South African Culinary Heritage Collection
SA Recipes
Ref: SAR-0007
Printed 03 November 2026
Baking
Desserts
Holiday & Party
Kid-Friendly
Sweet
Koeksisters
Recipe by
Christo Lochenberg
Published 13 November 2025
166
Total Views
4 (100%)
Community Likes
0
Dislikes
Download PDF
Only for registered users
Ingredients
Tip: Click any item to cross it off while you prep.
Ingredients:
- For the Syrup:
- 750ml (3 cups) sugar
- 250ml (1 cup) water
- 10ml (2 tsp) cream of tartar
- 10ml (2 tsp) lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- A few cloves (optional)
- For the Dough:
- 500ml (2 cups) cake flour
- 15ml (1 tbsp) baking powder
- 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) salt
- 60g cold butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 60ml (1/4 cup) milk
- Oil for deep frying
About This Recipe
A traditional Afrikaner pastry, Koeksisters are plaited doughs, deep-fried until golden, and then drenched in an ice-cold, sweet, spiced syrup. They are deliciously sticky, sweet, and wonderfully comforting.
Preparation Instructions
- Prepare the Syrup (at least 4 hours in advance, or overnight, it needs to be ice cold): Combine sugar, water, cream of tartar, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and cloves (if using) in a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5-7 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat, let cool completely, then refrigerate until ice cold.
- Make the Dough: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk. Add to the flour mixture and mix until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Shape the Koeksisters: Divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll out each portion into a rectangle (approx. 3mm thick). Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut strips about 2-3cm wide and 10-12cm long.
- Take three strips and plait them firmly together. Pinch the ends firmly to seal. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Deep Fry: Heat oil in a deep pot to 170-180°C. Fry a few koeksisters at a time until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes), turning once.
- Dip in Syrup: Using a slotted spoon, remove fried koeksisters directly from the hot oil and immediately plunge them into the ice-cold syrup. Leave them in the syrup for about 30 seconds to a minute, ensuring they are fully saturated.
- Remove from syrup, draining excess, and place on a wire rack to set. Repeat with remaining koeksisters.
- Serve cold. Store in an airtight container.
Community Feedback
Did You Enjoy This Recipe?
Help other South African home cooks discover tried-and-tested favourites by leaving your rating.
Back to All Public Recipes
Download Recipe PDF
Only for registered users
© 2026 SA Recipes · Recipe by Christo Lochenberg
Source: https://sarecipes.co.za/browse/recipe/koeksisters · Developed by Christo Lochenberg
