Africa South Africa

Traditional Koeksisters

Name: Traditional Koeksisters
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Africa
Ingredients: 236ml / 8oz water; 400g / 14oz granulated sugar; 8g / 0.3oz fresh ginger, chopped; 1 cinnamon stick; 15ml / 0.5oz lemon juice; 7g / 0.25oz cream of tartar; 3g / 0.1oz salt; 180g / 6.3oz all-purpose flour; 117g / 4.1oz corn flour; 10g / 0.35oz baking powder; 4g / 0.15oz salt; 24g / 0.8oz sugar; 25g / 0.9oz butter, softened; 1 large egg; 118ml / 4oz milk; 500ml / 17oz vegetable oil for frying

Koeksister, South African Twisted Doughnuts, Cape Malay Koeksisters

Difficulty: Medium
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Make Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 320 / serving
Diet: Vegetarian

The essentials, at a glance

Africa Snack DessertSweet

These are traditional South African braided doughnuts that are deep-fried and soaked in a cold syrup. They feature a distinct crunchy exterior and a moist, syrup-infused centre. The flavor is characterized by a sweet, spiced profile with hints of ginger and cinnamon.

ProteinProtein 4.0g

FatFat 12.0g

CarbsCarbs 48.0g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

Instructions

The Syrup

Combine water, cream of tartar, salt, sugar, ginger, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a saucepan; boil and simmer for 10 minutes, then cool and refrigerate.

The Koeksisters

Mix flour, corn flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.

Incorporate softened butter by hand, then add egg and milk; knead until smooth and let rest for 30 minutes.

Roll dough to 1 inch thickness, cut into strips, and braid three strands together, pinching ends to seal.

Heat oil to 180C (350F) and fry koeksisters until golden brown on both sides.

Remove from oil, drain briefly, and soak in the chilled syrup for a few minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Other considerations for this recipe

Syrup Temperature

If syrup was refrigerated, let it reach room temperature for 30 minutes before frying the koeksisters.

Make Ahead

Wait to soak in syrup until serving; reheat donuts in the oven before soaking. Dough can be formed the day before.

Nutritional Benefits

Provides a quick energy boost from carbohydrates.

Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.

Recipe Credit

africanbites.comTraditional koeksisters

The Magic of South African Koeksisters

Andrew T. 30 Apr 2026

From the Blog

All Contributions

Traditional Koeksisters · Andrew T.

Braiding the dough is the most rewarding part of making these traditional treats, turning simple flour and butter into intricate, golden knots. As someone who loves discovering global flavours, I find the contrast between the hot, deep-fried dough and the ice-cold syrup absolutely fascinating. This rapid temperature shift is the secret to achieving that iconic crystalline sugar crust while keeping the centre moist and tender.

A Taste of Tradition

The interplay of fresh ginger and cinnamon in the syrup adds a sophisticated warmth that balances the sweetness. When you bite through the crunchy exterior, you get a burst of spiced syrup that feels like a warm hug. These are perfect for sharing with friends over a pot of coffee, bringing a genuine taste of South African hospitality to your own kitchen.