Yam Balls with Marshmallows, Coconut, and Nuts
Yam Balls with Marshmallows, Coconut, and Nuts
Yam balls are a beloved West African delicacy enjoyed in Nigeria, Ghana, and across many African homes. They are soft, tasty snacks usually prepared with boiled yam mashed into a smooth dough and fried to golden perfection.
Over the years, yam balls have evolved from simple savory treats to creative dessert-style snacks. One of the most exciting and modern versions is yam balls with marshmallows, coconut, and nuts—a recipe that blends African culinary tradition with sweet, global dessert influences.
This upgraded version introduces tropical flavors from coconut, crunchy textures from nuts, and a gooey marshmallow center that melts into creamy sweetness. Whether you are preparing snacks for kids, dessert bites for a party, or looking for a creative twist on regular yam balls, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It is fun, easy to prepare, and incredibly delicious.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Yam, especially African white yam, has a natural creamy taste. When mashed smoothly, it forms the perfect dough for shaping balls.
The addition of coconut infuses a tropical aroma and texture, while nuts add crunch. Marshmallows melt inside the yam ball during frying, creating a soft, indulgent center.
The result is a crispy outside, tender yam interior, and a delicious melted marshmallow surprise.
This fusion recipe appeals to both children and adults. It is a hit at birthdays, school events, Christmas celebrations, Eid gatherings, weddings, and weekend family treats. It also photographs beautifully, making it great for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram food pages, cooking blogs, and recipe channels.
Ingredients for Yam Balls with Marshmallows, Coconut, and Nuts
For the Yam Dough
- 1 medium yam tuber, peeled and diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
- 1 large egg
For the Filling
- Mini marshmallows
- ½ cup grated coconut
- ½ cup crushed nuts (groundnut, cashew, almond, or peanut)
The Coating
- ½ cup flour
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1–2 cups breadcrumbs
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
1. Boil the Yam
Peel the yam, cut it into cubes, and wash it thoroughly. Place the yam in a pot, add water and salt, and boil until it becomes soft and tender. A fork should slide easily through each piece. This usually takes about 20 minutes depending on the size of the yam cubes.
Properly boiled yam ensures a smooth and creamy mash, which is essential for forming firm yam balls that hold their shape.
- Mash the Yam Smoothly
Drain the yam and allow it to cool slightly. Mash it using a potato masher, wooden spoon, or mixer. Add butter, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg. Mix until everything is combined. Crack in the egg and mix thoroughly to bind the dough.
Here is where you incorporate the tropical elements:
Add the grated coconut and crushed nuts into the yam mash. Fold gently until evenly distributed.
The coconut gives a slightly chewy, aromatic texture, while the nuts add crunch and flavor depth.
3. Shape the Yam Balls
Scoop a small amount of yam mixture into your palm. Flatten it gently. Place one or two mini marshmallows in the center. Fold the yam over the marshmallows and roll into a smooth ball. Make sure the marshmallow is fully covered to avoid leakage during frying.
Repeat the process until all the dough is used up.
The size of each yam ball should be slightly smaller than a golf ball for even cooking and a perfect marshmallow melt.
4. Coat the Yam Balls
Coating gives the yam balls a crispy outer layer. Follow this order:
- Roll each yam ball lightly in flour.
- Dip it into the beaten egg.
- Roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
If you want extra crunch, double-coat:
Egg → Breadcrumbs → Egg → Breadcrumbs.
This coating method makes the outside perfectly golden and crunchy when fried.
5. Fry the Yam Balls
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a tiny breadcrumb—if it sizzles and rises, it’s ready.
Carefully place the yam balls in the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3–5 minutes or until golden brown. Turn occasionally to ensure even frying.
Remove the yam balls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
When you break one open, the marshmallow should be melted and stretchy, combining beautifully with the coconut and nut-studded yam interior.
Serving Suggestions
These yam balls can be enjoyed in multiple ways:
1. Dessert Style
- Serve with melted chocolate or caramel drizzle
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Pair with ice cream
2. Snack Style
Perfect with tea, hot chocolate, fruit juice, or soda.
3. Party or Event Platters
Serve with toothpicks for children’s parties, weddings, birthdays, office events, or festive gatherings.
4. Breakfast Treat
Pair with pap, custard, or hot coffee.
Variations You Can Try
1. Chocolate-Filled Yam Balls
Replace marshmallows with chocolate cubes for a rich center.
2. Coconut-Only Yam Balls
Skip the nuts and marshmallows for an allergy-friendly version.
3. Baked Yam Balls
Bake instead of frying for a healthier option.
4. Spicy Yam Balls
Add cinnamon sugar or chili powder for unique flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Yam Balls
- Use mini marshmallows—they melt better.
- Keep your yam dough firm; if it’s too soft, add a little flour.
- Fry on medium heat, not high.
- Seal the yam balls properly before coating.
- For extra crispiness, freeze the coated balls for 10 minutes before frying.
Conclusion
Easy to prepare, fun to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for every celebration, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your kitchen.
Whether you are making them for YouTube content, parties, family treats, or dessert experiments, they always deliver a delightful experience.
Hashtags
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