Print Options:

Puff Puff Recipe

Puff Puff Recipe

Welcome to a delightful journey of taste with Puff Puff, a classic West African treat. These golden, pillowy balls of dough are sure to bring joy to any occasion. Perfect for snacking or dessert, Puff Puff is an easy-to-make recipe that promises a satisfying crunch on the outside and a soft, fluffy interior.

History of Puff Puff

Puff Puff has deep roots in West African cuisine and is a staple street food in many countries. Known as Bofrot in Ghana and Beignet in French-speaking regions, this beloved snack has been enjoyed for generations. Its origins can be traced back to the influences of Portuguese and French colonization, which introduced similar fried dough treats to African culinary traditions. Over time, Puff Puff has evolved into its unique form, cherished for its simplicity and versatility.

Serving Suggestions for Puff Puff Recipe:

Puff Puff is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

  • Classic: Simply dust with powdered sugar for a traditional treat.
  • Cinnamon Delight: Roll the warm Puff Puffs in cinnamon sugar for a spiced twist.
  • Dipping Sauces: Pair with chocolate sauce, caramel, or a fruit compote for an added layer of flavour.
  • Savory Option: Enjoy Puff Puff with a spicy pepper sauce or cheese dip for a savory snack.

Storing Instructions for Puff Puff Recipe:

Store any leftover Puff Puff in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them:

  • Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Instructions for Puff Puff Recipe:

To enjoy Puff Puff as fresh as when they were made, follow these reheating tips:

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the Puff Puffs on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave: Place a few Puff Puffs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
  • Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). Heat the Puff Puffs for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Conclusion:

We hope you enjoy making and savouring these delightful Puff Puffs! They are perfect for sharing with friends and family or as a comforting solo treat. We’d love to hear how your Puff Puffs turned out! Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.

How to Make Puff Puff Recipe

Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Rest Time: 60 mins Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Cooking Temp 175  °C
Servings 25
Calories 113 kcal per serving
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Dietary dairy-free, Nut-Free, vegetarian
Description

Savour the delightful taste of Puff Puff, a beloved West African snack that's perfect for any occasion. These smooth, golden-brown dough balls are lightly sweetened and can be enjoyed plain or with your favourite toppings. Simple to make and incredibly satisfying, Puff Puff brings a touch of warmth and tradition to your table.

Ingredients
  • 475 ml warm water
  • 7 g active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
  • 150 g granulated sugar
  • 420 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Oil for deep frying
Instructions
    Prepare the Dough:
  1. Activate Yeast

    In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

  2. Mix Ingredients

    Add sugar, flour, salt, and nutmeg (if using) to the yeast mixture. Mix until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be slightly thicker than pancake batter but not too stiff.

  3. First Rise

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  4. Fry the Puff Puff:
  5. Heat Oil

    Pour oil into a large pot or deep fryer until it is about 3-4 inches deep. Heat the oil to 175°C (350°F).

  6. Test Oil TemperatureTest Oil Temperature

    Drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it rises to the surface and starts to bubble, the oil is ready.

  7. Fry Dough Balls

    Scoop small balls of dough using a spoon or your hands and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.

  8. Cook Until Golden Brown

    Fry each batch for about 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the Puff Puffs are golden brown on all sides.

  9. Drain Excess Oil

    Use a slotted spoon to remove the Puff Puffs from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  10. Serve:
  11. Optional Coating

    While still warm, roll the Puff Puffs in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar if desired.

  12. Enjoy

    Serve warm as a snack or dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 113kcal
Calories from Fat 18kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2g4%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 118mg5%
Potassium 20mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 23g8%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 8g
Protein 2g4%

Calcium 3 mg
Iron 0.8 mg
Vitamin E 0.1 IU

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Optional Toppings: Powdered sugar, Cinnamon sugar
  • Nutmeg: Adds a warm, spicy flavour if used
  • Oil: Ensure it's suitable for deep frying, such as vegetable or canola oil
Keywords: Puff Puff Recipe, How to make Puff Puff, West African Puff Puff Recipe, African fried dough balls, Easy Puff Puff, Nigerian Puff Puff, Ghanaian Bofrot, Homemade Puff Puff, Sweet fried dough recipe, Traditional African snacks
Did you make this recipe?

Tag #GreatFoodIreland if you made this recipe. Follow @greatfoodireland on Instagram for more recipes.

Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.

Fiona O'Sullivan

Fiona O'Sullivan is the passionate editor of Great Food Ireland, a popular blog dedicated to celebrating traditional Irish cuisine and culinary heritage. With a rich background in food writing and a deep love for Ireland's gastronomic culture, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role. She curates authentic recipes, shares culinary stories, and explores the vibrant food scene across Ireland. Fiona's dedication to promoting Irish food traditions has made Great Food Ireland a beloved resource for food enthusiasts around the world.