Craving something sweet and fluffy? If you love donuts, then you're going to adore French beignets! These light, airy, and crispy pastries are a delightful treat, and when infused with vanilla, they offer a fragrant twist that will leave you craving more. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make irresistible Vanilla French Beignets right in your kitchen. Read on to master the art of crafting these heavenly bites and impress your family and friends with your baking prowess.
What are Vanilla French Beignets?
Vanilla French beignets are small, square-shaped, or round pieces of dough that are deep-fried until golden brown and then dusted with powdered sugar. They originate from France, particularly from New Orleans’ French Quarter in the United States, where they’re a beloved breakfast or snack item. Beignets are similar to donuts but are lighter in texture, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. By adding vanilla to the batter, these beignets become even more flavorful, with a subtle yet aromatic sweetness that perfectly complements the light dough.
Ingredients List for Vanilla French Beignets
- 1 cup warm water (around 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re short on certain ingredients or want to make the recipe your own, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Milk Alternatives: Instead of evaporated milk, you can use whole milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk for a slightly different flavor. The texture may vary slightly, but the result will still be delicious.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use one that’s formulated for baking to maintain a similar texture.
- Sugar Substitutes: If you’re trying to cut down on sugar, you can use a sugar alternative like Stevia, Monk fruit, or erythritol. Keep in mind, the sweetness level may differ slightly.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a little lemon zest to the dough for a twist on the traditional vanilla flavor. You can also fill the beignets with fruit preserves or chocolate for a decadent treat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well-combined. Make sure the melted butter is not too hot, or it could cook the egg.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring as you go. You can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment or knead the dough by hand.
4. Knead the Dough:
Once all the ingredients are combined, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out to about ¼ inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
7. Heat the Oil:
In a large, deep pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is at the right temperature, as too hot or too cold oil will result in unevenly cooked beignets.
8. Fry the Beignets:
Carefully drop a few pieces of dough into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once the beignets have cooled slightly, generously dust them with powdered sugar. For extra flavor, you can sift some cinnamon into the powdered sugar mixture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Checking the Oil Temperature: One of the most common mistakes is frying the beignets at the wrong temperature. Make sure the oil is between 350°F and 360°F. Too hot, and the beignets will burn on the outside while staying raw on the inside. Too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil, becoming greasy.
- Overcrowding the Fryer: Adding too many beignets at once can lower the oil temperature, causing them to fry unevenly. Fry in small batches for best results.
- Skipping the First Rise: Letting the dough rise is crucial for light, fluffy beignets. Rushing this step will result in dense, heavy pastries.
- Over-Kneading the Dough: While it’s important to knead the dough to develop gluten, over-kneading can make the beignets tough and chewy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Vanilla French Beignets, simplicity is key. Serve them warm, fresh out of the fryer, and generously dusted with powdered sugar. These beignets are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a dessert course. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy café au lait for an authentic New Orleans experience.
How to Serve Vanilla French Beignets
- Serve the beignets on a large platter, piled high for a dramatic and inviting presentation.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as melted chocolate, caramel, or fruit compote, to enhance the flavor experience.
- For a more traditional touch, serve beignets alongside chicory coffee, a signature New Orleans beverage.
Presentation Ideas for Vanilla French Beignets
- Dust the beignets with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve for an even, snow-like coating.
- Arrange them on a vintage-style plate or a rustic wooden board for a charming, café-like presentation.
- Garnish the plate with fresh berries or mint leaves to add a pop of color and elegance.
Vanilla French Beignets Recipe Tips
- For a richer flavor, allow the dough to rise in the fridge overnight. The longer rise will develop a deeper flavor in the dough.
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and active by testing it before adding it to the dough. Expired yeast won’t rise properly and can ruin the texture of your beignets.
- If you want to reheat the beignets, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the beignets soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make beignets ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. When you're ready to cook, allow the dough to come to room temperature and proceed with frying.
2. How do I store leftover beignets?
Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. To reheat, use an oven instead of a microwave to maintain crispiness.
3. Can I freeze beignets?
Yes, you can freeze fried beignets for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven straight from frozen at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes.
4. Why are my beignets greasy?
This could be due to frying them in oil that’s too cool. Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) to avoid greasy beignets.
5. Can I add fillings to my beignets?
Absolutely! You can inject the beignets with fillings like chocolate, pastry cream, or fruit preserves for a more indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Vanilla French beignets are a delightful and simple pastry that brings a taste of French tradition right into your home. With their airy texture, fragrant vanilla flavor, and crispy exterior dusted in powdered sugar, they make the perfect indulgence for any time of day. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create flawless beignets that will impress everyone who tastes them. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and serve them with your favorite beverages for a truly memorable treat. Enjoy baking!
PrintVanilla French Beignets Recipe
This Vanilla French Beignets recipe delivers soft, pillowy pastries with a delightful hint of vanilla. Made with simple ingredients, these beignets are fried to golden perfection and coated with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they are easy to make and full of flavor. Keywords: Vanilla French Beignets, easy French pastries, breakfast beignets, fried doughnuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 beignets 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into squares or circles.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F. Fry beignets until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- You can make the dough the night before and refrigerate, allowing it to rise slowly overnight.
- For a richer flavor, add a touch more vanilla or a pinch of nutmeg.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
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