How To Make Authentic Nigerian Buns (African Buns Recipe)

ByNkechi Ajaeroh, MPH

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Go to Africa without going to Africa by making these Nigerian buns! These simple fried dough balls have a crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior, and you can find them on the streets of Nigeria and most streets in West African countries! They are like cake donuts but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

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A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw.! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious! These simple fried dough balls have a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

Authentic Nigerian Buns Recipe

A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw.! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely addictively delicious!

This simple fried dough has a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. Authentic classic Nigerian buns are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes everyone who has tasted them keep coming back. Nigerian Buns is one African snack I make numerous times a year, almost every holiday. This snack is equally versatile. For instance, you can add bananas (mashed into the wet ingredients) – Nigerian banana buns. I also like to add pumpkin puree to make my Nigerian pumpkin buns.

Nigerian buns, aka, African buns, are one of the best snacks that are enjoyed across most West African countries – Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, etc.

A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw.! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious! These simple fried dough balls have a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

Nigerian Buns is Part Of The Nigerian Culture!

Growing up in 9ja, buns were every little child’s favorite snack – crunchy, soft, tasty, addictive, and snackable! You will never get enough of it, and the best part is that they are readily available on the street as the side road sellers display them using a “show glass.” To say that I ate a lot of Nigerian buns growing up is an understatement; I ate tons of them. And whenever we happen to make them at home, I will never let go until they are all gone.

In fact, buns, meat pies, and puff puff are the Holy Trinity of Nigerian snacks! Oh, don’t forget about Nigerian chin-chin! How about Akara, roasted boli aka, roasted sweet ripe plantain? Or Nigerian fried yam and plantains? Am I tickling your taste buds yet?

The bottom line is that Nigerians have a way of making snacks tasty, wholesome, and unforgettable! African snacks, in general, are captivating, simple, and yet addicting. What a way to enjoy the simple things of life. LOL😁 Also, you can find me on my YouTube Channel where I share video recipes.

A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw.! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious! These simple fried dough balls have a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

Nigerian Buns FAQs; Answering All Your Questions About Nigerian Buns!

What Are Nigerian Buns (African Buns)?

Nigerian buns are equally referred to as African buns. They are sweet, small fried dough balls that are golden in color, rich in taste, and simply addicting! African buns are a steady feature on most African streets; young and adults love buns!

What is the difference between buns and puff puff?

Is Puff Puff Different from Buns? Yes, puff puff is very different from buns. First of all, puff requires fewer ingredients than buns! Regarding texture, puff puff is chewy and airy soft, while buns are rich, sometimes crunchy outside and soft inside. On the other hand, puff puff uses yeast as a raising agent, while buns typically use baking powder. This means that it takes longer to make puff puff, unlike buns.

Additionally, most Nigerian buns recipes call for butter and eggs, while puff puff doesn’t require these ingredients. Though puff puff and buns may appear to look alike, they aren’t alike. But both taste so good and are famous African snacks!

A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw.! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious! These simple fried dough balls have a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

What are Nigerian Buns Made Of?

Nigerian buns are super easy to make. They require all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. Personally, I prefer to use sweet condensed milk rather than regular milk. This adds some flavor, and you will never go back to making buns with regular milk.

Why Are My Buns Soaking Oil?

One of the main reasons why your buns may soak up oil is if you fry in low heat. Make sure that your oil is hot. You can throw in a tiny buns dough to check or use a wooden skewer to check if your oil is ready. Also, do not overcrowd your pot. I suggest frying your buns balls in small batches. If your pot/pan isn’t overcrowded, the buns will turn themselves around and float while frying.

A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw.! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious! These simple fried dough balls have a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

Ingredients for Making Nigerian Buns At Home:

How to Make Authentic Nigerian Buns (Step-By-Step):

Go to Africa without going to Africa by making these Nigerian buns! These simple fried dough balls have a crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior! Let’s make some buns.

  1. Gather Ingredients

    Gather all your ingredients and add them to the bowl. Use a clean hand(s) to combine until it forms a soft dough.

  2. Measure and Form into Small Dough Balls

    Use a measuring tool to ensure your dough balls are equal for even cooking (I generally use a Tablespoon scoop)!Go to Africa without going to Africa by making these Nigerian buns! These simple fried dough balls have a crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior, and you can find them on the streets of Nigeria and most streets in West African countries! They are like cake donuts but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

  3. Heat Up Your Oil

    Set a deep pot on the stove and add a good amount of oil up to 3 inches in deep. Turn your stove to medium, and then allow your oil to heat up. Use a skewer or a tiny bit of dough to see if the oil is good to go.

  4. Fry Nigerian Buns in Batches

    Fry your authentic Nigerian buns in batches. To know if a bun is ready, poke with a skewer or toothpick to see if raw dough comes out of the hole. Then, use a slotted spoon to remove fried buns from the hot oil. Place on a paper towel-lined plate. Remember not to fry your buns in high heat because the exterior is likely to cook while the interior is still raw.A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw.! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious! These simple fried dough balls have a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

  5. Serve and Enjoy!

    Allow to cool for a few minutes, serve and enjoy!

Tips For Making The Best Sweet Nigerian Buns At Home!

  • Use sweet condensed milk instead of regular milk! It really packs a punch in terms of flavors!
  • Nutmeg adds additional flavors to your Nigerian buns. However, you can make buns without it.
  • Make sure your oil heats up before you add your dough balls.
  • Use a deep pot/pan to deep fry your buns dough, do not use a flat surface pan. 
  • I would usually use one tablespoon to measure and mold the dough balls. Feel free to use any measure that works for you! 
  • Make sure to roll out or form your dough balls before you start frying! 
  • Do not overcrowd your pan/pot. Unfortunately, it will likely result in your dough soaking up excess oil.
  • Your Nigerian bun dough should be softer in consistency than chin-chin dough and not as soft as puff puff dough.
  • There was no need to add water when mixing as the eggs and cup of sweet condensed milk were enough. However, you can add 2 – 3 tablespoons of water if the dough seems too thick or hard.
  • Please note that this should be a soft dough, but if it seems too sticky, add 1 – tablespoon of flour, or, until it is no longer sticky, it forms a dough.
A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw.! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious! These simple fried dough balls have a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

How to Store Leftovers of Nigerian Buns

First of all, make sure to allow it to cool completely before storing it. Place your leftover buns in a clean, dry airtight container and leave them on the kitchen counter for up to 4 days. If you wish to store them longer, then store them in the freezer using freezer bags/containers for up to 90 days.

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A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw.! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious! These simple fried dough balls have a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

Authentic Nigerian Buns (African Buns Recipe)

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  • Author: Nkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x
  • Category: Nigerian Food
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Nigerian
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw.! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious! These simple fried dough balls have a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (tipping) cups of All-purpose flour (plus a little more (if needed) until no longer sticky)
  • ½ cup or ½ can of sweet condensed milk (about 7 oz)
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon of salt or a dash
  • ¼ cup of salted butter
  • ¼ cup or 4 tablespoons of pure cane sugar or Monk fruit sweetener
  • 1½ teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1-teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2–3 cups of vegetable oil (or frying oil); for frying

A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw!

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients. Gather all your ingredients and add them to the bowl. Use a clean hand(s) to combine until it forms a soft dough.
  2. Measure and form into dough balls. Use a measuring tool to ensure your dough balls are equal for even cooking (I generally use a Tablespoon scoop)! Go to Africa without going to Africa by making these Nigerian buns! These simple fried dough balls have a crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior, and you can find them on the streets of Nigeria and most streets in West African countries! They are like cake donuts but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!
  3. Heat up your oil. Set a deep pot on the stove and add a good amount of oil up to 3 inches in deep. Turn your stove to medium, and then allow your oil to heat up. Use a skewer or a tiny bit of dough to see if the oil is good to go. 
  4. Fry Nigerian Buns in Batches. Fry your authentic Nigerian buns in batches. To know if a bun is ready, poke with a skewer or toothpick to see if raw dough comes out of the hole. Then, use a slotted spoon to remove fried buns from the hot oil. Place on a paper towel-lined plate. Remember not to fry your buns in high heat because the exterior is likely to cook while the interior is still raw. A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw.! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious! These simple fried dough balls have a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!
  5. Serve and Enjoy! Allow to cool for a few minutes, serve and enjoy! 

Notes

Use sweet condensed milk instead of regular milk! It really packs a punch in terms of flavors!

Nutmeg adds additional flavors to your Nigerian buns. However, you can make buns without it.

Make sure your oil heats up before you add your dough balls. And if the are too hot they can burn and the dough wouldn’t cook properly. LOL, frying buns is a balancing art.

Use a deep pot/pan to deep fry your buns dough, do not use a flat surface pan. 

I typically use one tablespoon to measure and mold the dough balls. Feel free to use any measure that works for you! 

Make sure to roll out or form your dough balls before you start frying! 

Do not overcrowd your pan/pot. Unfortunately, it will likely result in your dough soaking up excess oil.

Your Nigerian bun dough should be softer in consistency than chin-chin dough and not as soft as puff puff dough.

There was no need to add water when mixing as the eggs and cup of sweet condensed milk were enough. However,  you can add 2 – 3 tablespoons of water if the dough seems too thick or hard.

Please note that this should be a soft dough, but if it seems too sticky, add 1 – tablespoon of flour, or, until it is no longer sticky, it forms a dough. 

These days, I do swap the pure cane sugar with Monk fruit sweetener! 

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More Nigerian Snacks To Try:

Nigerian meat pie is a savory, flaky pie filled with the tasty minced or ground beef cooked with potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. Also known as African meat pie, Nigerian meat pies are divinely delicious and easy to make at home. Meat pies are perfect for snacks, breakfast, or brunch. They are a must-have on most Nigerian occasions.

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A simple recipe for Nigerian buns, aka African buns, requires all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, butter, and milk. You will combine these ingredients, mold them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and no longer raw! The best thing about the authentic Nigerian buns recipe is that it requires few ingredients, is easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious! These simple fried dough balls have a somewhat crunchy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are like cake donuts (here in the States) but with less sugar! They have a distinct flavor and unique taste that makes them unforgettable!

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!

Nkechi Ajaeroh's blog nkechiajaeroh.com for healthy food recipes, and healthy living. tips.

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I'm Nkechi Ajaeroh, a 2x International Best Selling Author, Food Enthusiast, and Public Health expert with a Master's in Public Health. Originally from Nigeria, I now reside in the United States. My passion is crafting heart-healthy Nigerian meals with an American twist. My blog explores the joy of food and life, sharing my personal and professional journey and helping you navigate your healthy lifestyle. I am dedicated to impacting lives through storytelling and inspiring others to achieve their personal goals. LEARN MORE ABOUT ME

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