Create these incredibly soft and fluffy coconut-covered treats in just minutes using simple pantry ingredients! This amazing no-bake dessert transforms basic yogurt and egg into golden, pillowy bites that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for unexpected guests or when you’re craving something sweet without the wait of traditional baking.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Plain yogurt: 200g (¾ cup + 1 tbsp / 7 oz)
- Egg: 1 large egg
- Sugar: 3 tbsp (60g / 2 oz)
- Vegetable oil: 3 tbsp (45ml)
- All-purpose flour: 350g (2¾ cups / 12.3 oz)
- Salt: pinch
- Instant baking powder: 12g (1 packet / 2½ tsp)
- Lemon zest: from ½ lemon
For Frying and Decoration:
- Seed oil: for deep frying
- Peach jam: ½ cup (120ml) for filling
- Shredded coconut: 1 cup (80g / 2.8 oz) for coating
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt, egg, and sugar. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated. The mixture should be creamy and uniform.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Add vegetable oil and fresh lemon zest to the yogurt mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and instant baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix – stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Step 5: Rest the Dough
Let the dough rest for 5 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and the flour to fully hydrate.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
Heat seed oil in a deep pan or pot to 170°C (340°F). The oil should be deep enough to completely submerge the dough pieces.
Step 7: Shape and Fry
Using wet hands or a spoon, take small portions of dough and gently drop them into the hot oil. Fry on low to medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed up.
Step 8: Drain and Cool
Remove the fried pieces with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow to cool slightly before handling.
Step 9: Add Filling
While still warm, carefully make a small slit in each piece and fill with a small amount of peach jam using a piping bag or small spoon.
Step 10: Coat with Coconut
Roll each filled piece in shredded coconut until completely covered. The slight warmth helps the coconut adhere perfectly.
Step 11: Serve
Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy immediately while still warm, or let cool completely for a firmer texture.
Time and Serving Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Servings: 12-15 pieces
- Calories: Approximately 180 per piece
Nutrition Highlights
Contains protein from yogurt and egg, probiotics from yogurt for digestive health, and quick energy from natural sugars. The coconut provides healthy medium-chain fatty acids and adds fiber to the dessert.
Why This Recipe is Healthy
This quick dessert offers surprising nutritional benefits compared to traditional fried sweets. Plain yogurt provides probiotics that support digestive health and immune function, while contributing protein and calcium for bone strength. The single egg adds high-quality protein and essential amino acids. Fresh lemon zest delivers vitamin C and natural citrus oils that aid digestion. By using minimal sugar and incorporating nutrient-dense yogurt as the base, this treat satisfies sweet cravings while providing beneficial nutrients. The coconut coating adds healthy fats and fiber, while the fruit jam contributes natural fruit sugars and antioxidants. Though fried, the quick cooking time and light texture mean these treats absorb less oil than traditional donuts, making them a more moderate indulgence that can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed occasionally.