Easy French Jelly Filled Beignet Recipe | Classic Donuts
I’ve always loved French pastries, and nothing beats the smell of beignets. It reminds me of New Orleans’ charming streets. The soft beignets and sweet raspberry jam filling are a perfect mix I always want.
Today, I’m excited to share a simple recipe. It lets you make these delicious French treats at home.
French Jelly Filled Beignet Recipe
Key Takeaways
- Delightful French-inspired pastry with a soft, buttery texture
- Filled with raspberry jam for a burst of sweetness
- Requires time for the yeast-based dough to rise, but the end result is worth it
- Total preparation and cooking time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Yields 12 beignets, perfect for sharing or satisfying a sweet craving
Table of Contents
Introduction to Classic New Orleans Beignets
Beignets are a beloved treat in New Orleans. They are fluffy, pillowy French-inspired donuts. They are a true hallmark of the city’s rich new orleans cuisine heritage.
Traditionally, beignets are served at the iconic Cafe du Monde. They are known for their light and airy texture. This is thanks to all-purpose flour and a specific gluten content.
The history of beignets in New Orleans goes back to the 18th century. French settlers and Acadian immigrants first introduced these french pastry delights. Over the years, the recipe and preparation methods have evolved.
Beignets are now a big part of New Orleans culture, especially during mardi gras treat celebrations. These fried dough squares, covered in powdered sugar, are a quintessential indulgence. They capture the spirit of the city’s joie de vivre.
“Beignets are more than just a pastry – they’re a symbol of the rich culinary traditions that make New Orleans a one-of-a-kind destination.”
Beignets are enjoyed at any time of day. They delight locals and visitors alike. They leave a lasting mark on the new orleans cuisine and the hearts of all who savor them.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Beignets
Making the perfect beignets needs the right ingredients. At the core is the beignet dough. It’s light and fluffy, making the beignets special.
Dough Components
The dough needs flour, yeast, sugar, eggs, and butter. You’ll need 7 cups of bread flour, 1 tablespoon of yeast, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2 eggs. These mix together to make a dough that rises well.
Frying Oils and Toppings
For frying, use vegetable oil or cottonseed oil, like Café Du Monde. A dusting of powdered sugar topping adds sweetness to the beignets.
Filling Options
- Classic beignets are unfilled, but you can add jelly filling, like raspberry jam, before frying.
- Other fillings include cream cheese, chocolate, or savory options like crawfish or spinach.
With these ingredients, you can make beignets that taste like New Orleans.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 (1/4-oz.) envelope |
| Warm Water (100°F to 110°F) | 1 1/2 cups, divided |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup, divided |
| Large Eggs, lightly beaten | 2 |
| Kosher Salt | 1 tsp |
| Evaporated Milk | 1 cup |
| Vegetable Shortening | 1/4 cup |
| Bread Flour | 7 cups |
| Vegetable Oil, for frying | As needed |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Making the perfect French jelly filled beignets needs some key tools and equipment. You’ll need a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough easily. A rolling pin is also important for rolling out the dough to the right thickness.
For frying, a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and a digital cooking thermometer are essential. The pot or Dutch oven should be deep enough for the beignets. The thermometer helps keep the oil at 350°F to 375°F for golden results.
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Digital cooking thermometer
- Slotted spoon
- Piping bag with small tip
To fill the beignets with raspberry jam, use a piping bag with a small tip. A slotted spoon is handy for removing fried beignets from the oil. With these tools, you can make delicious French jelly filled beignets at home.
French Jelly Filled Beignet Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Making French beignets at home is a fun experience. It lets you enjoy their warm, soft texture and rich flavors. Follow this guide to learn how to make beignet dough and jelly-filled beignets in your kitchen.
Preparing the Yeast Mixture
Start by activating the yeast. Mix ½ cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast in a bowl. Stir gently and wait for 5 minutes. This lets the yeast become frothy.
Making the Dough
In a medium saucepan, mix ¼ cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of shortening, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 1 cup of boiling water and ½ cup of evaporated milk. Stir until the sugar and shortening melt. Let it cool a bit, then mix it into a large bowl.
Add the yeast mixture and 2 beaten eggs to the bowl. Start adding the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Rising and Resting Process
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes. This step relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to work with. When it’s ready, the dough should have doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to get rid of air bubbles. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut the dough into 1 ½-inch by 1 ½-inch squares, making about 24 pieces.
“The secret to perfect beignets is in the dough – it should be light, airy, and slightly chewy. Follow this recipe closely, and you’ll be enjoying authentic New Orleans-style donuts in no time.”
Proper Oil Temperature and Frying Techniques
Getting the perfect deep frying technique is key for making the best New Orleans-style beignets. You need the right oil temperature and frying methods. This ensures your beignets are light, fluffy, and cooked evenly. Let’s explore the important steps to master this part of making beignets.
Start by heating your oil to 360°F (180°C) in a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. It’s vital to keep the oil at the right temperature. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil’s heat. Fry the beignet dough diamonds in small batches, about 3-4 at a time, for 3 to 5 minutes. They should puff up and turn golden brown.
To avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking, fry in small batches. Overcrowding can drop the oil temperature, making your pastries greasy and uneven. After frying, place the beignets on a wire rack with paper towels underneath. This helps drain the excess oil.
Remember, making perfect New Orleans cuisine-inspired beignets takes patience and attention to detail. Take your time to watch the oil temperature and fry in small batches. With practice, you’ll make light, fluffy, and irresistible beignets. They’ll take you straight to the French Quarter.
Making the Raspberry Jam Filling
Making the perfect jelly filling is key to delicious French jelly filled beignets. Use high-quality seedless raspberry jam or preserves for the best results. This ensures the jam flows smoothly into the beignets without any problems.
Choosing the Right Consistency
The jam should be smooth and easy to spread. It should be pourable but not too runny. Aim for a consistency like honey or maple syrup for the best results.
Filling Techniques
To fill the beignets, make a small hole in each pastry with your pinky finger. Then, fill a piping bag with raspberry jam and a small round tip. Squeeze 1-2 tablespoons of jam into each beignet, spreading it evenly.
By following these steps, you’ll make French jelly filled beignets that are a hit. The mix of light beignets and sweet raspberry jam is a classic favorite.
Tips for Perfect Powdered Sugar Coating
Getting the classic New Orleans-style powdered sugar topping right is key to the beignet experience. Follow these simple tips to achieve it:
- Put the freshly fried beignets in a clean paper bag with powdered sugar. Shake gently until they’re well coated.
- Or, use a fine-mesh sifter to dust the french pastry with powdered sugar while it’s still warm.
- Don’t hold back on the sugar. The more, the merrier! The powdered sugar is crucial for the beignet’s flavor and look.
- Apply the sugar when the beignets are still warm. This helps the sugar stick to the crispy, golden outside.
By following these tips, you can make the iconic powdered sugar-dusted beignets at home. Enjoy this classic New Orleans treat with family and friends for a real experience.
“The powdered sugar is the crown jewel of the beignet – it’s what takes this simple fried dough to new heights of deliciousness.”
Remember, the secret to perfect powdered sugar-coated beignets is to use plenty and time it right. With a bit of practice, you’ll be making cafe-worthy beignets in no time.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Classic New Orleans beignets are a favorite breakfast treat. They’re best enjoyed right after frying. But, you can still enjoy them later with the right storage and reheating methods.
Maintaining Freshness
Store beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. This keeps their crisp outside and fluffy inside. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember, they might get a bit softer.
Best Reheating Methods
Ready to have your beignets again? There are easy ways to make them warm and crispy. A 10-second microwave zap or a 5-minute bake at 350°F works well. Don’t forget to sprinkle them with powdered sugar before serving.
french jelly filled beignet recipe
🍩 Indulge in the classic French Jelly-Filled Beignets! Fluffy, warm, and oozing with fruit jelly, these irresistible treats are a must-try for any dessert lover. 🇫🇷✨
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup fruit jelly of choice (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the yeast mixture with the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add flour and knead until smooth.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 12 circles using a round cutter.
- Fry the Beignets: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry each beignet for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Fill with Jelly: Use a piping bag to fill each beignet with jelly. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield 12Amount Per ServingCalories 210Total Fat 8gCarbohydrates 32gSugar 10gProtein 4g
FAQ
What are French jelly-filled beignets?
French jelly-filled beignets are soft, buttery pastries. They are made from yeast dough and have a fluffy texture. These doughnuts are filled with jam and enjoyed for breakfast or dessert.
What are the key ingredients for making authentic New Orleans beignets?
To make beignets, you need yeast, milk, sugar, flour, salt, eggs, and butter. Vegetable oil or cottonseed oil is used for frying.
What tools and equipment are needed to make beignets?
You’ll need a stand mixer, rolling pin, and knife. Also, a Dutch oven, slotted spoon, piping bag, thermometer, and a large bowl are essential.
How do you prepare the yeast mixture for beignet dough?
Mix 1/2 cup warm water with 1 tablespoon yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
What is the proper oil temperature and frying technique for beignets?
Heat oil to 360°F in a deep skillet. Fry dough in batches for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep the oil temperature steady.
How do you fill beignets with raspberry jam?
Use smooth raspberry jam. Make a hole in the beignet with your finger. Then, pipe 1-2 tablespoons of jam inside.
How do you properly coat beignets with powdered sugar?
Coat beignets in a paper bag with powdered sugar. Shake gently. Or, dust with powdered sugar while warm.
How should beignets be stored and reheated?
Store beignets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or oven. Refresh with powdered sugar.
