.
Koeksisters are done when they turn golden brown and crisp, typically in about 3-4 minutes per side. Monitor them to avoid burning.
Yes, you can store leftover Koeksisters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, they may lose some crispness over time.
If you don't have ginger, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of ground ginger, though the flavor will differ slightly.
You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour, but note that the texture may vary slightly from traditional Koeksisters.
Tips:
- Make the syrup in advance.: Prepare the sugar syrup a day before and store it in the fridge. The cold syrup will help the fried koeksisters absorb more flavor.
- Use cold syrup.: Dip the hot, freshly fried dough pieces directly into cold syrup for the best results. This contrast in temperature is crucial for absorption and creating a crispy exterior.
- Keep the dough covered.: While working with the dough, keep the portions you are not currently shaping covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
- Don’t overcrowd the oil.: Fry a few koeksisters at a time to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Store properly.: Store koeksisters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition per serving
10 ServingsCalories 350kcal
Protein 4.17g
Carbohydrates 63g
Fiber 1.05g
Sugar 45g
Fat 7g
More recipes
Coconut yogurt parfait with honey
Enjoy a healthy Coconut Yogurt Parfait with honey and coconut.
28 Jan 2026Asparagus, bacon and cheese frittata
A delicious asparagus and bacon frittata baked to perfection.
18 Nov 2025Paleo stuffed pineapple with bananas, coconut milk and cinnamon
Paleo stuffed pineapple with bananas and coconut milk.
01 Feb 2026Ham, asparagus and red pepper frittata with parmesan cheese
A protein-packed ham and asparagus frittata with parmesan.
26 Dec 2025Chilli, zucchini and lemon pasta
A quick and vibrant chilli, zucchini, and lemon pasta dish.
27 Dec 2025