Malasadas [Hawaiian Style Donuts]

by jenjenk on February 28, 2010

The first time I tried Leonard’s Malasadas in Hawaii, I thought I had died and gone to heaven.  The hot, soft pillows of deep fried goodness brought a tear to my eyes. I can still picture that first bite…not even my first experience at Cafe Du Monde’s Beignets could take this place.
I’ve made variations of Okinawa Dangos/Andagi before, but never Malasadas [you know…my whole fear of yeast thing].  I suddenly had this crazy craving for it last night so decided to make it for my Sunday morning breakfast…and use the photos to taunt my friend, Miles, who happens to *LOVE* malasadas.

It’s a messy process so I wasn’t able to take as many photos as I would’ve liked.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }

employee_8 March 1, 2010 at 5:22 am

it looks more like dango's than malasadas.

well, did they taste alright? how old is the post? did you make them tonight.

i am calling you now!!

Reply

Jen March 1, 2010 at 6:27 pm

HAHAHA. Freak.

Made it the same day I posted. they weren't AS fluffy as Leonards. I'm going to try one more recipe that I think will be even better!

and yes, I will call you when I start making it next time.

Reply

Fuji Mama March 1, 2010 at 11:49 pm

Um, hello? YUM!!!

Reply

Charmaine March 2, 2010 at 12:52 am

there's some portuguese magic they put in malasada…you just cannot recreate them exactly the way Leonard's and other bakeries make them. i too have a fear of yeast, that's why my dh make the pizza dough and not me!

Reply

Jen March 2, 2010 at 4:51 am

FM – hey, sickie sick…i don't want to get it back again! 😉

Charmaine – I am SSSSOOOO determined to try! Just wait!! I actually FOUND leonard's recipe! 🙂

Reply

employee_8 March 2, 2010 at 9:57 pm

like i said, go get a job at leonards or homemaid bakery on maui…learn how it is done and then quit.

hey, take your vacation there, get a job and then quit.

when am i getting my malasadas. i am hungry fat man!

Reply

Chez Us March 3, 2010 at 4:46 am

Aren't they delicious at Leonards! The first time I have the it was there but then I met Lenny – he is Portuguese and Malasadas are actually Portuguese. His mother taught me how to make them and every so often when I am hungry for fried sugary dough … I whip them up! Yours came out perfectly!! Just need to fill with custard now. 😉

Reply

Jen March 3, 2010 at 6:14 am

WOAAAH!!! Seriously??? did you post that???!! I want to try yours!!!

I went to Portugal last November. I love that place…and I'm kicking myself for not having bought more Port. MUST go back!

Reply

Liz Olver December 5, 2011 at 11:55 am

I just found your website last night so this is why my comment is so far behind. I’m half Japanese..hapa..from Hawai’i and love malasadas. The best recipe is theone from the Punahou school carnival, you can google it. The mom’s who make them every year at the school carnival sell thousands. A really quick, easy and actually oishi version is to get Pillsbury grand biscuits, cut into quarters, fry them up, shake in sugar and eat hot. Seriously, they are good. Sometimes if you put just a teeny tiny pinch of cinnamon in your sugar it is even better.

Reply

jenjenk December 5, 2011 at 12:06 pm

Oh nooo, Punahou??!!!!! THOSE kids???!! Just kidding. i’ll just BET that is awesome! I have all kinds of Andagi recipes but malasadas are so much better. I’m going to have to try the pillbury grand biscuits!! that just sounds awesome…and EASY!!! 🙂

Reply

Liz Olver December 9, 2011 at 7:13 pm

You can also get a piece of thick white bread, cut off the crusts, then cut the bread into 6 equal size squares. Make a light batter out of bisquick and milk, a tiny dash of vanilla. Dip the squares of bread into the bisquick batter and fry in oil til golden, shake in granulated sugar. That’s how I made malasadas years and years ago (in the 70’s and 80’s) for my kids when we were on a limited budget. Actually tasted pretty good, I got the recipe from one of the Waipahu Hongwanji cookbooks. ( And I didn’t go to Punahou, I’m a Radford grad!)

Reply

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge

Previous post:

Next post: