19
Soft, Fluffy Sweet Plantain Puff Puff
If you have overripe plantains sitting on your kitchen counter, please don’t throw them away! This easy homemade Plantain Puff Puff recipe is one of my favorite ways to turn soft, dark-spotted plantains into golden-brown, fluffy treats with a delicious fruity sweetness.As a mom and professional nurse, I’m always looking for creative ways to reduce kitchen waste while making food my family will enjoy. Whenever my plantains become too soft, I bring out my blender and turn them into these soft, fluffy fried dough balls.If you have tried my Yogurt Puff Puff, Butter Puff Puff, Carrot Puff Puff, or Banana Puff Puff, you already know I enjoy giving traditional puff puff a little twist. This plantain version is another one to add to your list.
Why You’ll Love This Plantain Puff Puff
It is a delicious way to use overripe plantains.plantains add natural sweetness and fruity flavor.Warm milk helps create a soft and fluffy texture.It is perfect for breakfast, snacks, parties, and family gatherings.The batter is easy to prepare with a blender.You can reduce the added sugar depending on how ripe your plantains are.Ingredients
Equipment
Method
How to Make Plantain Puff Puff
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- Sieve the flour into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the yeast, baking powder, nutmeg, salt, and sugar. Whisk everything together until evenly combined.
- Sifting the flour helps keep it smooth
2. Blend the Plantains
- Peel the plantains and cut them into small chunks.
- Add the plantain pieces to a blender with ½ cup or 120 ml of warm milk.
- Blend until the plantains become completely smooth and silky, with no lumps.
3. Mix the Batter
- Pour the blended plantain puree into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Begin mixing, then gradually add the remaining 1 cup or 240 ml of warm milk.
- Mix with your hand or a wooden spoon until the batter becomes thick, smooth, uniform, and stretchy.
- The batter should not be watery. If it feels too loose, add 2–3 tablespoons of flour.
4. Allow the Batter to Rise
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Place it in a warm spot and allow it to rise for at least 1 hour. I prefer to use my oven.
- The batter is ready when it has doubled in size, looks airy, and has small bubbles throughout.
5. Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pot.
- Heat the oil steadily over medium heat. To test it, drop a small piece of batter into the oil.
- The batter should bubble immediately and rise to the top within a few seconds.
- If it browns too quickly, the oil is too hot.
6. Scoop and Fry
- Lightly punch down the risen batter.
- Scoop small, even portions of the dough and gently squeeze them into the hot oil.
- Do not overcrowd the pot. Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature and make the puff puff greasy.
- Use a slotted spoon to gently turn and rotate the puff puff as they fry.
- Continue frying until they are evenly golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain and Serve
- Remove the puff puff from the oil using a slotted spoon.
- Transfer them to a tray lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
8. Cook With Sonita Expert Tips
- -Use very ripe plantains for the best flavour and sweetness.
- -Do not use hot milk. Warm milk is enough.
- -Add the milk gradually so you can control the consistency of the dough.
- -Allow the dough enough time to rise before frying.
- -Keep the oil at medium heat.
- -Fry small portions to prevent the puff puff from staying raw inside.
- -Turn the puff puff while frying for an even golden-brown colour.
- -Keep the puff puff similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
- -If your dough is too watery, add flour gradually rather than adding too much at once.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
My Puff Puff Is Brown Outside but Raw Inside
Your oil is probably too hot. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the puff puff to cook more slowly. Also, try making smaller portions of dough.My Dough Is Too Watery
This can happen if your plantains are very large or contain more moisture. Add flour gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes thick and stretchy.My Puff Puff Did Not Rise
The yeast may not have worked properly, the milk may have been too hot, or the dough may have been kept in a cold place. Cover the dough and keep it somewhere warm. Give it enough time to rise before frying.My Puff Puff Is Too Flat
The dough may not have risen enough, or the dough may be too loose. Allow the dough to rise properly and check that the consistency is thick enough.My Puff Puff Absorbed Too Much Oil
The oil may not have been hot enough, or you may have added too many pieces of dough at once. Fry in small batches and allow the oil to return to temperature between batches.My Puff Puff Is Not Sweet Enough
The sweetness depends on how ripe your plantains are. If you prefer sweeter puff puff, add a little more sugar the next time you make them.Variations You Can Try
Less-Sweet Plantain Puff Puff
If your plantains are very ripe and naturally sweet, reduce the sugar or leave it out.Dairy-Free Plantain Puff Puff
You can use an unsweetened plant-based milk instead of regular milk. Add it gradually because different milk types may change the consistency of the dough.Spiced Plantain Puff Puff
For a warmer flavour, add a little extra nutmeg or a small amount of cinnamon.What to Serve with Plantain Puff Puff
I love serving puff puff warm with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also enjoy them with:- Milo
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh juice
- Smoothies
- Your favourite breakfast drink
How to Store Plantain Puff Puff
Allow the puff puff to cool completely before storing.- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Plantain Puff Puff
Reheat the puff puff in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid overheating them, as they can become dry.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use plantains that are not very ripe?
You can, but very ripe plantains give the best sweetness, aroma, and soft texture.Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can reduce or skip the sugar if your plantains are very ripe and sweet.Can I use water instead of milk?
Milk gives the puff puff a richer texture. If you use water, add it gradually and check the consistency of the dough.Why is my plantain puff puff raw inside?
The oil may be too hot. Lower the heat to medium and fry smaller portions.Why is my dough watery?
Your plantains may have been very large or soft. Add flour gradually until the dough becomes thick and stretchy.Why did my dough not rise?
The milk may have been too hot, the yeast may not be active, or the dough may have been kept in a cold place.Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
For the best texture, fry the puff puff after the dough has risen. If preparing ahead, keep the dough covered in the refrigerator and allow extra time to return to room temperature before frying.Can I freeze plantain puff puff?
Yes. Cool the cooked puff puff completely, place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months.How do I prevent the puff puff from burning?
Keep the oil at medium heat and turn the puff puff while frying. If the outside browns too quickly, reduce the heat.How do I make the puff puff the same size?
Use a small scoop or spoon and try to add similar amounts of dough to the oil each time.Related Recipes
- Yogurt Puff Puff
- Butter Puff Puff
- Carrot Puff Puff
- Banana Puff Puff
- Nigerian Buns
- African Breakfast Recipes
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information will depend on:- The size of the plantains
- The type of milk used
- The amount of sugar
- The serving size
- How much oil the puff puff absorbs during frying
