Nigerian Coconut Buns Recipe

Nigerian Coconut Buns are crunchy and yummy deep-fried popular snacks in Africa. They have a crunchy outside and a soft inside. Plus, they taste fruity and nutty and smell great. So why not give them a try?

Nigerian Coconut Buns are not only a delicious treat but also part of a larger culture that celebrates cooking and sharing good times with friends and family.

This healthy recipe can be a snack, appetizer, side dish, or dessert! It is undoubtedly a great way to use coconut fruits to make comforting food.

In this blog, you will learn about the unique flavors of Nigerian Coconut Buns, what makes them unique, and how to make them in the comfort of your home.

How to Make Nigerian Coconut Buns

Making and deep frying the thick batter is almost as fun as eating these Nigerian Coconut Buns! So, for all you culinary enthusiasts, gather around, and let’s start making these delicious buns.

Ingredients

Coconut

Coconuts are delicious, healthy, and versatile fruits with coconut meat and water. These also have a fruit, nutty, and sweet taste. Indeed, they are some of the best fruits for food and drink recipes. 

The coconut meat is thick and dense that can be used for many dishes. Moreover, it can be blended to make a rich and creamy puree. On the other hand, coconut water has a mildly sweet taste. 

There are lots of health benefits from coconuts. Here are some of them:

• Coconuts are good sources of energy because they’re rich in fiber and other nutrients. 
• Eating these regularly boosts immunity, helping your body fight against diseases. 
• They are hydrating because of the coconut water. In fact, you can drink it straight from the fruit like you’re on vacation!
• Nourish your bones, teeth, and oral health with the coconut’s calcium content. 
• Healthily lose weight by adding these to your diet. They help with metabolism and endurance to keep you strong and fit.
• Get better brain function with the nutrients of the coconuts. You’ll be able to focus more on your everyday tasks! 

If you like coconut, you should try it:

• Nigerian Coconut Egg Rolls
• Coconut Chin Chin
• Coconut Puff Puff
• Coconut Fried Rice
• Coconut Rice
• Coconut Milk
• Chicken Curry
• Desiccated Coconut
• Coconut Loaf Cake
• Coconut Chips (Flakes)
• Coconut Water

Plain flour

Plain flour is the base ingredient of the batter. It gives the dish a crispy texture and airy crumbs. Additionally, the flour gives the buns the proper shape. 

I also use this flour for Crispy Fish Fillet, Flat Chin Chin, and Chicken Pie!

Seasoning

Improve the overall flavor of the Nigerian Coconut Buns with sugar, nutmeg, and sea salt! These can intensify the flavor of the coconuts for tasty buns.

Powdered milk 

Use powdered milk to enhance the creamy quality of the dish. It also gives the buns a golden brown color for the best appearance.

Baking powder

The baking powder adds to the leavening effects of the plain flour. The buns will surely become light and airy inside. It gives you a pastry quality once you bite into the buns!

Eggs

Eggs give moisture and texture to the buns. They bind the dry ingredients to help give you the full flavors of the coconuts and spices. In fact, the eggs can give the buns an extra puffy quality!

Butter 

Butter improves the overall quality of the Nigerian Coconut Buns. It makes the dish smell nice with buttery goodness. Furthermore, the butter gives the buns a better texture!

Coconut oil

Just when you think you can’t get enough coconuts, deep fry the batter in coconut oil. This oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point for deep frying!

With these ingredients, you can trust that you’ll get the right texture and flavor. Always have these in stock to cook the best Nigerian Coconut Buns every time! 

Directions

Make the coconut milk

1. Puree the chopped coconut meat with coconut water and drinking water in a blender. 
2. Pour the content into a nutmilk bag or fine mesh sieve over a glass bowl.
3. Then, squeeze out the coconut milk and set it aside.

Prepare the batter

1. Mix plain flour, sugar, powdered milk, desiccated coconut, baking powder, nutmeg, and sea salt in a bowl with a spatula.
2. Then, add the eggs, butter, and coconut milk in the middle.
3. Mix the wet ingredients and combine them with the dry mixture. 
4. Gradually add more coconut milk. 
5. Mix until you get a thick and stretchy texture.

Deep fry the buns

1. Heat coconut oil in a pot or deep frying pan over medium fire.
2. Scoop out the batter and deep fry the buns. 
3. Then, turn them over with a skewer.
4. Fry until golden brown. 
5. Remove them from the oil with a skimmer spoon.

After trying one bun, you won’t get enough of these Nigerian Coconut Buns! It amazes me how flaky and light it is at the same time. Every bun is a source of happiness!

Tips

Coconuts

Selection

• Oh The Thing We’ll Make suggests buying coconuts with sloshing sounds inside for lots of coconut water.
• Ensure that the fruit’s eyes do not have discoloration or foul odor.
• Also, choose ones that feel heavy for their size.

Storage

• Store whole coconuts at room temperature for several weeks. 
• Once opened, put them in resealable bags to refrigerate for a week.
• Freeze them to extend their shelf life.

Preparation

According to Food Network, here are easy steps on how to open coconuts: 

1. Locate and poke the soft eye of the coconut with a skewer or knife.
2. Pour out the coconut water into a glass. 
3. Then, crack around the fruit with a hammer.
4. Peel the coconut with a peeler or knife.
5. Chop the coconut meat if desired.

No-Blender Coconut Milk

If you don’t have a blender, then you can also use a food processor, miller, grater, or mortar and pestle. Instead of a nutmilk bag, use a cheesecloth to filter the contents. 

Otherwise, replace homemade coconut milk with organic coconut milk from the grocery store! 

Nigerian Coconut Buns Variations

The classic Nigerian Coconut Buns recipe may not be suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets. Use alternative ingredients for those that are best for your routine. 

Moreover, season it with your preferred sweeteners or spices for better overall flavor. You can replace sugar with maple syrup, honey, or even stevia. Meanwhile, use oat flour or gluten-free flour for healthier alternatives. 

Recommended Tools

• Pot or deep frying pan: Cook the Nigerian Coconut Buns in a pot or deep frying pan.
• Blender: Make the coconut milk using a blender.
• Nutmilk bag: Filter contents with a nutmilk bag.
• Glass bowl: Prepare the batter and coconut water in glass bowls.
• Silicone spatula: Mix the ingredients using a spatula.
• Skewer: Toss the buns in the oil with a skewer.
• Skimmer spoon: Remove them from the heat with a skimmer spoon.

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How to Serve Nigerian Coconut Buns

You can serve Nigerian Coconut Buns for breakfast, snacks, or desserts! These are also perfect for celebrations and weekends to give everyone a great time. 

Aside from the classic buns, you can pipe in your favorite cream fillings inside. Additionally, you may slice them into two to make a mini-sandwich! 

Take note of these drinks that you can pair with the Nigerian Coconut Buns: 

• Zobo Drink
• Hibiscus Tea
• Pineapple Ginger Juice
• Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake
• Chocolate Almond Milk
• Iced Coffee
• Coconut Milk
• Fruit Smoothie

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Keep the Nigerian Coconut Buns in an airtight container. These can last up to three days at room temperature. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are coconut buns healthy?

Yes, coconut buns are healthy. They’re loaded with the freshness of coconuts to help with weight loss, heart health, energy, brain function, immunity, and more! With the added health benefits of other ingredients, coconut buns are certainly good for you!

Which flour is best for buns?

Aside from plain flour, you can also use bread or flour to make buns. These give the buns a fluffy and light texture. Moreover, add baking powder to give the batter a beautiful rise.

How do you make your buns moister?

In this recipe, the buns become moist because of the coconut milk, eggs, and butter. They make the buns soft, light, and satisfying!