Malasadas are a delightful Portuguese doughnut that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or as a dessert. They are traditionally rolled in sugar while still warm, giving them an irresistible sweetness.
Most of the ingredients for malasadas are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up active dry yeast if you don't bake often. Make sure to get all-purpose flour and vanilla extract for the best results. Melted butter and warm milk are also essential for the dough's texture and flavor.

Ingredients For Malasadas Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and is used for rolling the malasadas after frying.
Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise, making the malasadas light and fluffy.
Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
Melted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
Beaten eggs: Contribute to the dough's structure and add richness.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the malasadas.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma and flavor.
Oil for frying: Used to fry the malasadas until golden brown.
Technique Tip for Making Malasadas
When combining the yeast mixture with the flour mixture, ensure that the milk is warm but not hot. This helps activate the yeast without killing it, resulting in a better rise for your malasadas.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can give the malasadas a chewier texture.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For those with gluten intolerance, a gluten-free flour blend can be used to achieve a similar texture.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a different flavor profile and moisture to the malasadas.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and can add a slight caramel flavor.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be used directly without needing to be activated in warm water first.
warm milk - Substitute with warm almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can be used for those who are lactose intolerant.
warm milk - Substitute with warm coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a subtle coconut flavor and is also dairy-free.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that can add a slight coconut flavor.
melted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a non-dairy alternative to butter.
beaten eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative made by mixing ground flaxseed with water.
beaten eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as an egg substitute to add moisture and a slight apple flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used for a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can provide a different but complementary flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can add a unique and sweet flavor profile.
oil for frying - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying.
oil for frying - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil also has a high smoke point and can add a slight nutty flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Malasadas
How to Store or Freeze Your Malasadas
- Allow the malasadas to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Store malasadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
- For longer storage, place the malasadas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This helps them maintain their shape.
- Once frozen, transfer the malasadas to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat frozen malasadas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This revives their crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Alternatively, you can microwave frozen malasadas for 20-30 seconds. This is a quicker method but may result in a slightly softer texture.
- Avoid storing malasadas in the refrigerator, as this can make them stale faster. Room temperature or freezing is best for maintaining their quality.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the malasadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through. This method helps maintain their crispy exterior and soft interior.
Use a microwave for a quick reheat. Place the malasadas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them chewy.
For a more traditional approach, reheat the malasadas in a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method helps to keep the malasadas crispy.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the malasadas in the basket in a single layer and heat for 3-4 minutes. This method is excellent for retaining their crispy texture.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the malasadas in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through. This method can help restore some of the original texture.
Essential Tools for Making Malasadas
Mixing bowl: Used to combine and mix ingredients together.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, and milk.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the yeast, salt, and vanilla extract.
Whisk: Useful for beating the eggs and ensuring they are well mixed.
Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the dough mixture.
Stand mixer: Optional but helpful for kneading the dough until smooth.
Kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises.
Frying pan: Needed for frying the malasadas.
Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing the malasadas from the hot oil.
Paper towels: Used to drain excess oil from the fried malasadas.
Plate: For placing the malasadas after they are fried and drained.
Rolling pin: Optional, if you prefer to roll out the dough before frying.
Thermometer: Useful for checking the temperature of the oil to ensure it is hot enough for frying.
How to Save Time on Making Malasadas
Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This minimizes interruptions and keeps the process smooth.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can knead the dough more efficiently than by hand, saving you time and effort.
Proof in a warm place: Speed up the rising process by placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area.
Batch frying: Fry multiple malasadas at once to reduce cooking time. Ensure your oil is at the right temperature to avoid overcrowding.
Preheat oil: Start heating the oil while the dough is rising to save time.

Malasadas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup melted butter
- 4 eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- as needed oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until frothy.
- 2. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- 3. Combine the yeast mixture with the flour mixture. Knead until smooth. Let it rise for about 1 hour.
- 4. Heat oil in a frying pan. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown.
- 5. Remove malasadas with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Roll in sugar while warm.
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