In a large bowl, sift the cake flour and add the baking powder, sugar, salt, yeast and the spices.
Melt the butter and add lightly beaten egg and the water and milk.
Mix thoroughly to form a soft smooth dough.
Leave to rise for about 1- 2 hours in a warm place.
Once risen, moisten hands with oil and roll dough into a sausage shape and cut into 2cm slices. I normally break off small golf ball-sized pieces of dough weighing approximately 40 grams each and roll them between my palms to get a smooth ball then put them down to rise a second time.
Place the slices on a lightly oil tray or directly on your countertop which has been rubbed with a very light film of cooking oil to prevent the dough from sticking.
Leave to rise again for approximately 10-15 mins.
Lightly stretch slices to form an oval shape and deep fry in medium hot oil until golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
At this stage, the cooled koeksisters can be frozen for approximately 3 months.
Syrup
Place all the ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a slow boil, stirring to ensure the sugar does not burn.
Stir until the sugar syrup becomes slightly sticky.
Boil the koeksisters in it for 1- 2 minutes, and remove with a slotted spoon.
Sprinkle with a little of the desiccated coconut and serve hot.
Recipe by SAPeople South African Recipes at https://tastyrecipes.staging.sapeople.com/traditional-malay-koeksisters/