Malasadas
Malasadas are soft, fluffy Portuguese-style doughnuts, sweet and airy, perfect for satisfying a craving or serving at gatherings, with a hint of sweetness and richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a pot until the yeast is activated and the mixture is lukewarm.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the butter and evaporated milk to the mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the dough into balls and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the malasadas from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm, optionally coated with additional sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even fluffier texture, let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a damp cloth. If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute with whole milk, but the richness may vary. Make sure your oil is at the correct temperature to ensure the malasadas cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.
Serving Suggestions
Malasadas are best enjoyed warm and can be dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful twist, serve alongside a fruit dip or even alongside a slice of Danish Apple Strudel for a sweet brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover malasadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Malasadas contains roughly 904 calories, with 27g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1785mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before frying.
What type of flour is best for malasadas?
All-purpose flour works well, but for a lighter texture, you could use a blend of all-purpose and cake flour. This will give the malasadas a softer crumb.
Can I freeze malasadas?
Absolutely! Freeze cooled malasadas in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw and reheat as mentioned earlier.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).