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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Whisk together eggs, sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract in a spacious mixing vessel until thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate the activated yeast mixture into the egg blend, then gradually fold in flour and salt, stirring until a cohesive dough emerges.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured workspace and knead gently, then fold in melted butter to enhance richness and texture.
- 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.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Slice the dough into uniform squares or rectangles using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
- Heat vegetable oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring consistent temperature.
- Carefully lower the dough squares into the hot oil, frying until they achieve a golden-brown color and puffy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the beignets using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on absorbent paper towels.
- Generously dust the warm beignets with powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet coating.
- 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