Easy Vanilla French Beignets
One of my fondest memories as a child involves Saturday mornings spent in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, the air fragrant with the sweet scent of fried dough. She always made the best beignets: fluffy, warm pillows of goodness, dusted generously with powdered sugar. Those mornings weren’t just about the food; they were about laughter, stories, and the comforting rhythm of kitchen life. Now, I’ve tried to capture that warmth and joy in this Easy Vanilla French Beignets recipe. It’s simple enough for anyone to recreate, even if you’re new to frying.
These beignets are not just treats; they’re an experience waiting to happen! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will impress your friends and family. Whether you’re planning a brunch or just want a sweet snack, this recipe will help you create delightful little clouds of vanilla goodness in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Easy Vanilla French Beignets are light, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet. They’re perfect for any occasion—be it breakfast, dessert, or just a coffee break treat. Plus, they come together quickly, so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen.
How to Make Easy Vanilla French Beignets
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
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove beignets and drain on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your warm beignets!
Tips to Make Easy Vanilla French Beignets
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. A temperature of 375°F ensures even cooking and prevents the beignets from absorbing too much oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter; just combine until everything is moistened for the best texture.
How to Serve Easy Vanilla French Beignets
Serve these delightful beignets warm, dusted with a generous layer of powdered sugar. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. You can also offer a side of fruit preserves or chocolate sauce for dipping.
How to Store Easy Vanilla French Beignets
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept for up to two days. Reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes to bring back their fluffy texture.
Variation
Feel free to add some chocolate chips or fruit zest to the batter for a unique twist! You can also experiment with different flavored extracts, like almond or hazelnut, to change things up.
FAQs About Easy Vanilla French Beignets
1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to make the batter fresh just before frying for the lightest beignets. However, you can prepare ingredients in advance and mix right before frying.
2. Can I bake beignets instead of frying them?
While frying gives the beignets their classic texture, you can bake them at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes for a healthier version. They won’t be as fluffy but will still be tasty.
3. What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. You could also use canola or peanut oil.
4. Can I freeze beignets?
Yes! Freeze them after they’ve cooled, and reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy. They’ll taste nearly as good as fresh!
Easy Vanilla French Beignets
Light and fluffy beignets dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove beignets and drain on paper towels.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your warm beignets!
Notes
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the beignets from absorbing too much oil. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
