Malasadas are light, fluffy Hawaiian donuts rolled in sugar and often filled with tropical custards like passion fruit cream. Originally brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants, these fried treats have become a beloved staple, especially famous at Leonard’s Bakery in Honolulu. This recipe makes a small batch of 6 malasadas, ideal for a household craving a quick, fresh indulgence without leftovers. With an overnight dough proof, these donuts turn out extra airy and delicious.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

2 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 packet (0.25-ounce) instant yeast
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 120°–130°F
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Vegetable oil for frying
¾ cup granulated sugar, for coating

For the Passion Fruit Pastry Cream
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 cup whole milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
¼ cup passion fruit puree
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine bread flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Pour into the flour mixture. Knead on medium-low for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for the first proof.
Step 4: Meanwhile, make the pastry cream. Heat milk with ¼ cup sugar until steaming. In another bowl, whisk egg, cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons sugar.
Step 5: Temper the egg mixture with hot milk, then combine and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, passion fruit puree, and vanilla. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface, and refrigerate overnight.
Step 6: The next day, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch rounds.
Step 7: Place rounds on a floured, parchment-lined tray, cover loosely, and let rise for 1 hour until puffy.
Step 8: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 365°F. Fry donuts 2–3 at a time for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Step 9: Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined rack. Immediately toss warm donuts in granulated sugar.
Step 10: Once slightly cooled, fill a piping bag fitted with a Bismark tip with the chilled pastry cream. Insert the tip into the side of each donut and fill generously. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 malasada
Calories: Approximately 330 kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 170mg
Fiber: 1g

The Origins of Malasadas in Hawaiian Culture

The story of malasadas in Hawaii dates back to the late 19th century when Portuguese immigrants from Madeira and the Azores arrived to work on sugar plantations. They brought with them their culinary traditions, including malasadas, which were often made to use up butter and sugar before the fasting period of Lent. Over time, malasadas became deeply ingrained in Hawaiian culture, evolving into a year-round treat loved by locals and visitors alike. Unlike traditional Portuguese malasadas, which were often denser, the Hawaiian versions became lighter and airier, reflecting the influence of tropical ingredients and local preferences. Today, malasadas are a must-try food for anyone visiting Hawaii, and recreating them at home offers a sweet way to honor this delicious heritage.

What Makes These Malasadas with Passion Fruit Pastry Cream Special

These malasadas are truly extraordinary because they combine two luxurious elements: a perfectly airy fried donut and a silky, tart passion fruit pastry cream. The dough is enriched with milk, egg, and butter, creating a soft and elastic texture that puffs up beautifully during frying. Rolling the warm malasadas in granulated sugar adds a sparkling, sweet crunch to their exterior. The addition of passion fruit pastry cream takes them to another level, adding a vibrant burst of tropical flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the donut. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of sweetness, tartness, and creaminess, making these malasadas not just a dessert but a full sensory experience.

The Importance of High-Quality Ingredients

Because malasadas are made with simple ingredients, quality is key. Using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour gives the dough the extra strength and chewiness needed for the perfect texture. Fresh, high-quality eggs and whole milk provide richness and contribute to the dough’s tender crumb. Real butter adds a subtle depth of flavor that margarine simply cannot replicate. For the passion fruit pastry cream, using pure passion fruit puree ensures an authentic, intensely fruity flavor that cannot be achieved with artificial flavorings. Fresh vanilla extract and real unsalted butter in the cream create a luscious, luxurious finish. Even the sugar used for rolling should be fresh to provide the best sparkling texture.

Why Malasadas Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Malasadas bring a festive, joyful energy to any occasion. They are perfect for casual brunches, birthday celebrations, family gatherings, or any moment when you want to treat yourself and others to something special. Their small size makes them ideal for sharing, while their decadent flavor profile ensures they will be the star of any dessert spread. Because the dough can be prepared the night before and fried fresh the next day, malasadas are also a great option for holiday mornings or celebratory breakfasts. Their connection to tradition and their universally loved flavors make them a meaningful and delightful addition to any event.

Health Benefits of Using Real Ingredients

While malasadas are undoubtedly an indulgence, using real, wholesome ingredients provides some nutritional advantages. Eggs contribute protein, essential amino acids, and important vitamins such as B12 and D. Milk adds calcium and other minerals that support bone health. Passion fruit puree offers a wealth of vitamin C, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds known for their antioxidant properties. When homemade, malasadas contain no preservatives or artificial additives, making them a cleaner option compared to store-bought fried treats. By savoring them mindfully and occasionally, malasadas can be enjoyed as part of a balanced, joyful approach to eating.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Malasadas

Achieving bakery-quality malasadas at home comes down to a few important techniques. Kneading the dough thoroughly develops the gluten structure, creating the elasticity necessary for the donuts to puff properly. Allowing the dough to proof overnight in the refrigerator develops flavor and makes it easier to handle the next day. Rolling out the dough evenly ensures uniform frying and a consistent texture. Maintaining the oil temperature at around 365°F during frying prevents greasy malasadas and promotes even browning. Tossing the donuts in sugar while they are still warm ensures a beautiful, even coating. When filling the malasadas, use a piping bag fitted with a Bismark tip for easy, generous filling without splitting the donuts.

Creative Variations of Malasadas

While passion fruit pastry cream is a stunning filling, malasadas lend themselves beautifully to a wide variety of creative flavors. Classic vanilla pastry cream, chocolate ganache, coconut custard, or guava jam are all popular options. For a more decadent treat, malasadas can be dipped in chocolate glaze or drizzled with caramel sauce. Infusing the dough with citrus zest or cardamom adds subtle layers of flavor to the base. Seasonal variations, such as pumpkin spice custard in the fall or strawberry cream in the spring, allow malasadas to adapt to different times of the year. Whether kept traditional or dressed up with inventive fillings, malasadas are endlessly versatile and always delightful.

Perfect Pairings for Malasadas

Malasadas are delicious enough to be enjoyed on their own but also pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. A cup of strong coffee or espresso provides a pleasantly bitter contrast to the sweet, fluffy donuts. Iced lattes, chai tea, or tropical smoothies complement the fruity filling beautifully. For a special brunch or party, serving malasadas alongside a tropical fruit platter featuring pineapple, papaya, and passion fruit reinforces the island-inspired theme. If you are planning an elegant dessert course, pairing malasadas with a glass of sparkling wine or a light dessert wine like Moscato creates a celebratory mood that enhances the experience even further.

The Cultural Joy of Sharing Fried Treats

Fried treats like malasadas are celebrated around the world for their ability to bring people together. From Italian zeppole to French beignets to South American buñuelos, cultures across the globe embrace the joy of lightly sweetened, airy, fried dough. In Hawaii, malasadas have become a symbol of community, celebration, and island hospitality. Preparing malasadas at home and sharing them with family and friends taps into this rich tradition, turning a simple dessert into a memorable event. Every golden, sugar-dusted bite carries with it the warmth of tradition, the pleasure of good food, and the simple happiness of sharing something homemade and special.

Conclusion

Malasadas with Passion Fruit Pastry Cream are a delicious, tropical twist on a beloved classic, offering a perfect combination of fluffy dough, sweet sugar, and vibrant, tangy filling. Easy enough to make at home with a little planning, they deliver bakery-quality results that will delight anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. Whether served as a brunch treat, a party centerpiece, or a special family dessert, these malasadas capture the joy, hospitality, and spirit of island life in every bite. Light, airy, sweet, and bursting with tropical flavor, they are the perfect indulgence for any occasion worth celebrating.