Puff Puff is a classic West African snack that has won hearts across the globe. These golden, bite-sized balls of fried dough are slightly sweet, fluffy on the inside, and crisp on the outside. They’re a staple at celebrations, street food markets, and family gatherings and with good reason.
Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or trying something new, this homemade puff puff recipe is foolproof and absolutely addictive. Get ready to make a batch that disappears in minutes!
Why Puff Puff is Always a Hit
Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s something magical about fresh puff puff: the slightly chewy inside, the warm nutmeg-spiced aroma, and the golden crust that crunches just a little when you bite into it. They’re like mini doughnuts but even easier to make. Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Puff puff is incredibly budget-friendly and requires pantry staples you likely already have. The dough is made from flour, yeast, sugar, nutmeg, and salt, then deep-fried to perfection. No special tools or oven required—just a bowl, a spoon, and a pan of hot oil.
What You’ll Need and How to Make It
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make a batch of puff puff:
- 2 cups (250g) plain flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 pinches of salt
- Lukewarm water (enough to form a thick batter)
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Directions
- Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in a bit of lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your puff puff will rise properly. - Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly. - Add wet ingredients
Pour the activated yeast into the flour mixture. Gradually add lukewarm water while stirring until you get a thick, stretchy batter. It should not be runny. - Let it rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size and becomes airy. - Heat the oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot and heat over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of batter sizzles and rises to the top. - Fry the puff puff
Use your hands or a spoon to scoop the batter and drop small balls into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch until golden brown, turning as needed for even cooking (about 2–3 minutes per side). - Drain and serve
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Dust with sugar if desired and serve warm.
Puff Puff Tips and Toppings
Customize Your Puff Puff
Puff puff is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to change things up:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter.
- Savory twist: Reduce the sugar and mix in chopped onions or pepper for a savory snack.
- Make it fancy: Drizzle with chocolate, caramel, or dust with powdered sugar for dessert-style puff puff.
Storage and Reheating
Puff puff is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or microwave for a few seconds.
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Best Homemade Puff Puff – A Sweet, Golden West African Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes rise time)
- Yield: About 30 small puff puffs
Description
Light, airy, and golden brown, these homemade puff puffs are a popular West African treat made with flour, yeast, and a hint of nutmeg. Perfect for snacking or dessert!
Ingredients
:
– 2 cups (250g) plain flour
– 2 tsp active dry yeast
– ½ tsp ground nutmeg
– ½ cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
– 3 pinches of salt
– Lukewarm water (for mixing into a thick batter)
– Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Instructions
– Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar and let it activate (5–10 minutes).
– In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, nutmeg, and salt.
– Add the yeast mixture and more lukewarm water gradually to form a stretchy, thick batter.
– Cover and let the batter rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes.
– Heat oil in a deep pan. Once hot, scoop batter into oil and fry until golden brown.
– Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, optionally dusted with sugar.
Notes
For a savory version, reduce sugar and add chopped onions or chili peppers. Add cinnamon or vanilla for a dessert-style variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Deep frying
- Cuisine: West African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces
- Calories: 90 per puff
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 12g
Keywords: puff puff, African doughnuts, fried dough, sweet snack