Fluffy Vanilla French Beignets Recipe: A Sweet Parisian Treat

Sweet, pillowy clouds of french beignets with vanilla emerge as a delightful treat that transports you straight to the charming streets of New Orleans.

These delicate pastries dance with a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.

Powdered sugar cascades over golden-brown squares, creating a mesmerizing contrast of colors and textures.

Crisp on the outside and impossibly soft within, these beignets whisper tales of culinary tradition and comfort.

The subtle hint of vanilla weaves through each bite, elevating this classic dessert from simple to sublime.

You’ll find these beignets are surprisingly easy to master in your own kitchen.

Fun Flavors for Classic French Beignets

• Chocolate Beignets: Replace vanilla extract with cocoa powder and add dark chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, chocolatey version.
• Gluten-Free Beignets: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum to maintain texture and structure.
• Cinnamon Apple Beignets: Mix diced apples and ground cinnamon into the dough, then dust with cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for a warm, spiced variation.
• Savory Herb Beignets: Omit sugar and vanilla, add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and serve with a garlic aioli dipping sauce for a savory alternative.

Creative Ways to Serve French Beignets

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm, fluffy beignets with rich French press coffee or a creamy cappuccino for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Transformation: Create a decadent dessert by drizzling melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the beignets, adding fresh berries on the side for extra color and flavor.
• Family Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange beignets on a beautiful platter with small bowls of different flavored sugars like cinnamon, lavender, or cocoa for a fun, interactive dining experience.
• Festive Party Snack: Serve as bite-sized appetizers at gatherings, allowing guests to grab and enjoy these crispy, powdered sugar-coated delights while mingling.

How to Store Leftover Beignets Softly

• Store beignets in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cooled beignets individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Keep frozen for 1 month.
• Warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• Quickly refry in hot oil for 30 seconds to restore original crispiness and warmth.

FAQs

• Are beignets only from New Orleans?

Beignets originated in France but became famous in New Orleans, Louisiana, where they’re considered a cultural staple, especially in the French Quarter.

• What type of yeast works best for this recipe?

Active dry yeast is recommended because it helps create a light, fluffy texture and provides the perfect rise for traditional beignets.

• Can I make beignet dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight, which can actually enhance the flavor and make the dough easier to handle.

• Why do beignets require a resting period?

The resting period allows gluten to relax, makes the dough easier to roll, and helps develop a more complex, rich flavor in the final pastry.

Morning in Paris: Vanilla French Beignets Await

• Quickly Craft Sweet Treats: These beignets offer a delightful dessert that anyone can make with basic kitchen skills, perfect for baking newbies and experienced cooks alike.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Soft, pillowy squares dusted with powdered sugar create an irresistible treat that brings smiles to family and friends, making gatherings extra special.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Serve these classic French pastries for breakfast, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert – they shine in any mealtime setting and suit multiple occasions from casual to fancy.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Using common pantry staples like flour, eggs, and sugar, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a spectacular homemade delicacy without requiring fancy or expensive components.

Must-Haves for Homemade French Beignets

• Flour: The primary ingredient that provides structure and texture to the beignets.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the beignet dough.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the beignet dough.
• Evaporated Milk: Contributes to the creamy and soft texture of the beignets.
• Warm Water: Helps activate the yeast and combine the ingredients smoothly.

• Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Add sweetness and aromatic depth to the beignet recipe.
• Melted Butter: Provides richness and a smooth, tender texture to the dough.

• Vegetable Oil: The medium for deep-frying the beignets to achieve a golden brown color.
• Powdered Sugar: The classic sweet dusting that completes the traditional French beignet presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Vanilla Beignets

Step 1: Activate Yeast

In a cozy bowl, sprinkle yeast into warm water with a tiny sugar pinch.

Watch the magic happen as it becomes frothy and alive within 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create Liquid Base

Whisk together eggs, sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended.

The mixture should look creamy and inviting.

Step 3: Form Magical Dough

Pour the bubbly yeast mixture into the liquid base.

Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a soft, pillowy dough emerges.

Mix thoroughly to ensure no dry spots remain.

Step 4: Knead and Rest

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Gently knead the dough, then fold in melted butter.

Let the dough relax and rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape and Prepare

Roll out the puffy dough on a clean surface.

Cut into rustic squares or classic rectangles, preparing for their golden transformation.

Step 6: Fry to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan.

Carefully drop dough squares into the hot oil, watching them turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Flip once to ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Rescue the beignets with a slotted spoon, letting excess oil drip onto paper towels.

Generously dust with powdered sugar while still warm.

Serve immediately for the most delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Tips for Pillowy, Golden French Beignets

• Ensure water is warm (not hot) around 110°F to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Maintain consistent oil at 350-375°F for even, crispy beignets without absorbing excess oil or burning.
• Allow full rising time to develop rich flavor and ensure soft, airy interior when fried.
• Sift powdered sugar generously while beignets are still warm for even, smooth coating that melts slightly.
• Work in small batches to prevent oil temperature dropping and ensure golden, crisp exterior on each beignet.

Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Vanilla French Beignets invite sweet-toothed travelers into a world of New Orleans culinary magic. Powdered sugar-dusted pillows of crisp pastry melt effortlessly, whisking you straight to charming French Quarter cafes with each tender bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup warm water
• ½ cup evaporated milk

Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Frying and Finishing:

• Vegetable oil (about 2 inches in a deep pot)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by whisking it into lukewarm water with a hint of sugar, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Whisk together eggs, sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract in a spacious mixing vessel until thoroughly combined.
3. Incorporate the activated yeast mixture into the egg blend, then gradually fold in flour and salt, stirring until a cohesive dough emerges.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured workspace and knead gently, then fold in melted butter to enhance richness and texture.
5. Place the dough in a covered container and allow it to rise in a warm environment for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in volume.
6. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
7. Slice the dough into uniform squares or rectangles using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
8. Heat vegetable oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring consistent temperature.
9. Carefully lower the dough squares into the hot oil, frying until they achieve a golden-brown color and puffy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes.
10. Remove the beignets using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on absorbent paper towels.
11. Generously dust the warm beignets with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet coating.
12. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the crisp, pillowy texture.

Notes

• Activate yeast precisely at the right temperature to ensure proper rising and fluffy texture.
• Consider using room temperature ingredients to help dough develop consistent smoothness and prevent uneven mixing.
• Try alternative flour types like whole wheat or gluten-free blends for dietary accommodations without compromising authentic beignet characteristics.
• Control oil temperature between 350-365°F for optimal golden-brown exterior and preventing greasy absorption during frying.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 115 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg