Introduction

Buttermilk beignets are irresistibly fluffy and lightly sweet fried treats that bring a little taste of New Orleans to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these golden pillows are dusted with powdered sugar and best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Buttermilk Beignets: Fluffy and Delicious Fried Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients and measure them out to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, making sure the butter is not too hot.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined; a few lumps are fine.
Step 5: Let the batter rest for 10 to 15 minutes to activate the leavening agents.
Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C), ensuring there is enough oil to submerge the beignets (about 2-3 inches deep).
Step 7: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 8: Remove beignets with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 9: Continue frying remaining batter, monitoring oil temperature to maintain 350°F.
Step 10: Once all beignets are fried and drained, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
Step 11: Serve warm, plain or with your favorite accompaniments like fruit preserves, chocolate sauce, or honey.
Step 12: Store leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, reheating in a toaster oven to restore crispiness.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or replace nutmeg with cardamom.
Use fresh buttermilk for the best rise and flavor in your beignets.
If you prefer, serve beignets with a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce.
Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the beignets tender and fluffy.

Storage

Store leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to fry beignets shortly after the batter rests to ensure maximum fluffiness. Storing the batter overnight may affect the texture and rising ability.

What oil is best for frying beignets?

Vegetable oil is ideal due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can also use canola or peanut oil for frying.

Buttermilk Beignets: Fluffy and Delicious Fried Treats Recipe

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4.8 from 121 reviews

Buttermilk Beignets are delightfully fluffy, golden-fried pastries perfect for a sweet snack or dessert. This classic recipe combines a tender batter enriched with buttermilk and warm spices, fried to crispy perfection and dusted generously with powdered sugar. Enjoy these treats fresh and warm for the best experience.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 12–16 beignets 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Frying
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For Frying and Serving

Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Gather Your Ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure everything is ready for mixing.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter carefully, making sure the butter is not too hot to avoid cooking the eggs.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and gently fold with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, keeping some lumps for fluffiness.
Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the leavening agents to activate for a light, airy texture.
Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep pot or heavy skillet to reach 2 to 3 inches deep, and heat it to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat.
Fry the Beignets: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil carefully. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain the Beignets: Remove the beignets with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Repeat Frying: Continue frying remaining batter, ensuring the oil stays at the correct temperature to cook evenly.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Generously sprinkle powdered sugar over the warm beignets for a classic finishing touch.
Serve Warm: Serve immediately while still warm, optionally with fruit preserves, chocolate sauce, or honey for extra indulgence.
Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a toaster oven to restore crispiness.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep the beignets tender and fluffy.
Ensure the oil is at the proper temperature (350°F) to avoid greasy or undercooked beignets.
Use a deep pot or skillet for safe frying and better temperature control.
Serve beignets fresh and warm for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating in a toaster oven is better than microwaving to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: Buttermilk Beignets, fried pastries, sweet beignets, fluffy beignets, powdered sugar dessert