If there’s one snack that instantly brings joy to a table, it’s the beloved Puff Puff. These golden, pillowy balls of fried dough are a favorite across West Africa, renowned for their satisfying crisp exterior and soft, airy center. Best of all? Puff Puff is a breeze to whip up with just a handful of pantry staples, making it perfect for those evenings when you want homemade comfort without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, with tea, or as a sweet treat after dinner, Puff Puff is the ultimate taste of home—slightly sweet, warmly spiced, and endlessly snackable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Quick and Easy: If you can mix, scoop, and fry, you can make fantastic Puff Puff. The dough comes together in a flash, and after a short rise, it’s ready for frying.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Who can resist warm, freshly fried dough? These little bites disappear fast, so be sure to make plenty.
  • Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to make them more dessert-like or leave them slightly savory for dipping.
  • Versatile for All Occasions: Puff Puff is just as welcome at a festive gathering as it is on a quiet night in.
  • Perfect for Dipping or Dusting: Dress them up with powdered sugar, or serve alongside a spicy pepper sauce for contrast—you’ll want to try both!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients and get ready for a treat!

  • Warm Water: Helps activate the yeast, bringing the dough to life with a gentle rise. If the dough feels stiff, just splash in an extra bit.
  • Active Dry Yeast: The secret to that airy, fluffy texture—don’t skip this!
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of Puff Puff, offering structure and softness.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the dough, making each bite irresistible; part of it also wakes up the yeast.
  • Grated Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity—never underestimate what fresh nutmeg can do.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and really makes the flavors pop.
  • Vegetable Oil: For deep frying; choose a neutral oil for the best results and heat to about 350˚F.
  • Pepper Sauce (Optional): For those who love a fiery dip, this transforms Puff Puff into a sweet-and-spicy treat.
  • Powdered Sugar (Optional): A dusting takes Puff Puff from everyday snack to celebratory dessert.

Tip: The dough should be very moist—stickier than your typical bread dough. That’s the secret to the perfect airy inside!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Puff Puff is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas:

  • Spice It Up: Add ground cinnamon, cloves, or a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
  • Make It Vegan: The basic recipe is already vegan—just check your pepper sauce if you use one!
  • Go Fruity: Stir in a handful of raisins, coconut flakes, or zest of lemon for a twist.
  • Savory Puff Puff: Reduce the sugar and mix in finely chopped scallions or chili for a more savory snack.
  • Stuffed Puff Puff: Tuck a small piece of chocolate, jam, or cheese into the center before frying for a surprise inside.

How to Make Puff Puff

Here’s how you bring these beauties to life:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by whisking warm water, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar together. Let it rest until you see bubbles and a foamy layer—about 5 minutes. This step ensures your Puff Puff puffs!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, the yeast mixture, remaining sugar, freshly grated nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together—if the dough feels dry or tough, drizzle in more water a little at a time. Your dough should be extremely wet and sticky.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and set it somewhere warm for about an hour. The dough will double in size and look delightfully bubbly.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan to at least 3 inches deep. Heat over medium (about 4-6 on a 10-point stove) until it reaches 350°F. Don’t rush—hotter oil equals perfect golden crusts!

Step 5: Fry the Puff Puff

With two spoons or your hand (if you’re skilled), scoop small balls of dough and gently lower them into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, so each one browns evenly on all sides. They puff as they cook and should float when ready.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

When Puff Puff is golden brown, scoop out and drain on paper towels. Serve warm—either as is, dusted with powdered sugar, or alongside a bowl of pepper sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined for light, airy Puff Puff.
  • Test the Oil: Drop a small piece of dough in—if it sizzles and rises, the oil’s ready.
  • Shape Matters: Wet your spoons or hands between each scoop to prevent sticking and help form round shapes.
  • Fry in Batches: Overcrowding cools the oil—a few at a time means even cooking and crispier crusts.
  • Keep Puff Puff Warm: A low oven (around 200°F) keeps finished Puff Puff perfectly warm until serving.

How to Serve

Puff Puff truly shines when served warm, fresh from the fryer. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet treat, or place a bowl of spicy pepper sauce on the side for dipping—this contrast brings an irresistible balance. For a brunch table, pair them with strong tea or coffee. You could even add a fresh fruit platter or a creamy yogurt dip for extra fun. At parties, Puff Puff fits right in beside both sweet and savory bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) have leftovers, keep Puff Puff in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll lose a bit of crispness but still taste fantastic.

Freezing

Puff Puff freezes beautifully. Arrange cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-fried magic, pop Puff Puff in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or zap for a few seconds in the microwave (oven is best for crispness!).

FAQs

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

    Yes, instant yeast works perfectly and doesn’t need to be activated with water first—just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and proceed as usual.

  2. My dough is too thick—what should I do?

    Don’t worry! Just add more warm water, a little at a time, until the dough is wet and sticky. Dry dough results in dense, less airy Puff Puff.

  3. How do I know when Puff Puff is done frying?

    Puff Puff should be an even, deep golden brown. They often float and turn themselves, but you can use a slotted spoon to gently flip for even color. They should feel light when picked up, not heavy.

  4. Is it necessary to use nutmeg?

    Nutmeg is traditional and adds wonderful depth, but if you’re out or not a fan, you can omit it. Try a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom, or just go with plain dough—the results are still delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about a fresh, warm batch of Puff Puff—crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with just enough sweetness. Whether you stick to the classic or try out your own favorite twists, this recipe proves that the best treats are also the simplest. Give this Puff Puff recipe a try, and let the aroma fill your kitchen and your home with joy—there’s nothing quite like sharing a homemade treat with friends and family!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Puff Puff Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 40–50 pieces 1x
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: African
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Puff Puff is a popular West African snack consisting of golden, light, and airy fried dough balls. Sweetened with sugar and a hint of nutmeg, they are simple to make and perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a delicious treat any time of the day. Enjoy them as-is, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with a spicy pepper sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups warm water, plus more as needed
  • 1 (7g) packet active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar, divided

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt

For Frying and Serving

  • Vegetable oil for deep frying (enough for at least 3” depth in pan)
  • Pepper sauce for dipping (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a medium bowl, whisk together the warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the sugar. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes or until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the yeast mixture, the remaining sugar, grated nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly. If the dough appears too dry, add more water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough is very wet and sticky.
  3. Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm place and let the dough rise for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  4. Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan, ensuring a depth of at least 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat (setting 4–6 on a 10-point burner scale) to a temperature of about 350°F. This should take 8–10 minutes.
  5. Form and Fry Puff Puff: Carefully drop small balls of dough into the hot oil using your hands or two spoons. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Rotate regularly with a spider or metal spoon to ensure even browning on all sides, and fry until golden brown.
  6. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried puffs with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a pepper sauce for dipping, if desired.

Notes

  • Use very warm (not hot) water to activate the yeast for best results.
  • The dough should be very sticky and wet; do not add too much flour.
  • Maintain oil temperature at around 350°F to ensure even frying and prevent soggy Puff Puff.
  • For even shapes, use two spoons or lightly oiled hands to form dough balls.
  • Puff Puff is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 pieces
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Avatar photo

Hey there, I’m Jasmine Miller, the foodie behind JmRecipes.com! I’m on a mission to make cooking COOOL and GOOOOD for everyone, sharing easy, fun, and totally scrumptious recipes, so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star