French Market Doughnuts(Beignets)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: French

Light and fluffy French beignets with a crispy exterior, dusted with confectioners sugar, perfect for a sweet treat or breakfast delight.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup undiluted evaporated milk
  • 7 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
  • oil for deep frying
  • confectioners sugar

Instructions

  1. Put the warm water into a bowl and sprinkle in the yeast. Stir until dissolved.
  2. Add sugar, salt, evaporated milk, and eggs to the mixture.
  3. Gradually stir in 4 cups of flour and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and blended.
  4. Add the remaining flour and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover the dough and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  6. Heat oil for deep frying in a large pot or deep fryer.
  7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  8. Cut the dough into square or rectangular pieces.
  9. Deep fry the dough pieces until golden brown and puffed, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  10. Remove the beignets and drain on paper towels.
  11. Dust with confectioners sugar before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the best texture, ensure your oil is at the right temperature, around 350°F, for frying. If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can substitute with whole milk or a mix of milk and cream. For a touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. These beignets pair beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beignets warm, generously dusted with confectioners sugar. They make a delightful dessert or breakfast treat. Pair them with a side of fruit preserves or a rich chocolate sauce for dipping. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside a delicious cup of Café au Lait.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of French Market Doughnuts(Beignets) contains roughly 2457 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 256g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 880mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

2457 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 255.5g 100% DV
Carbs 37.5g 14% DV
Fiber 2.1g 7% DV
Sugar 7.7g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 879.6mg 38% DV
Potassium 105.1mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 119.3mg 40% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.6mcg
Vitamin C 9.2mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 17.8mg 1% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it back to room temperature before rolling and frying.

What type of oil is best for frying beignets?

Vegetable oil is commonly used for frying beignets due to its high smoke point. You can also use canola or peanut oil if you prefer. Avoid using olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and may impart unwanted flavors.

Can I freeze beignets?

Yes, you can freeze beignets after frying. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Reheat in the oven or air fryer when ready to enjoy.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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