Koeksisters
Koeksisters are a traditional South African sweet treat: braided dough strips, deep-fried until golden and immediately dipped in ice-cold ginger, lemon and cinnamon syrup. The Thermomix TM7 makes the sticky syrup effortless, heating sugar, water, cream of tartar, fresh ginger and cinnamon quills to the exact temperature without scorching, while the mixing blade combines the buttery flour dough in seconds for consistently tender plaits.
About this recipe
Koeksisters Thermomix TM7 bring the iconic South African syrup-soaked plaited pastry within easy reach of your all-in-one kitchen machine. These recipes normally intimidate home bakers: the ginger, lemon and cinnamon syrup must reduce to a sticky thread without crystallising, and the plain flour dough needs just enough kneading to become elastic yet tender. The TM7 solves both challenges. Its precise heating melts sugar, water, cream of tartar and cinnamon quills into a glossy syrup while you braid the butter-enriched dough strips, and the grinding function releases intense aroma from fresh ginger far better than chopping by hand. The result is a snack with shatteringly crisp outside and syrup-flooded layers inside, perfect for a festive afternoon table, a bake sale or a nostalgic weekend dessert. Because the machine handles the most delicate steps, even first-timers achieve professional-looking braids that vanish within minutes of serving.
Preparation tips
- Chill the ginger, lemon and cinnamon syrup thoroughly before dipping: transfer it to a bowl over ice so the hot fried koeksisters absorb maximum syrup, creating the classic crisp-outside, syrupy-inside contrast.
- Braid the dough strips loosely rather than tightly, since relaxed plaits puff more evenly during frying and hold more syrup in their folds. Pinch the ends firmly so the braids do not unravel in the oil.
- For a milder family version, reduce the fresh ginger and add extra lemon zest; the TM7 grinds the ginger finely, so a small piece already delivers plenty of warming heat for children's palates.
Recipe variations
- Lactose-free koeksisters: replace the butter in the dough with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. The texture stays flaky and golden, and the ginger-cinnamon syrup is naturally dairy-free, so the whole batch suits lactose-intolerant guests.
- Festive koeksisters: add a strip of orange zest and a star anise to the syrup for a winter-holiday twist, then sprinkle the finished braids with toasted coconut or finely chopped crystallised ginger for extra sparkle and crunch.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Precise heating - The Thermomix brings the sugar, cream of tartar and cinnamon syrup gently to temperature without scorching or crystallising. [Temperature control]. [Precision Control]
- Weighing accuracy - The integrated scale of the TM7 measures plain flour and sugar directly in the mixing bowl for consistently balanced dough. [Built-in scale]. [Built-in Scale]
- Kneading hands-off - The TM7 kneads the buttery flour dough into a smooth elastic ball while you plait the strips. [Hands-free]. [Hands-Free]
- Grinding fresh - The grinding function of the TM7 pulverises fresh ginger into a fine paste, releasing far more aroma than chopping. [Multi-functionality]. [Multi-Function]
- Cooling speed - The TM7 chills the lemon and ginger syrup rapidly so fried koeksisters absorb the syrup instantly. [Automation]
Ingredients
- water
- white sugar
- cream of tartar
- fresh ginger
- lemon
- cinnamon quills
- plain flour
- baking powder
- salt
- butter