Easy Homemade Vanilla French Beignets Recipe for Breakfast

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Vanilla French Beignets Recipe

Want something soft and sweet? If you like donuts, you’ll love French beignets! These light, fluffy, and crispy pastries are a great treat, and when you add vanilla to them, they smell great and make you want more. This recipe will show you step by step how to make Vanilla French Beignets that are impossible to resist right in your own home. Read on to learn how to make these delicious treats and wow your friends and family with your baking skills.

What are French Beignets with Vanilla?

These little squares or rounds of dough are deep-fried till they are golden brown and then covered in powdered sugar. They come from France, but in the United States, they’re a popular breakfast or snack food in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Beignets are like donuts, but they are lighter and melt in your mouth. Adding vanilla to the batter makes these beignets taste even better. The vanilla adds a delicate sweetness that goes well with the light dough.

Ingredients

◯ A cup of heated water (around 110°F)
◯ 1 packet of active dry yeast, or 2 1/4 tablespoons
◯ A quarter cup of sugar
◯ One big egg
◯ ½ cup of milk that has been evaporated
◯ 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
◯ 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
◯ 2 tablespoons of melted butter without salt
◯ ¼ teaspoon of salt
◯ Vegetable oil (for frying)
◯ Sugar in powder form (for dusting)

Changes and Substitutions

Here are some replacements and adjustments you can attempt if you don’t have all the ingredients you need or want to make the recipe your own:

Instead of evaporated milk, you can use full milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk to give the dish a new taste. The texture could be a little different, but the end result will still taste great.
If you want to make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure you use one that is made for baking so that the texture stays the same.
If you want to cut back on sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia, Monk fruit, or erythritol. Remember that the level of sweetness may be a little different.
Flavor Changes: To change the classic vanilla flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit lemon zest to the dough. You may also fill the beignets with chocolate or fruit preserves for a rich dessert.

How to Cook: Step by Step

Get the yeast going: Mix the warm water, yeast, and a little sugar in a small basin. Let it sit for about 5 minutes after stirring it gently, until the mixture is foamy and bubbling. This means that the yeast is alive and ready to use.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a big bowl, whisk the egg, evaporated milk, vanilla essence, and melted butter together until they are all mixed together. Make sure the melted butter is not too hot, as it could cook the egg.
Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the sugar, flour, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture a little at a time, stirring as you go. You can knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer that has a dough hook attachment.
Knead the Dough: After all the ingredients are mixed together, knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it is smooth and stretchy. You can add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too sticky.
First Rise: Put the dough in a greased basin, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm location for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Spread Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, put it on a floured board and spread it out until it is approximately 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into squares that are 2 inches across with a sharp knife or a pizza cutter.
Heat the Oil: In a big saucepan or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is the appropriate temperature. If it’s too hot or too cold, the beignets won’t cook evenly.
Fry the Beignets: Gently drop a few pieces of dough into the hot oil. To keep the pot from getting too full, fry them in small groups. For about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and puffed up, fry them. Use a slotted spoon to take them out and put them on a dish lined with paper towels to soak up extra oil.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar: After the beignets have cooled down a bit, sprinkle a lot of powdered sugar on top of them. You can add more flavor by sifting some cinnamon into the powdered sugar mix.

Things You Shouldn’t Do

Not Checking the Temperature of the Oil: One of the most typical blunders is cooking the beignets at the improper temperature. Check that the oil is between 350°F and 360°F. If the temperature is too high, the outside of the beignets will burn while the inside stays uncooked. If they get too chilly, they’ll soak up too much oil and get greasy.
Overcrowding the Fryer: If you put too many beignets in the fryer at once, the oil temperature can drop, which makes them fry unevenly. For optimal results, fry in small groups.
Not letting the dough rise: For light, fluffy beignets, you need to let the dough rise. If you rush this stage, the pastries will be thick and heavy.
Kneading the dough too much: It’s vital to knead the dough to generate gluten, but if you do it too much, the beignets will be tough and chewy.

How to Serve and Present

When you serve Vanilla French Beignets, keep it simple. Serve them warm, just out of the fryer, and with a lot of powdered sugar on top. These beignets are great for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. For a real New Orleans experience, drink them with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy café au lait.

How to Serve Vanilla French Beignets

Put the beignets on a big plate and stack them high to make them look dramatic and enticing.
Offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as melted chocolate, caramel, or fruit compote, to improve the flavor experience.
Serve beignets with chicory coffee, a New Orleans drink, for a more authentic touch.

Presentation Ideas for Vanilla French Beignets

Dust the beignets with powdered sugar using a fine mesh screen for a uniform, snow-like coating.
Arrange them on a vintage-style plate or a rustic wooden board for a beautiful, café-like look.
Garnish the platter with fresh berries or mint leaves to provide a splash of color and elegance.

Vanilla French Beignets Recipe Tips

For a deeper flavor, allow the dough to rise in the fridge overnight. The prolonged rise will generate a richer taste 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 correctly and can affect the texture of your beignets.
If you wish to reheat the beignets, throw them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it might turn the beignets soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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, let the dough to come to room temperature and proceed with frying.
How do I preserve leftover beignets?
Beignets are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. To reheat, use an oven instead than a microwave to maintain crispiness.
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 around 10-12 minutes.
Why are my beignets greasy?
This could be because you fried them in oil that wasn’t hot enough. To keep the beignets from getting greasy, make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F).
Can I add fillings to my beignets?
Absolutely! You can infuse the beignets with fillings like chocolate, pastry cream, or fruit preserves for a more luxurious dessert.

Conclusion

Vanilla French beignets are a wonderful and simple pastry that delivers a taste of French culture straight into your house. With their airy texture, fragrant vanilla taste, and crispy exterior sprinkled in powdered sugar, they make the perfect pleasure for any time of day. By following this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll be able to prepare exquisite beignets that will surprise everyone who tastes them. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties and serve them with your favorite beverages for a truly unforgettable treat. Enjoy baking!

Additional Recipe Details

This Vanilla French Beignets recipe offers delicate, pillowy pastries with a delicious flavor of vanilla. Made with simple ingredients, these beignets are fried to golden perfection and topped with a delicious vanilla sauce. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they are easy to cook and full of flavor. Keywords: Vanilla French Beignets, quick French pastries, breakfast beignets, fried doughnuts.

◯ 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 sprinkling

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Dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring to make a dough. Knead until smooth.
Let the dough rise in a warm area 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 saucepan to 350°F. Fry beignets till golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove and drain on paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

You can make the dough the night before and refrigerate, allowing it to rise slowly overnight.
For a fuller flavor, add a touch extra vanilla or a pinch of nutmeg.

Serving Size: 1 beignet
Calories: 180
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 80mg