Liberian twisted donuts use no yeast—just baking powder creates the signature airy texture that made them West Africa's favorite street snack.
Liberian Twisted Donuts
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Liberia with these irresistible twisted donuts! Made with a perfect blend of fluffy dough and a hint of nutmeg, these sweet treats are fried to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a dessert, they're sure to bring a smile to your face!
Prep
15
min
Cook
20
min
Serves
6
people
Level
intermediate
The Story
These twisted beauties trace back to 1847 when freed American slaves founded Liberia and brought their Southern doughnut obsession to West Africa—but clever Liberian cooks ditched the yeasted American originals for a quicker baking powder version that could handle the tropical humidity without turning into soggy disasters, creating Africa's answer to the county fair funnel cake.
Regional Twist
In Monrovia's markets, vendors spike the milk with coconut cream and roll the hot donuts in palm sugar mixed with crushed peanuts for a tropical twist.
📝 Ingredients
Shopping List
- 1 unit egg
- 1 cup (118 ml) milk
Pantry Items
Amounts also listed in instructions below
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- baking powder (to taste)
- melted butter (to taste)
- as needed unit oil
- salt (to taste)
- sugar (to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- 2
In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
- 3
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- 4
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, then let it rest for 10 minutes.
- 5
Roll out the dough and cut it into strips, twisting each strip into a spiral shape.
- 6
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry the twisted donuts until golden brown.
- 7
Remove from oil and drain on paper towels before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Heat your frying oil to exactly 350-365°F because lower temps cause oil absorption creating greasy donuts, while higher temps brown the exterior before the interior cooks through.technique350-365°F
- ✓Rest the twisted dough strips for 5-8 minutes after shaping because gluten relaxation prevents the twists from unraveling during frying and creates more tender texture.timing5-8 minutes
- ✓Use milk at 80-90°F when mixing because this temperature activates baking powder optimally and prevents the melted butter from solidifying on contact.ingredient80-90°F
- ✓Roll dough strips to exactly 1/2 inch thickness because thinner strips overcook before centers set, while thicker strips create raw centers with properly browned exteriors.technique1/2 inch thickness
- ✓Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes per side because the Maillard reaction peaks at this timing, creating golden color while internal temperature reaches 190°F for proper doneness.timing2-3 minutes per side
Share this recipe
Prep
15
min
Cook
20
min
Serves
6
people
Level
intermediate
Share this recipe
Liberian twisted donuts use no yeast—just baking powder creates the signature airy texture that made them West Africa's favorite street snack.
Liberian Twisted Donuts
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Liberia with these irresistible twisted donuts! Made with a perfect blend of fluffy dough and a hint of nutmeg, these sweet treats are fried to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a dessert, they're sure to bring a smile to your face!
The Story
These twisted beauties trace back to 1847 when freed American slaves founded Liberia and brought their Southern doughnut obsession to West Africa—but clever Liberian cooks ditched the yeasted American originals for a quicker baking powder version that could handle the tropical humidity without turning into soggy disasters, creating Africa's answer to the county fair funnel cake.
Regional Twist
In Monrovia's markets, vendors spike the milk with coconut cream and roll the hot donuts in palm sugar mixed with crushed peanuts for a tropical twist.
📝 Ingredients
Shopping List
- 1 unit egg
- 1 cup (118 ml) milk
Pantry Items
Amounts also listed in instructions below
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- baking powder (to taste)
- melted butter (to taste)
- as needed unit oil
- salt (to taste)
- sugar (to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- 2
In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
- 3
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- 4
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, then let it rest for 10 minutes.
- 5
Roll out the dough and cut it into strips, twisting each strip into a spiral shape.
- 6
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry the twisted donuts until golden brown.
- 7
Remove from oil and drain on paper towels before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Heat your frying oil to exactly 350-365°F because lower temps cause oil absorption creating greasy donuts, while higher temps brown the exterior before the interior cooks through.technique350-365°F
- ✓Rest the twisted dough strips for 5-8 minutes after shaping because gluten relaxation prevents the twists from unraveling during frying and creates more tender texture.timing5-8 minutes
- ✓Use milk at 80-90°F when mixing because this temperature activates baking powder optimally and prevents the melted butter from solidifying on contact.ingredient80-90°F
- ✓Roll dough strips to exactly 1/2 inch thickness because thinner strips overcook before centers set, while thicker strips create raw centers with properly browned exteriors.technique1/2 inch thickness
- ✓Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes per side because the Maillard reaction peaks at this timing, creating golden color while internal temperature reaches 190°F for proper doneness.timing2-3 minutes per side