The Best Homemade Beignet Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love how easy and fun it is to make these homemade beignets, with their fluffy centers and crispy golden edges. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack any time of day.
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, and yeast, so you can whip them up without a special trip to the store.
- Quick prep – Just a little kneading and rising, then fry to golden perfection in minutes.
- Irresistible flavor – Light, airy, and dusted with powdered sugar for that classic café-style treat at home.
Recipe
Beignets are a classic New Orleans treat, fluffy and golden with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This homemade version captures the authentic taste and texture of the famous Café du Monde beignets, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 envelope active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 7 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in eggs, salt, and evaporated milk. Gradually add flour, mixing until dough comes together.
- Add shortening and knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry beignets in batches until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and dust generously with powdered sugar.
Notes:
- Letting the dough rise properly guarantees light, airy beignets.
- Keep oil temperature steady to avoid greasy or undercooked beignets.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Deep fryer or heavy pot
- Slotted spoon
Time:
- Prep time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine:
French-American (New Orleans)
Serving:
Makes about 24 beignets
Nutrition
Beignets are a delightful treat, but it’s good to be aware of their nutritional content.
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbs | 34g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade beignets with a hot cup of coffee; the rich, bold flavors complement the sweetness perfectly. Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, adds a revitalizing contrast to the rich, fluffy pastries. You can’t go wrong with these easy, delicious combinations.
Coffee Pairings
When you’re enjoying a batch of warm, fluffy beignets, it’s hard to resist pairing them with a cup of coffee that complements their rich, sweet flavor. I love a smooth, medium-roast coffee with notes of caramel or hazelnut—it balances the powdered sugar perfectly. For something bolder, try a dark roast with a hint of chocolate to match the beignets’ decadence. If you’re feeling adventurous, a chicory coffee adds a slightly earthy twist that’s surprisingly delicious. I always make sure my coffee’s hot and freshly brewed to create that cozy, café-like experience right at home. It’s a match made in pastry heaven!
Fruit Accompaniments
Although beignets are delicious on their own, adding fresh fruit can take them to the next level. I love pairing them with sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries for a touch of natural sweetness. Bananas are another favorite—their creamy texture complements the crispy beignet perfectly. For something tangy, try orange segments or a drizzle of lemon curd. A fruit compote, like raspberry or peach, adds a jam-like richness that’s hard to resist. If you’re feeling fancy, a simple fruit salad with a honey-lime dressing makes a revitalizing side. Fresh fruit not only enhances the flavor but adds a pop of color too!
