How To Make Easy Puff Puff Recipe
Easy Puff puff recipe is what I will be showing how to make today! If you grew up in Nigeria or have ever attended a party, wedding, naming ceremony, or evening hangout, chances are you’ve eaten puff puff more times than you can count.
This Easy Puff Puff Recipe is more than just a snack. it’s comfort food, and joy rolled into one golden, fluffy ball.
From roadside vendors to home kitchens, puff puff remains one of the most popular Nigerian snacks because it is:Affordable, Easy to make, Soft and fluffy, Perfect for any occasion
In this post, I’ll walk you through on how to make perfect Easy puff puff Recipe at home, using simple ingredients, including fresh pepper that gave a twist and gives it a subtle kick without overpowering the sweetness.
This is a beginner-friendly puff puff recipe, written step by step, so even if this is your first time, you’ll get it right.
What Is Puff Puff?
Puff puff is a deep-fried Nigerian snack made from flour, yeast, sugar, water, and a few flavorings. When mixed and left to rise or double in size,the batter becomes light and airy, producing soft, fluffy balls when fried.
Puff puff is common across West Africa, but Nigerian puff puff stands out because of its texture,slightly crispy outside, very soft inside.
Why This Nigerian Easy Puff Puff Recipe Works Perfectly
This recipe is special because:
It uses active yeast, which gives excellent rise
The batter is well-hydrated, making it stretchy and fluffy
Vanilla flavor adds a sweet aroma and taste
Pepper adds a unique Nigerian street-snack vibe
Frying on low-medium heat ensures even cooking
If you’ve ever had issues with puff puff that is:
Too oily, Hard inside, Flat or dense,this method fixes all that.
Ingredients for Easy Puff Puff Recipe
These are simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- 4 cups All-purpose flour(Levelled)
- 2 teaspoons Active yeast
- 4 to 5 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 tablespoon Vanilla flavor powder
- 500 ml or 2 cups measuring cups Lukewarm water
- Fresh pepper (roughly blended) To taste
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
Note: There is no egg or milk in this recipe, making it budget-friendly
Equipment You’ll Need For this Easy Puff Puff Recipe
- Mixing bowl
- Sieve (for sifting flour and vanilla powder)
- Spoon or spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Frying pan or deep pot
- Slotted or perforated spoon
To Make Easy Puff Puff Recipe
Step by Step Procedure
Step 1: Sift the Flour
Sift your flour into a clean mixing bowl.
Why this matters:
Sifting removes lumps and introduces air, which helps make your puff puff lighter and smoother.
Step 2: Add the Yeast
Add the active yeast directly to the sifted flour.
Make sure the yeast is fresh and active. Old yeast can cause puff puff not to rise properly.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Salt
Add sugar and salt to the flour mixture.
Sugar feeds the yeast and adds sweetness
Salt balances the flavor and enhances taste
Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Sift in Vanilla Flavor Powder
Sift the vanilla flavor powder into the bowl.
This step gives your puff puff that sweet bakery aroma that makes people ask, “What did you put inside?”
Step 5: Add Lukewarm Water
Slowly add lukewarm water while mixing.
Important to Note:
The water should be warm, not hot. Hot water can kill the yeast.
Mix until you get a thick, stretchy, sticky batter. Puff puff batter is not like dough, it should be soft and elastic.
Step 6: Cover and Let the Batter Rise or double in size
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or cling film
Leave it in a warm place for 35 minutes, or until the batter doubles in size.
This resting time allows the yeast to ferment, creating air bubbles that make the puff puff fluffy.
Step 7: Add the Roughly Blended Fresh Pepper
After the batter has risen:
Open the bowl
Add the roughly blended fresh pepper
Mix gently until well combined
The pepper should be subtle, just enough to give a mild heat and depth of flavor.
This is what gives you that authentic Nigerian street puff puff taste.
Step 8: Heat up the Vegetable Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep pan for frying.
Heat the oil on medium heat, then reduce slightly to low-medium heat before frying.
Why low-medium heat?
Prevents burning
Allows inside to cook properly
Gives even golden color
Step 9: Fry the Puff Puff
Using your hand gently drop portions of the batter into the hot oil.
Do not overcrowd the pan with the batter
Fry slowly, turning occasionally, until the puff puff is:
Golden brown and Fully cooked inside
Remove with a slotted or perforated spoon spoon, transfer to a sieve to drain excess oil.
How to Know When Puff Puff Is Perfectly Cooked
Perfect Nigerian puff puff should be:
Golden brown
Soft and airy inside
Slightly crisp outside
Not oily
If your puff puff is;
Dark outside but raw inside,meant the heat was too high
Flat? The yeast may be inactive
Oily or soaked oil? oil was not hot enough
Common Puff Puff Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using Hot Water;Kills yeast. Always use lukewarm water.
Frying on High Heat;Burns outside while inside stays raw.
Batter Too Thick
Results in dense puff puff. Batter should be stretchy.
Skipping Rest Time
Yeast needs time to work.
Pepper Puff Puff: Why It Works
Adding pepper doesn’t make puff puff spicy like pepper soup. Instead, it:
Enhances flavor
Balances sweetness
Makes it addictive
This version is especially loved by adults who enjoy a savory-sweet snack.
Serving Ideas for Nigerian Puff Puff
Puff puff can be served:As a snack, At parties and events, With chilled drinks, With pap, tea, or soft drinks
It’s perfect for:
Breakfast
Evening snacks
Celebrations
How to Store Puff Puff
Puff puff is best eaten fresh, but you can:
Store at room temperature for a few hours
Reheat briefly in an air fryer or oven
Avoid refrigerating, as it makes puff puff hard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make puff puff without pepper?
Yes. Pepper is optional.
Can I bake puff puff instead of frying?
Traditional puff puff is fried. Baking changes the texture.
Why is my puff puff not fluffy?
Inactive yeast or insufficient rising time.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, as long as it’s active.
Why Nigerian Puff Puff Is Loved Worldwide
Nigerian puff puff has gone global because it is:Simple,versatile, Delicious
From food blogs to street food videos, puff puff continues to trend.
Final Thoughts: Make Easy Puff Puff Recipe Like a Pro at Home
This easy Nigerian puff puff recipe proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make something amazing. With flour, yeast, sugar, and patience, you can create soft, fluffy, golden puff puff right in your kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or to sell, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
Hope you enjoyed reading this post and you’ve learned something new? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Watch the practical video on how this yummy Easy puff puff recipe is made.
See you in my next post until then keep enjoying good food.
Ada
Also read;
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How To make Meat pie without Oven
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How To make Soft Homemade Bread