Why We Love This Fat Cake Recipe (Both Methods!)
Last year my daughter spent several months in South Africa. One of the recipes that she talked frequently about was Vetkoek, South African Fat Cakes. We decide to try making them at home, and the whole family fell in love! Fat cakes are a type of fried dough recipe that is most often served as a snack in South Africa, Botswana, and other southern African countries. In Botswana, they are often called Magwinya, and Vetoek in South Africa. But both names refer to the same soft, tender, and crisp spheres. African fry bread can be made with yeast or baking powder. The baking powder variety is usually flattened and fried over low heat like glaze-less donuts. They resemble hamburger buns and can be stuffed with curried minced meat and other fillings. Ava said one of her favorite ways to eat them was filled with sharp cheddar cheese and jam. However, the cakes can also be made with yeast. This variety is most commonly scooped into smaller portions, for mini pieces of fry bread you dunk in sauce, but they can also be filled with fillings. (The larger hamburger bun style is most definitely easier for filling.) Here we’re focusing on the yeast fat cake variety, but have also included a recipe for the larger flatter baking powder recipe as well, plus, minced meat filling!
6 Ingredients You Need
This fried dough recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand! Here’s what you’ll need:
Bread flour – you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, but note that the texture will be slightly different Active dry yeast – active yeast is best for just the right fluffy texture, so don’t try to sub with instant yeast Granulated sugar – helps keep the dough moist and flavorful Salt – just a pinch Water – to form the dough Fry oil – high-heat oil like sunflower, peanut, safflower, or canola oil
How to Make South African Fried Dough
Pro Tip: Water that is too warm will kill the yeast, causing it to not rise. Make sure the water is just barely warmer than the temperature of your skin. Pro Tip: The temperature will drop once the dough balls are in the oil. This is a good thing! Adjust the temperature to keep the oil around 320°F if possible.
How to Make Large Fat Cakes (Vetkoek Without Yeast)
These larger cakes are terrific for stuffing with a hearty filling. They’re similar to hamburger buns in size, but with a crisper exterior and soft, fluffy inside. This fried dough recipe is made without yeast, and requires no time to proof! To make this version of Vetkoek you need:
Bread flour Granulated sugar Baking powder Salt Water
South African Minced Meat Recipe
Traditional Vetkoek is often served with a super flavorful minced meat for a savory sandwich-like meal! Here’s what you would need:
Ingredients
Oil – high heat and neutral flavored, like vegetable or sunflower Ground beef – or ground turkey, ground chicken, or even your favorite vegan plant-based ground meat alternative Onion – peeled and diced Potato – diced Garlic – minced Fresh ginger – grated Spices – curry powder, garam masala, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt Canned tomatoes – diced or crushed Frozen peas – no need to thaw
Easy Recipe Steps
You can also use this easy minced meat recipe for topping hot dogs, hamburger buns, baked potatoes, etc.
What to Serve with Vetkoek
The tasty, savory fried breads are great for a quick snack or appetizer. Serve them with whatever dips and spreads you like! Stuff the fried dough with your favorite meats, cheeses, and other goodies for breakfast or lunch. From scrambled eggs to chicken salad and the (fantastic!) minced meat recipe we share here, there’s no limit to how you can enjoy homemade fat cakes. You can use this fried dough recipe to make sandwiches like a beef brisket sandwich, or even tacos!
Storage Tips
Store the vetkoek in an airtight container, and keep it on the counter for a day or two. I recommend that you freeze them for longer storage. Wrap each fat cake in a layer of plastic wrap, and place it all together in an airtight zipper bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Looking for More Easy Bread Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
The Best Yeast Rolls Recipe Easiest Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao de Queijo) Mexican Stuffed Crescent Roll Recipe How to Make Pupusas Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Share This Recipe With Friends!
