All South Africans know what koeksisters are. This super sweet heritage bake and comfort food has been around for generations and remains a favourite to this day. Here is what you should know about this popular South African snack.
Q: What is their origin story?
A: According to historical records, the recipe comes from the Dutch, who enjoyed similar fried, syrupy snacks. It got its name in the 18th century and, over the years, it has evolved into the koeksister we know and eat today.
Today, they remain a staple of Afrikaner food culture (you would be hard-pressed to find a bake sale without them!) but are enjoyed by everyone across the nation when their sweet tooth needs to be satisfied.
Q: What’s with the shape?
A: The iconic braid design is a crucial element of this bake. It’s believed by many that the source of this shape is two sisters who wanted to plait their pastries to match their hair. This may or may not be true but it is, nevertheless, a wholesome story!
This sweet eat should not be confused with the round deep-fried balls coated in coconut flakes called koesisters, which are a popular snack with Cape Malay origins (although those are really delicious, too!).
Q: How are they made?
A: Often compared to a doughnut, the dough for koeksisters is similar, containing flour, butter and evaporated milk. This is rolled out, cut into rectangles with a slit down the middle and braided before being fried until golden brown.
They are then dunked into a chilled syrup while still hot so they absorb it for that moist finish and left to cool before eating. The syrup contains cinnamon and ginger, giving it that familiar taste SA loves so much.
Q: How should they be eaten?
A: With their high sugar content, they are definitely a dessert and are commonly consumed as a tea-time snack with tea or coffee. Next time you’re hosting a daytime do, pick up some fresh ones at your local Food Lover’s Market bakery to serve your guests.
If you want to take this treat to fancy new heights, you can incorporate them into a cheesecake! Click here for the easy recipe to make this local-is-lekker showstopper.
