Koeksisters: South Africa’s Sweet, Sticky, Irresistible Treat

From https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/food/recipes/traditional-koeksisters-sweet-and-tasty/

If you’ve ever bitten into a koeksister, you know why it’s one of South Africa’s most beloved treats. Crunchy, golden, and drenched in syrup, these twisted little delights are the ultimate sweet indulgence. Perfect for sharing… or, let’s be honest, for eating the whole batch yourself.

Koeksisters aren’t just food, they’re a little piece of South African culture, usually enjoyed with coffee, at family gatherings, or during festive celebrations. And yes, they’re sticky, syrupy, and completely worth it.

A Little History

The name “koeksister” comes from the Dutch words “koek” (cake) and “sister”, though exactly why “sister” is included is a bit of a mystery, some say it’s because the dough is twisted like a braid, kind of like a “sister” strand in a family of dough!

Koeksisters have deep roots in South Africa’s culinary history, with variations across communities. There’s the Cape Malay version, spiced and braided, and the Afrikaner version, syrupy and crunchy. Either way, it’s sweet, sticky perfection.

How to Make Koeksisters at Home

Here’s a simple recipe that you can try in your own kitchen. Warning: the aroma alone may have people sneaking a bite before they’re even ready!

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 2 tbsp butter (softened)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 egg

For frying:

• Vegetable oil

For the syrup:

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the dough: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add butter and rub it in until crumbly. Stir in the egg and milk until it forms a soft dough.

2. Roll and cut: Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Cut into strips, then braid three strips together and pinch the ends to seal.

3. Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the braids until golden brown, then remove and drain on paper towels.

4. Make the syrup: In a small pot, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Dip the koeksisters: While still warm, dip each koeksister in the syrup for a few seconds, then place on a wire rack to drain excess syrup.

Tip: Eat while fresh and sticky for maximum enjoyment. Trust me, it’s basically impossible to stop at one.

Why We Love Koeksisters

• Sweet and indulgent: Perfect for celebrations or a cheeky afternoon treat.

• Cultural heritage: A delicious taste of South African history and tradition.

• Fun to make: Rolling and braiding koeksisters is almost as satisfying as eating them… almost.

Craving a taste of South Africa? Join one of our culinary tours and try koeksisters (and other local delights) straight from the experts. Learn the ropes, taste the traditions, and maybe even take a few home! Book Your Tour Today!