Easy Vanilla French Beignets

Imagine crispy, pillowy bites of joy, dusted with powdered sugar, melting in your mouth. That’s the kind of magic Easy Vanilla French Beignets bring to the table! Every time I whip up a batch, I’m transported to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where the sweet scent of freshly fried beignets fills the air. Growing up, my family had a tradition of indulging in these delectable treats during lazy Sunday brunches, and to this day, they hold a special place in my heart—and my stomach.

Whether you’re looking to impress your friends with something truly scrumptious or just treat yourself to a whimsical, buttery delight, these beignets are perfect. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’re a breakfast lover’s dream. The best part? You likely already have most of the ingredients at home!

What makes this recipe special

So, what’s the secret to the allure of these beignets? It’s all about the texture and the flavors that sing together harmoniously. The outside gets beautifully golden and slightly crisp, while the inside is like a fluffy cloud of vanilla goodness. It’s the kind of treat that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert to share. Plus, they come together in under an hour, making them an excellent choice for both impromptu gatherings and relaxed weekends. Trust me, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything quite like them. If you’re looking for a make-ahead breakfast or a playful dessert, these beignets are the answer!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s get down to the essentials! To conjure up these delightful beignets, you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is your foundation. It gives your beignets that fluffy texture. Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accuracy!
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the flavors. You can always reduce it slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: The magic leavening agent that makes them puff up beautifully. Fresh baking powder ensures they rise nicely!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding depth to each bite—don’t skip it!
• 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk is best for richness but any milk will do if you’re in a pinch.
• 2 large eggs: Bring them to room temperature for optimal mixing—they’ll blend better!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The star of the show, lending a fragrant sweetness that will have everyone asking for more.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings a rich, buttery flavor; always go for unsalted so you can better control the seasoning.
• Powdered sugar for dusting: This is what makes them look fancy—a generous snowfall on top works wonders!
• Oil for frying: Canola oil is a great option; it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, but peanut oil is even better for that crispy golden finish!

How this recipe comes together

Alright, let’s bring these sweet clouds to life. Follow these straightforward steps to create your very own beignets:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Make sure everything is nicely incorporated!
3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms—don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that lightness.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or rectangles. They don’t have to be perfect; rustic is charming!
5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to get it just right; too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll soak up oil.
6. Fry the beignets in batches. They’ll puff up beautifully! It should take about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown.
7. Once golden, remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
8. Dust with powdered sugar generously while they’re still warm—trust me, it’s pure bliss!

Best way to enjoy it

To savor these beignets at their finest, serve them warm, just as they are, with a little extra powdered sugar on top. They’re lovely by themselves, but if you’re feeling fancy, a side of fresh fruit or homemade fruit compote can add an exciting tartness to balance the sweetness. And let’s not forget about coffee; a steaming cup of café au lait is a match made in heaven!

How to store and freeze leftovers

If by some miracle you have any leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh! Store your beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispiness. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Just layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper in between and they’ll stay good for up to a month. When you’re ready for a treat, heat them up and dust with powdered sugar again—voilà!

Pro chef tips

• Temperature matters! Make sure your oil is at the right heat before frying for perfect texture. A little trial and error here goes a long way!
• Don’t crowd the pot when frying; give them enough room to puff and float freely in the oil for even cooking.
• Feel free to experiment with flavors—add a splash of almond extract for a nutty twist or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the sugar for deliciousness!

Recipe variations

Now, if you’re itching to get creative, here are a few fun spins on the classic recipe:

• Chocolate or Hazelnut Filling: Pipe some chocolate ganache or hazelnut spread into the middle for a delightful surprise.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Instead of powdered sugar, toss your warm beignets in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar after frying.
• Fruit-Infused Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made with fruit puree over the top, incorporating berry or citrus flavors for a vibrant finish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Oil for frying

Directions to follow

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough to a 1/2 inch thickness and cut into squares.
5. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or pot.
6. Fry beignets until golden brown, around 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Your questions answered

• Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes! Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until golden, but the texture will differ from traditional frying.
• How do I know when the oil is ready for frying? Drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it bubbles and rises, you’re good to go!
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for a few hours and fry them fresh when ready.
• What if my dough is too sticky? Don’t hesitate to add a touch more flour to bring it together, just be careful not to overwork it!
• Can these be made gluten-free? Yes! Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and they should still turn out delicious!

Cooking is more than just a chore; it’s an adventure into the comforting embrace of flavors, bridging generations and creating delicious memories. These Easy Vanilla French Beignets are just waiting to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into the whimsical world of beignet-making. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little love on top, and be sure to share your creations with the community!

WP Recipe Maker #3186
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Easy Vanilla French Beignets
Indulge in crispy, pillowy bites of joy, dusted with powdered sugar and bringing the magic of New Orleans to your table.
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Keyword: Beignets, Dessert Recipe, Easy Beignets, French Beignets, Vanilla Beignets
Prep Time: 20m
Cook Time: 20m
Total Time: 40m
Servings: 6 servings
Dry Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy.
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
– 1 tablespoon baking powder Make sure it’s fresh.
– 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients
– 1/2 cup milk Whole milk is recommended.
– 2 large eggs Bring to room temperature.
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The star ingredient.
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Use unsalted for better control over seasoning.
For Frying
– Oil for frying Canola or peanut oil is recommended.
– Powdered sugar for dusting Generously dust while warm.
Preparation
1) In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2) In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
3) Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
4) On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick and cut into squares or rectangles.
5) Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F (175°C).
Cooking
1) Fry the beignets in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
2) Once golden, remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
3) Dust with powdered sugar generously while they’re still warm.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat to regain crispiness.
serving_size 1 calories 200 carbohydrates 25 protein 3 fat 10 saturated_fat 5 sodium 150 fiber 1 sugar 8

Easy Vanilla French Beignets

Indulge in crispy, pillowy bites of joy, dusted with powdered sugar and bringing the magic of New Orleans to your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American, Cajun

Servings 6 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder Make sure it’s fresh.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup milk Whole milk is recommended.
• 2 large eggs Bring to room temperature.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The star ingredient.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Use unsalted for better control over seasoning.

For Frying

• Oil for frying Canola or peanut oil is recommended.
• Powdered sugar for dusting Generously dust while warm.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick and cut into squares or rectangles.
• Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F (175°C).

Cooking

• Fry the beignets in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Once golden, remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
• Dust with powdered sugar generously while they’re still warm.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat to regain crispiness.

Keyword Beignets, Dessert Recipe, Easy Beignets, French Beignets, Vanilla Beignets