Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Vanilla French Beignets with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfectly fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, these sweet treats will transport you to the streets of Paris with every bite.
Ingredients:
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
7 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Stir in granulated sugar, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
Mix in 4 cups of flour until smooth. Add melted butter and the remaining flour, and mix until a soft dough forms.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Fry the Beignets:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares.
Fry the beignets in batches until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Serve:
Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Tips:
Serve Fresh and Warm: Beignets are best enjoyed fresh and warm, right after frying. The contrast between the crispy exterior and fluffy interior is at its peak when served immediately.
Dusting with Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, generously dust the beignets with powdered sugar. This adds a delightful sweetness and enhances their visual appeal.
Accompaniments: Serve alongside your favorite hot beverage such as coffee or hot chocolate for a classic pairing. Fresh fruit or a fruit compote can also complement the sweetness of the beignets.
Variations: For a twist, serve with a side of chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or a fruit preserve for dipping.
Storage Tips:
Short-Term Storage: If you have leftover beignets, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat briefly in the oven or toaster oven to restore their crispiness.
Freezing: Beignets can be frozen for longer storage. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating from Frozen: To reheat frozen beignets, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Powdered Sugar: Before serving reheated or frozen beignets, dust them with powdered sugar again for a fresh appearance and added sweetness.
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FAQs:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough for Vanilla French Beignets ahead of time. After mixing and kneading the dough, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to handle when it’s time to fry the beignets.
What is the best oil for frying beignets?
Vegetable oil is typically used for frying beignets due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point. Make sure to heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) before frying the beignets in batches. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve that golden-brown color without becoming greasy.
How do I achieve perfectly fluffy beignets?
To achieve fluffy Vanilla French Beignets, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Allow the dough to rise adequately after shaping and cutting the beignets. Also, frying at the correct temperature and not overcrowding the frying pan or fryer helps them puff up and cook evenly.
Can I freeze leftover beignets?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Vanilla French Beignets. Once cooled completely, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake frozen beignets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a fresh taste.
Conclusion:
Now that you have mastered the art of making Vanilla French Beignets, treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible delights. Whether you serve them for breakfast or as a delightful dessert, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, stay tuned!
📖 Recipe:
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Vanilla French Beignets
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 beignets
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic taste of New Orleans with our irresistible Vanilla French Beignets recipe. These pillowy treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day. Made with simple ingredients and fried to golden perfection, they’re sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
7 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in granulated sugar, salt, eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
- Mix in 4 cups of flour until smooth. Add melted butter and the remaining flour, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares.
- Fry the beignets in batches until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Be careful when frying to maintain oil temperature for even cooking.
Reheat leftovers in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 beignets
- Calories: 290 kcal
