Coconut Puff Puff, an Africa popular snack, is a deep-fried batter commonly sold as street food in West Africa. What makes them unique is that they are infused with the fruity goodness of coconuts!
Craving something sweet and tropical? Then try out Coconut Puff, the Nigerian Puff Puff! These light and soft treats have a slightly chewy texture and a coconut flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
Pin this recipe on Pinterest to save for later
It is an appetizer you can serve for celebrations or weekends to give everyone a great time!
How to Make Coconut Puff Puffs
Do you have desiccated coconut? Let’s put it to use in making coconut puff puff!
These delicious puff puff will delight you whether you are looking for a quick snack or a unique treat. Prepare your palate for tender coconut goodness that will transport your taste buds to the tropical shores of West Africa, Nigeria!
Ingredients
Desiccated coconut
Desiccated coconut is a versatile, gluten-free, nut-free, and keto-friendly condiment. It is naturally made from dried coconut meat. It is a popular ingredient for home cook dishes and desserts.
This is also healthy because it is rich in fiber to keep your body strong. Additionally, it tastes sweet and nutty, making any recipe tasty!
Flour
Flour is the base ingredient for the batter and forms the puff puffs’ body. Moreover, it reacts with the active dry yeast for a thick coconut batter.
I also use this for recipes like Banana Bread, Scotch Eggs, and Coconut Chin Chin!
Active dry yeast
Active dry yeast is one of the best leavening agents for puff pastry. This gives the batter a raising action that lightens and softens the puff puff. I tried this in my Air Fryer Bread recipe; it can make dishes airy and soft!
Coconut water
Coconut water improves the natural naughty flavor of the desiccated coconut. It also adds moisture for a rich and delicious quality.
Seasoning
Distribute the flavors throughout each puff puff with a flavoring agent. Season the batter with sugar, nutmeg, and sea salt. These can surely improve the taste of the dish.
Water
Water is needed for mixing and yeast reaction. This also allows the batter to double in size for more puff puffs.
Coconut oil
Use coconut oil to deep fry the batter. It gives more flavor and benefits to any dish. Moreover, it strengthens the coconut flavor.
Once you have these, it will be easy to make Coconut Puff Puff. You and your loved ones will enjoy every piece of it!
Directions
Try my special coconut puff puff recipe for a fun experience.
- Combine water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a bowl.
- Cover it with a lid and set it aside to activate.
- Then, mix the flour, sugar, nutmeg, sea salt, and desiccated coconut in a bowl.
- Make a well in the middle and put in the activated yeast, warm water, and coconut water.
- Add more water to fold the mixture until you get a thick texture.
- Cover it with cling film and cloth to set aside for at least 45 minutes.
- Heat coconut oil in a deep frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Mix and use an ice cream scooper to scoop your desired batter amount and gently drop it into the oil. It should float to the top for proper cooking.
- Turn them over with a skewer to cook both sides.
- Fry until they are golden brown and transfer to a lined plate.
- Finally, top it with desiccated coconut, and serve!
Congratulations, you just made some delicious Coconut Puff Puff! Do you feel satisfied every time you taste it?
Tips
Making Desiccated Coconuts
There are desiccated coconuts you can buy in stores. However, if you have leftover coconuts, you can make desiccated coconuts at home too.
Storing Coconut Puff Puff Batter
If you want to set aside some batter for future use, transfer it into resealable bags or airtight containers to refrigerate and use within three days. Otherwise, place the batter in a bowl and cover it with cling film and a kitchen towel.
You can also freeze it in freezer bags for several weeks. Once ready to use, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Coconut Puff Puff Variations
These coconut puff puff are perfect vegan and wheat treats because of their rich flavor and heavenly texture.
As flavoring agents, you can also use condiments such as chocolate powder, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
If you want to give it a creamy and milky flavor, add skimmed milk or non-dairy milk such as coconut milk and almond milk. Use self-raising flour or combine plain flour and baking powder to give the batter an extra rise.
Recommended Tools
- Deep frying pan: Deep fry the puff puffs in a pan.
- Glass bowls: Prepare the dry ingredients and the batter in glass bowls.
- Scooper: Use a scooper to cook an appropriate amount of batter.
- Skewer: Turn the puff puffs in the oil using a skewer
- Strainer skimmer: Drain the oil by moving the dish with a strainer skimmer.
- Cling film and kitchen towel: Cover the batter to rise.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn commission income from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
Visit my shop for more products.
How to Serve Coconut Puff Puffs
These coconut puff tops are best served as breakfast, snacks, or side dishes for your favorite savory meals. Make the snack moreish by serving it with sauces and dips, such as chocolate or cream condiments.
Make it more delicious by sprinkling it with powdered sugar, coconut flakes, or desiccated coconut for your guests to love.
Furthermore, below are some of the best recipes that I suggest as pairings with this dish:
- Iced Coffee
- Iced Tea
- Strawberry Banana Milkshake
- Zobo Drink
- Hibiscus Drink
- Orange Juice
- Pineapple Ginger Juice
Storage Tips
- At room temperature: Put the coconut puff puffs in an airtight container to store at room temperature for several hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nigerian Puff Puff made of?
Nigerian Puff Puff is usually made of water, dry yeast, sugar, nutmeg, flour, sea salt, water, and oil. It can also be seasoned with different ingredients, like desiccated coconut, for a unique flavor.
Why didn’t the puff puff rice?
If the batter sank in the oil, there was too much water in the batter. Gradually add it to ensure that you are adding just enough water. Moreover, remember to add yeast to the mixture.
How do you make the best puff?
The best puff starts with a tasty and well-seasoned batter. Measure the ingredients to get the right consistency. Also, check if the oil is hot enough before deep frying. The batter should float to the top.
Why does the puff puff feel crunchy?
If the puff puff is too crunchy, it may be due to a lack of moisture in the batter. Add more water to fix this situation so that you can achieve the perfect consistency.
Nigerian Coconut Puff Puff
Ingredients
For the yeast mixture
- 2 tbsp water (lukewarm)
- 2 tsp dry yeast (active)
- 1 tsp sugar
For the batter
- 2¼ cups flour
- 6 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 3 tbsp desiccated coconut
- ⅓ cup water (lukewarm)
- ⅓ cup coconut water
- Activated yeast mixture (prepped above)
For deep frying
- coconut puff puff batter (prepped above)
- coconut oil (enough to deep fry)
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture. Combine water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Cover it with a lid and set it aside to activate.
- Make the batter.Mix the flour, sugar, nutmeg, sea salt, and desiccated coconut in a bowl. Make a well in the middle and put in the activated yeast, water, and coconut water. Add more water to fold the mixture until you get a thick consistency. Cover it with cling film and cloth to set aside. You can also give it a quick rise by heating it in the microwave or oven for 3 minutes. After 45 minutes, the mixture should double in size.
- Deep fry. Heat coconut oil in a saucepan or deep pot over medium-low heat. Mix and scoop your desired batter amount and gently drop it into the hot oil. It should float to the top for proper cooking. Turn them over to make sure that they cook all over. Fry until they are golden brown and transfer to a lined tray. Top it with desiccated coconut, and serve!
Video
Notes
- Make desiccated coconuts by drying or dehydrating and grating the coconut meat.
- Season the batter with other spices of your choice for enhanced flavor.
- Add enough water to make it fluffy and light.
Nutrition
