Colombia · South America

Buñuelos

Christmas cheese fritters puffed from within by baking powder chemistry.

Colombian buñuelosChristmas cheese fritters

The Chemistry in This Bake

The reaction between baking powder and moisture producing gas bubbles that puff the fritters as they fry.

Learn the full technique →

Ingredients

  • Queso fresco (crumbled)
  • Cassava starch
  • Cornstarch
  • Eggs
  • Baking powder
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Frying oil

Method

  1. Mix the cheeses with eggs, sugar, and salt until smooth.

  2. Add cassava starch, cornstarch, and baking powder to form a soft dough.

  3. Rest the dough 15 minutes so the leavening hydrates.

  4. Roll into even balls.

  5. Fry in oil at 175 °C, watching them puff as gas bubbles expand.

  6. Fry 5-7 minutes until deep golden, then drain and serve warm.