Dessert

Mosbolletjies: South African Grape-Flavored Sweet Bread Recipe

Name: Mosbolletjies: South African Grape-Flavored Sweet Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: PT-490636H12M43S
Cuisine: South African
Ingredients: 500 gram Grapes; 2 cup Cake Flour; 2.5 kilogram Cake Flour; 2 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 7.5 gram Salt; 15 gram Aniseed; As needed Milk or warm water; 250 gram Salted Butter (for greasing); 2 Eggs; 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (for egg wash); Little Milk (for egg wash)

ByJake Silas December 15, 2025December 15, 2025

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Introduction

Mosbolletjies are traditional South African sweet rolls made with grapes and aniseed, offering a unique fruity flavor and a soft, fluffy texture. Perfect for enjoying with butter or as a delightful treat for afternoon tea.

The image shows a loaf of braided bread with a golden brown crust in a metal baking pan, with one section torn to show the soft, light inside. Next to it is a white plate with a green floral pattern holding a piece of the bread spread with melted yellow butter. A butter knife with some butter on it rests on the plate. Around the food are cracked eggshells and two black measuring spoons on a wooden table dusted with flour. The setting looks warm and rustic. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500 grams grapes
2 cups cake flour (for the starter)
2.5 kilograms cake flour (for the dough)
250 grams salted butter
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
7.5 grams salt
15 grams aniseed
2 eggs
Milk, as needed

Instructions

Step 1: To make the starter, stir 2 cups of cake flour into the grapes until you have a smooth, lump-free paste.
Step 2: Transfer the paste into a glass or plastic container and cover with clingfilm. Leave it in a warm spot to rise for about 3 to 4 hours.
Step 3: For the dough, combine 2.5 kilograms of cake flour, granulated sugar, salt, and aniseed in a large bowl. Add the starter mixture and enough warm water or milk to form a firm dough.
Step 4: Place the dough into a large bowl, cover with clingfilm, and leave to rise in a warm spot for 4 to 5 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 6: Once risen, gently knock down the dough without kneading. Grease two to three loaf pans with salted butter.
Step 7: With floured hands, shape small balls of dough and arrange them tightly in the loaf pans.
Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with a teaspoon of sugar and a little milk. Brush this mixture over the tops of the dough balls.
Step 9: Allow the loaves to rise for a few minutes, then bake in the preheated oven for exactly 1 hour.
Step 10: Let the loaves cool slightly before turning them out of the pans. Serve warm with plenty of butter.

Tips & Variations

Use seedless grapes for a smoother starter texture and easier preparation.
For a richer flavor, substitute some of the milk with cream.
You can add a pinch of cinnamon with the aniseed for a warm spice note.
Allowing the dough to rise overnight enhances the flavor and texture.

Storage

Store mosbolletjies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To enjoy them fresh, warm in the oven or microwave before serving. For longer storage, freeze after baking and thaw at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a loaf of soft, golden-brown bread with a braided top, placed in a dark metal tray on a white marbled surface dusted with flour. One portion of the bread has been removed and placed on a white plate with green floral patterns, topped with a thick spread of creamy yellow butter that looks partially melted. A vintage knife with butter residue rests on the plate beside the bread. Around the bread tray and plate, there are scattered cracked brown eggshells and measuring spoons, adding a rustic baking feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have aniseed?

If you don’t have aniseed, you can substitute with fennel seeds or a small amount of crushed star anise for a similar licorice-like flavor.

Can I make mosbolletjies without grapes?

The grapes are essential for the starter’s flavor and fermentation; however, if unavailable, you can try using grape juice with yeast as an alternative, but the traditional taste may vary.