Condensed Milk & Coconut Koeksisters 🥥🍯

Craving something sweet, soft, and a little nostalgic?
These Condensed Milk & Coconut Koeksisters are a South African classic reimagined — pillowy dough twists fried until golden, then soaked in a rich, creamy condensed milk syrup and rolled in coconut!
Every bite is sticky, sweet, and full of irresistible coconut flavor.
Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cup desiccated coconut
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup milk (plus a little extra if needed)
For the Syrup:
- 1½ cups sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
For Frying:
- Oil, for deep frying
For Coating:
- Extra desiccated coconut, for rolling
Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix together cake flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and desiccated coconut.
- Add the egg, melted butter, and milk.
- Stir until a soft dough forms.
(If the dough feels dry, add a splash more milk.)
2. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 15–20 minutes.
3. Prepare the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, condensed milk, and vanilla essence.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
- Let the syrup thicken slightly (about 5–7 minutes), then remove from heat.
4. Shape the Koeksisters:
- Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
- Cut into 2-inch wide strips.
- Twist each strip into a braid-like shape (you can twist two strips together or just give a single strip a simple twist).
5. Fry the Koeksisters:
- Heat the oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the koeksisters in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove and drain briefly on paper towels.
6. Soak in Syrup:
- While still hot, immediately dip the koeksisters into the warm syrup.
- Let them soak for a few seconds to absorb all the sweet goodness.
7. Coat in Coconut:
- Roll the syrup-soaked koeksisters in extra desiccated coconut for an irresistible finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
- Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee for a decadent treat!
Recipe Overview
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories per Piece |
---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 12-14 pieces | ~230 kcal |
Tips for Perfect Koeksisters:
- Work quickly: Dip the koeksisters in the syrup while they’re still hot for maximum absorption.
- Keep syrup warm: If the syrup cools too much, gently reheat it.
- Oil temperature matters: Keep the oil around 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy or undercooked koeksisters.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these coconut koeksisters fresh the same day for the best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container — they’re still delicious for up to 2 days!
Final Thoughts
These Condensed Milk & Coconut Koeksisters are pure bliss — the golden fried exterior, the creamy sweet center, and the tropical coconut coating make them simply unforgettable.
Perfect for holidays, tea parties, or anytime you need a sweet, nostalgic bite!
Happy baking!
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