How To Make Nigerian buns in Easy Steps

Last Updated on August 12, 2019

There is a reason this Nigerian buns recipe is popular on the blog! it works, it is absolutely delicious and more importantly easy to make. Come on, let me get you hooked to the buns thang too

I have been banned at home from making any more Nigerian buns, except if it’s going to be a gift or for business purposes. I make it a lot and I tell you, somebody’s waistline is not smiling at all. I’m sure you are thinking why am I starting this post with the negatives? I tell you what! These buns are very addictive and you have to be much disciplined to say no to eating them. Nigerian bun is the brother of Nigerian puff puff.  This Nigerian bun is rocky and crunchy outside and spongy when you break into it. It is very easy to make but can be quite tricky also if it isn’t done well or the dough overworked.

Nigerian buns are loved by all and you have a choice, if you don’t like it then you must love its brother puff puff. I’m yet to come across a Nigerian that doesn’t love both or one out of the two. I love both puff puff and buns but in terms of oil consumption, I prefer buns as it doesn’t soak up so much oil when frying. It is one of the popular street snacks in Nigeria and it is best enjoyed with a very chilled drink. You can add milk to the ingredients listed below and you can also skip the egg part.

This recipe is easily adaptable and easy to make. Also, the recipe requires nutmeg but I didn’t have it when I made this hence the use of vanilla essence. Like I said earlier, you can get addicted to this snack so do eat in moderation. This recipe can be served as party snacks, picnic and it is also loved by the kids too.

Alright, my lovelies let’s get on to making the best Nigerian buns ever.

Ingredients

400g all-purpose flour

3tbsp of butter

1tbs baking powder

100g sugar, substitute with honey

1tsp salt

100-150ml water

1 egg

Vanilla extract (optional)

Vegetable oil for frying

How to make Nigerian Buns

Add all the dry ingredients with the butter in a bowl and mix to form crumble.

Add the egg and water and mix to form a thick stretchy batter, then add water to the flour in bits till you achieve the desired consistency. Do not overwork the batter

Place a shallow pan on medium heat, add vegetable oil and allow to heat up till hot

By dropping in a small batter, test the oil for readiness. If the batter floats atop, then it’s ready.

Carefully drop the batter in the hot oil in batches but don’t overcrowd the oil.

Reduce the heat and fry the buns till golden brown and well done

Repeat this process until you have exhausted the whole batter mix.

Tip: reduce the heat each time you are frying a new batch then turn the heat back up to for even cooking. This way the buns doesn’t turn brown quickly without cooking through. Thank me later lol

Use a slotted spoon and transfer the buns on a paper towel. Serve buns cool or cold with any chilled soft drinks of choice or iced water.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

How to make Nigerian Buns

What is not to love about Nigerian Buns? Crunchy on the outside, fluffy and spongy on the inside. Buns is another popular snack in Nigeria, it is made with few ingredients and very easy to make too. You can make this recipe vegan or vegetarian friendly with few smart swaps.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time30 mins

Total Time40 mins

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: African, Nigerian

Keyword: How to make Nigerian buns, Nigerian Buns

Servings: 5

Author: Ajoke

Ingredients

• 400 g all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp of butter
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 100 g sugar substitute with honey
• 1 tsp salt
• 100-150 ml water
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract optional
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

• Add all the dry ingredients with the butter in a bowl and mix to form crumble.
• Add the egg and water and mix to form a thick stretchy batter, then add water to the flour in bits till you achieve the desired consistency. Do not overwork the batter
• Place a shallow pan on medium heat, add vegetable oil and allow to heat up till hot (About 3 inches high)
• Drop little batter into the oil to test if it's hot enough for use. If the batter floats atop, then it's ready. 

  You can fry this in a deep fryer at 180C
• Carefully drop the batter in the hot oil in batches but don’t overcrowd the oil.
• Reduce the heat and fry the buns till golden brown and well done
• Repeat this process until you have exhausted the whole batter mix.

Notes

Tip:

reduce the heat each time you are frying a new batch then turn the heat back up to for even cooking. This way the buns don't turn brown quickly without cooking through

See how easy this recipe is. If you would prefer softer buns then you should try this recipe here

If you made this recipe, don’t forget to leave me feedback. Tag me on Instagram and save away to your Pinterest