Puff Puff (Bofrot)

Puff Puff (Bofrot)

Golden, fluffy, and irresistibly fragrant, West African Puff Puff (Bofrot) is the kind of treat you can never stop at just one. Scroll down to bring this bakery style street snack into your own kitchen.

Jump To Recipe
Puff Puff (Bofrot)

Puff Puff, also known as Bofrot, is a soft and fluffy fried dough snack that is loved across many African homes.

It’s simple to make and perfect for any time of the day, whether as a quick treat or something to share with family and friends. Light, slightly sweet, and golden on the outside, Puff Puff has a comforting taste that feels both familiar and special.

If you’re looking for an easy homemade snack that everyone will enjoy, this recipe is a great place to start.

Then check out a few other favourite on the blog:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and easy to make: This recipe uses basic steps that are easy to follow, even if you are new to cooking.
  • Soft inside, crispy outside: Each puff puff comes out light and fluffy on the inside with a perfectly golden, slightly crisp outside.
  • Perfect for any time: You can enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even serve it at gatherings and special occasions.
  • Affordable and satisfying: Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is budget friendly and still delivers great taste every time.
Puff Puff (Bofrot)

Substitutions & Variations

  • Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to your taste. Add more if you like it sweeter, or reduce it for a lighter flavor.
  • Flavor Additions: For extra taste, you can mix in a little nutmeg, cinnamon, or vanilla. This gives the puff puff a warm and rich flavor.
  • Shape and Size: You can make them small for bite sized snacks or slightly bigger for a more filling treat. The shape does not have to be perfect.

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy it warm and fresh: Puff puff tastes best right after frying. Serve it warm when it is soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside for the perfect bite.
  • Pair with your favorite drinks: It goes very well with tea, coffee, or even a cold drink. This makes it a great snack for breakfast or evening time.
  • Add a simple topping if you like: You can lightly dust it with sugar or serve it with a dip on the side for extra flavor, while still keeping its classic taste.

Tips / Notes for Best Results

  • Types of Vanilla: This bofrot recipe uses pure vanilla extract , not vanilla essence or imitation vanilla , which gives a cleaner, more natural vanilla flavor that enhances the aroma without overpowering the dough.
  • Oil temperature is key: Keep your oil at medium heat (350–365°F) . If the oil is too hot, the bofrot will brown quickly on the outside while staying raw inside. Too cool, and they’ll absorb oil and turn greasy.
  • Imperfection is authentic: Traditional bofrot is not perfectly round un even shapes are normal and expected. Flavor and softness matter more than appearance.
Puff Puff (Bofrot)

How to Store Bofrot

  • Room Temperature: Boffrot is best enjoyed fresh and warm. If needed, store cooled bofrot in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours .
  • Refrigerator: Refrigeration is not recommended, as it dries out the bofrot and alters its texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between bofrot and puff puff? 

Although similar, bofrot is the Ghanaian version of puff puff and is typically less sweet, softer inside, and often flavored with nutmeg. Other West African versions may vary in sweetness, texture, and seasoning.

2. Why is my bofrot hard or dense? 

Hard or dense bofrot is usually caused by inactive yeast, overly thick batter, or oil that is too hot. Proper yeast proofing and maintaining the correct oil temperature are key to achieving soft, fluffy bofrot.

3. Can I make bofrot ahead of time? 

Bofrot is best eaten fresh, but it can be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated in the oven or air fryer before serving.

4. Can I add milk or eggs to bofrot? 

Traditional Ghana bofrot is typically made without eggs or milk.

5. What do you eat bofrot with? 

Bofrot is traditionally served with koko in Ghana. It also pairs well with tea, coffee, or can be enjoyed on its own with a light sprinkle of sugar.


Puff Puff (Bofrot)

By Tiffany Boakye-Korsah
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12-15

Ingredients

PROOFING YEAST:

  • - 1/3 cup lukewarm water
  • - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • - 2 tsp active dry yeast

OTHER INGREDIENTS:

  • - 2 cups flour
  • - 1 large nutmeg grated (~2 tsp ground nutmeg)
  • - ¼ tsp salt
  • - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • - 4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • - 1 cup lukewarm water
  • - 4 cups oil (for frying)

Instructions

Proof the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and leave it for 5–10 minutes until it gets foamy.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a big bowl, mix flour, nutmeg, salt, and sugar well.

Wet Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Then add lukewarm water mixed with vanilla extract. Stir everything until you get a smooth, slightly sticky batter with no dry flour.

First Rise (Fermentation): Cover the bowl and keep it in a warm place. Let it rise for about 45 minutes until it doubles and looks bubbly.

Before frying, gently stir the batter again.

Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep pot (about ⅔ full). Heat it on medium until hot.

To check, drop a little batter—if it rises and bubbles, the oil is ready.

Fry the Puff: Puff Use a spoon or hand to drop small portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry in small batches.

Turn for Even Browning: Turn the puff puff gently while frying so they become golden brown on all sides.

Notes

Puff Puff (Bofrot, mandazi, kala, ligemat) are crisp, crunchy West African fried dough balls with vanilla, nutmeg, and a soft, pillowy center - and this recipe shows you how to make them.

NUTRITION FACTS:
- Calories: ~72 kcal
- Fat: ~4 g
- Protein: ~1.1 g
- Carbohydrate: ~8.5 g

Comments

See all articles in Recipes

0 comments

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.