Vanilla French Beignets
Discover the magic of Café du Monde in your kitchen! These homemade Vanilla French Beignets are light, fluffy, and dusted with powdered sugar for the ultimate indulgence.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 standard packet
- ¾ cup warm water 110°F
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg beaten
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- Vegetable oil for frying about 2 quarts
For the Topping:
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla bean powder for extra vanilla flavor
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let stand until foamy (5-10 minutes). If the mixture doesn’t foam, start over with fresh yeast.
- Create the Dough: Add the beaten egg, evaporated milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1½ hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the Beignets: Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle. Cut into 2½-inch squares and place on a floured baking sheet.
- Second Rise (Optional but Recommended): Let the shaped dough rest for 30 minutes.
- Fry the Beignets: Heat oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 360-370°F. Fry 3-4 beignets at a time until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Finishing Touch: Dust the beignets generously with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
- For fluffier beignets, treat the dough gently and avoid overworking it.
- If you don’t have vanilla bean powder, simply use extra vanilla extract for a strong flavor.
- Beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSugar: 15g
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