Cape Malay Koeksisters (also pronounced Koesisters) are sticky, syrupy sweet treats. A South-African delicacy not to be missed
We have Koeksisters which is a sweet, sticky, braided, syrupy sweet treat in South-Africa. I have never made those and only buy from bakeries which I know is great.
Koeksisters seem like a lot of work, and watching my family go through a few packets in an hour or two, does not work for me.
Definitely not after going through all that. Therefore when I found a recipe for the Cape Malay Koeksisters, which I think are easier to make, I grabbed the opportunity to make a batch
These are not drenched right through with syrup as standard Koeksisters are and neither are they braided. It is a lot more spicy, though.
I followed the recipe, but really, it just did not work out the first time.
So I made a couple of changes and made a large batch of delicious Cape Malay Koeksisters – my way ! Whether this is still acceptable to carry the name, I have no idea.
UPDATE: If you want a simple version of the traditional koeksisters try these quick Breadsisters.
More Sweet Treats you might like:
- Homemade Ferrero Rocher
- Salted Caramel Truffles
- Old-Fashioned Velvet Pudding Cups (also known as Fluweel Poeding)
- Lemon Meringue Toffees (3 Ingredients)
- Featherlight Vanilla Cake (using a sandwich maker)
Cape Malay Koeksisters

Cape Malay Koeksisters
Cape Malay Koeksisters (also pronounced Koesisters) are sticky, syrupy sweet treats. A South-African delicacy not to be missed
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups Flour
- 2 cup Self-Raising Flour
- 1 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 t Salt
- 2 t Ground Ginger
- 1 t Ground Cinnamon
- 2 t Ground Anise
- 1 t Cardemom, husks removed and grounded
- 2 t Tangerine Peel, finely grated
- 3/4 cup Sunflower Oil, or vegetable oil
- 1 extra-largeEgg
- 1 1/2 cups Milk
- 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
- 1 TB Active Dry Yeast
- 1 t Sugar
- Oil for deep-fry
SYRUP:
- 2 1/4 cups Sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2 Cardamom Pods, husks removed and grounded
TO ROLL:
- 2 cups Desiccated Coconut
Instructions
- Place the Flour, Self-Raising Flour, Sugar, Salt, Ginger, Cinnamon, Anise, Cardemom and the grated Tangerine Peel in a large bowl – mix to combine – add the Oil, rub into the dry ingredients until crumbly
- Mix the Milk and Water – divide into two smaller bowls – add the Yeast and Sugar to the one bowl and stir until dissolved – add the Egg to the other bowl, with the remaining Milk/Water mixture – beat well
- Add first, the Milk/Water/Yeast to the Flour mixture, stir – add the Milk/Water/Egg also to the Flour mixture – mix until you have a soft dough - see note below – cover and leave 2 hours to rise (double in size)
- Roll out the dough (on a floured base) to an approximate 5 centimeters (2 inch) thickness – cut into small squares – 2 1/2 centimeters (1 inch) – cover and leave to rise another 30 minutes
- SYRUP: Boil the Sugar, Water, Cinnamon stick and Cardemom together until the Sugar has dissolved – this syrup must be kept warm all the time (not boiling, low heat – only to keep warm)
- Heat the Oil for deep-fry to a medium heat – place a few pieces of dough in the Oil and fry 3 – 4 minutes until golden and cooked through – drain on paper towel and then dunk into the hot syrup for 30 seconds, turning and making sure the whole koeksister is covered, and some of the syrup has been absorbed
- Finally, roll into the Coconut and place on a cooling rack to cool completely
Notes
- If you find the dough too runny at this stage, add 1/4 cup of Flour at a time until you reach a soft dough (should not be more than 3/4 cup i.e. 3 x 1/4 cups added)
Nutrition Information
Yield 45 Servings Serving Size 1 KoeksisterAmount Per Serving Calories 179Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 1mgSodium 106mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 1gSugar 18gProtein 2g
Nutrition value is not always accurate
Atita
Wednesday 25th of November 2020
Hi, i went for half, using 3/4 water and milk and the dough is very thin and haed to work compared to anoter recipe. Taste ok but prefer the other. Is the dough meant to be watery?
Linda Nortje
Wednesday 25th of November 2020
Definitely not watery, just a soft dough. It could be the type of flour used (different flours in different countries). I would add more flour (flour and self-raising) by the 1/4 cup until the consistency is a soft dough. Add a pinch more salt as well
Shiloh Barkley
Tuesday 2nd of April 2013
I think I like this recipe better!
Debi @ Adorned From Above
Friday 25th of January 2013
Hi Linda,These look so good. Thanks so much for sharing at Wednesday's Adorned From Above Blog Hop. Debi and Charly @ Adorned From AboveMarci @ Stone Cottage AdventuresNichi @ The Mandatory Mooch
Kathy Moody
Friday 25th of January 2013
Congrats on 300 and, these look so delicious! Thanks so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent!
HugsKathy
Natalie B.
Wednesday 23rd of January 2013
Awseome! Thanks for sharing on Tutorial Thursdays.xNatalie www.marigoldsloft.blogspot.com