Traditional Portuguese Malasadas

Name: Traditional Portuguese Malasadas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 12 portions
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast; 1 cup milk (warm); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 4 eggs (beaten); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 L vegetable oil (for frying); 1 cup granulated sugar

120 min 12 portions Medium

All Recipes

Enjoy these warm, fluffy Portuguese malasadas, perfect for a sweet treat.

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Total

120 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Malasadas are a delicious Portuguese treat, often enjoyed during festive occasions. These doughnut-like pastries are deep-fried to golden perfection and generously coated in sugar. Our version of malasadas is designed to bring a taste of Portugal to your kitchen, making them perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. Whether you're familiar with malasadas or trying them for the first time, this recipe will walk you through each step to ensure your malasadas turn out perfectly every time.

Instructions

Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Pro tip: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.

Knead the dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Pro tip: If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.

Let the dough rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Pro tip: A slightly warm oven (around 30°C/86°F) can help speed up rising.

Shape the malasadas

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a floured surface.

Pro tip: Cover with a cloth to prevent drying while you shape the rest.

Heat the oil

In a deep saucepan, heat vegetable oil to 175°C (350°F).

Pro tip: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure consistent temperature.

Fry the malasadas

Fry the dough balls in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Pro tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.

Coat in sugar

While still warm, roll each malasada in granulated sugar until well coated.

Pro tip: Rolling them while warm ensures the sugar sticks better.

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Tips & Tricks

Ensure your dough rises in a warm area for optimal fluffiness.
Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for even frying.
Roll malasadas in sugar immediately after frying for best adhesion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are malasadas?

Malasadas are Portuguese doughnuts that are soft, fluffy, and coated in sugar.

How many calories are in a malasada?

A single malasada has approximately 290 calories.

What is the best oil for frying malasadas?

Vegetable oil is recommended as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavour.

Can malasadas be made ahead?

Yes, they can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container, but are best enjoyed fresh and warm.

How do you store leftover malasadas?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to refresh their texture.

What do malasadas taste like?

They have a light, airy texture with a sweet, sugary coating, similar to a traditional doughnut.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your malasadas warm, ideally straight from the fryer, for the most authentic experience. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. If you're planning to make them ahead, store them in an airtight container once cooled, and reheat briefly in the oven to refresh their crispiness.