African Drop Doughnuts are pillow-soft on the inside, super crunchy on the outside, and insanely savory, making them a unique treat with a fascinating history that is enjoyed primarily in certain parts of Africa. They are ready in just 30 minutes, with no resting time required.
Originating in Africa, these doughnuts have been enjoyed by generations worldwide. They are made from a simple batter mixture that is fried in oil and served plain or with various toppings, such as sugar or cinnamon. If you enjoy these African drop doughnuts, you’ll love the classic, soft, and sweet Easy Puff Puff Recipe.
African Drop Doughnuts are popular for their light, fluffy texture and sweet flavor. Like Nigerian buns and carrot buns, they are ready in just 30 minutes. This Cameroonian Gateau is another you will love. You'll often see these served with African scotch eggs at parties.
Growing up, my mom always made dropped donuts at home with the chin, and we started eating them as soon as they came out of the pot because the flavor was heavenly. These are so easy to make, require less time, and you don't need to let them proof. This particular Drop Doughnuts recipe has garnered numerous positive reviews on YouTube, and I can assure you that it's a foolproof recipe.
In the US, it is spelled chiefly as Donuts or Doughnuts; meanwhile, in Africa, it is called Doughnuts. To be specific, "drop doughnut" or "African drop doughnuts." You will mostly find this in parties, bakeries, and sometimes roadside vendors. African scotch eggs are another popular roadside snack.
You might also enjoy the perfectly crunchy, easy puff puff or try the fun-to-make twisted doughnuts for a creative take on classic doughnuts. For a lighter treat, the banana crepes make for a great dessert or breakfast option.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
It's a no-fail recipe based on the thousands of 5-star reviews on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. So, you're in for the best.
It's easy to find the ingredients. You may already have it in your pantry.
No proofing time is needed. Mix and fry immediately.
Drop Doughnuts Ingredients
- All purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Evaporated milk or any liquid milk
- Salt
- Nutmeg
- Melted butter
Substitutions and Variations
- Use water instead of milk. You can add three tablespoons of powdered milk for more richness.
- For a fruity twist, add one mashed banana. If you like puff puffs, try this banana puff puff.
- Use cinnamon, coconut, and vanilla extract for flavor. Little lemon zest is a good option.
- Skip the eggs if you have allergies, and use ½ cup of applesauce.
- Stir in grated or dedicated coconut for extra richness.
How to make African Drop Doughnuts
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- Whisk the butter, sugar, milk, and eggs in another bowl until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and fold gently with a wooden spatula or your hands until a pasty texture is formed.
- Heat oil in a pot or pan over medium heat. It should be at least 3 inches deep. Drop golf-ball-size portions of the batter into the oil and fry for 2-5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Ensure to stir while frying so they are thoroughly cooked.
- When the doughnuts are ready, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with absorbent paper or paper towel. Then serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Milk or water should be lukewarm to add softness.
- NEVER USE YEAST
- The batter Should be Wet and sticky. Add water to reach the correct consistency if needed.
- The oil should be hot enough. If not, the balls will soak up oil, and you won't like that. Right oil
- Use a spoon or hand to shape the dough.
- Oil should be at least 3 inches deep.
- Let them cool to maintain crisp.
TOP TIP
Test the oil by dropping a tiny batter inside; if it browns immediately, the oil is too hot. If it takes time to have a brown color, oil is ideal for frying. If it soaks up oil immediately and takes a long time time to brown, the oil isn't hot enough.
Recipe FAQs
About 2-3 minutes flipping halfway through.
Use all-purpose flour and the right amount of water or milk.
It's a Polish doughnut made from yeasted dough, deep-fried, and usually filled with jam or custard.
Store in an airtight ziplock or container for up to a day, then reheat in an air fryer or oven for 3 -5 minutes on 350F. This keeps it crispy will soft inside.
African doughnuts are soft, lightly sweetened, and deep-fried. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, Made with eggs and milk for extra richness.
More Pastries to try
African Drop Doughnuts
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- ½ cup Butter or margarine, melted
- 2 tsp. Baking powder
- 4 large Eggs at room temperature
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1 cup Evaporated milk or any Liquid milk
- ½ tsp. Nutmeg lemon zest or vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. Salt
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the dry ingredients, flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg and mix thoroughly.
- Add butter, sugar, milk and eggs in another bowl, and whisk until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and fold gently using a wooden spatula or hand until pasty texture is formed.
- Pour oil into a large pot over medium heat. When oil is hot, drop a little batter, and if it takes a little time to turn dark brown, it means your oil is ready for fry.
- Drop golf-ball size portions of the batter in the oil and fry for a few minutes until they turn golden brown, ensure to stir while frying, so they are thoroughly cooked. I usually use a spoon to cut out the squeeze batter from my palms.
- When the doughnuts are ready, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with absorbent paper. Then serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- If your batter is too hard, add like 3 tablespoon water or milk.
- Oil should be 3 inches deep inside pot, so it cooks evenly and to avoid soaking up oil.
- Reduce or turn off heat each time you are frying new batch and turn back on when new batch comes in so it cooks evenly.
Would you like to save this recipe?
We'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Opetemi says
Thank You!
Bilikis says
Thanks for the recipe ma
Jubemi says
I'd like to make this. But mine is a small household. Can the measurements be split in half?
Yes you can
Bilikis says
No fail recipe.Always on point ma
Bilikis says
This recipe looks so delicious
Retsat Dauda says
I love this
thanks so much
Bilikis says
This recipe is the best.
Maman des garcons says
These are the BEST sis, it's the only recipe I only do at home for my family, all my boys are hooked on this.
From another Cameroonian sis, mum of three boys in the UK
Merciiii beaucoup
I love that. Thanks so much for the feedback sis. I really appreciate it.