Vetkoek with Apricot Jam and Butter

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Pastries doughnuts Easy

This is the sweet form: a simple yeast dough fried in balls until golden and hollow, split open and spread with butter and apricot jam. Makes 12 vetkoek in about 1 hr 45 min.

Prep 25 min

Cook 20 min

Cooling 1 hr

Total 1 hr 45 min

Yield 12 vetkoek

Ingredients

Adjust yield

vetkoek

4 cups (500 g)all-purpose flour
¼ oz (10 g)instant yeast
¾ tsp (5 g)fine salt
2 tbsp (25 g)sugar
1 ⅓ cups (320 ml)warm water
4 ¼ cups (1000 ml)neutral oil
¼ cup (60 g)butter
½ cup (150 g)apricot jam

Fresh ingredient guides

ApricotsHow to pick, season & nutrition · 74 kcal per 155 g

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Instructions

Mix the flour, yeast, salt and sugar. Add the water and knead 5 minutes into a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Cover and rise in a warm place about 40 minutes, until doubled.
Punch down, divide into 12 balls and rest on a floured tray for 10 minutes.
Heat the oil in a deep pot to 350 F (175 C).
Fry 3 or 4 balls at a time for about 3 minutes, turning halfway, until deep golden and cooked through.
Drain on paper towels. Split open while warm, spread with butter and fill with apricot jam.

Tips

Test the oil with a bit of dough; if it browns instantly the oil is too hot.
The first-fried should be hollow inside, not doughy.
For a savory meal, stuff with curried mince instead of jam.
Hot frying oil can cause serious burns. Use a thermometer, never leave the pot unattended, lower food in gently, and keep water away from the oil.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make vetkoek with apricot jam and butter?

Plan on 25 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, plus 1 hour to chill. The recipe makes 12 vetkoek.

How should I store vetkoek with apricot jam and butter?

Best fresh. Store airtight at room temperature one day and refresh in a warm oven.

Can I make vetkoek with apricot jam and butter ahead?

Best made just before serving. Best fresh. Store airtight at room temperature one day and refresh in a warm oven.

Vetkoek (amagwinya in Zulu) is a South African fried bread dough, eaten savory with curried mince or sweet with jam, syrup or butter. Serve it with rooibos or coffee.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 12 servings this recipe makes.

304 Calories / serving

12.5g Fat

42.7g Carbs

4.6g Protein

8.3g Sugar

Whole recipe (12 servings): ~3648 cal · 150g fat · 512g carbs · 55g protein · 100g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.