Koeksisters
Discover the delightful South African treat with our Koeksisters recipe! Infused with ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon, this sweet, syrupy pastry combines crispy, golden dough with a fragrant syrup for an irresistible dessert. Perfect for any occasion!
- 17 Apr 2025
- Cook time 130 min
- Prep time 60 min
- 10 Servings
- 10 Ingredients
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.
Ingredients:
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.
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.
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!
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 100 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 350kcal | 17% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 4.17g | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 63g | 19% |
| Fiber 1.05g | 3% |
| Sugar 45g | 47% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 7g | 9% |
| Saturated 3.71g | 12% |
| Cholesterol 40mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 70ug | 8% |
| Choline 24mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B1 0.09mg | 7% |
| Vitamin B2 0.05mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B3 0.44mg | 3% |
| Vitamin B6 0.04mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B9 11ug | 3% |
| Vitamin B12 0.12ug | 5% |
| Vitamin C 1.26mg | 1% |
| Vitamin E 0.09mg | 1% |
| Vitamin K 0.71ug | 1% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 60mg | 5% |
| Copper, Cu 0.07mg | 7% |
| Iron, Fe 0.51mg | 5% |
| Magnesium, Mg 13mg | 3% |
| Phosphorus, P 70mg | 6% |
| Potassium, K 80mg | 2% |
| Selenium, Se 7ug | 13% |
| Sodium, Na 63mg | 4% |
| Zinc, Zn 0.43mg | 4% |
| Water | |
| Water 22g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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