Cafe Du Monde-Style French Quarter Beignets
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with these delightful Cafe Du Monde-Style French Quarter Beignets. These pillowy, golden squares coated in a generous dusting of confectioners' sugar are a breakfast favorite that will make you feel like you're enjoying a morning in the heart of the French Quarter. Whether paired with a rich cafe au lait or just enjoyed on their own, these beignets are the perfect indulgence, capturing the essence of New Orleans culinary traditions. Perfect for brunch gatherings or weekend family breakfasts, this recipe yields a generous amount, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sweet, airy goodness of these classic pastries.
N/A
Servings
270
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lukewarm Water
1 1/2 cups (No preparation needed)
Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup (No preparation needed)
Active Dry Yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) envelope (No preparation needed)
Eggs
2 (Slightly beaten)
Salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (No preparation needed)
Evaporated Milk
1 cup (No preparation needed)
Bread Flour
7 cups (Measured)
Shortening
1/4 cup (No preparation needed)
Nonstick Cooking Spray
as needed (For greasing the bowl)
Oil
for deep-frying (Preheat to 350 degrees F)
Confectioners' Sugar
3 cups (For coating)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes, or until frothy.
2
While the yeast activates, in another bowl, whisk together the slightly beaten eggs, salt, and evaporated milk until well combined.
3
Once the yeast mixture is ready, gently fold in the egg mixture until blended.
4
In a separate bowl, measure out the bread flour. Gradually incorporate 3 cups of flour into the yeast mixture, mixing until just combined.
5
Add the shortening to the mixture, stirring until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
6
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
7
Coat a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Place the dough inside, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm environment for at least 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
8
Once the dough has risen, preheat oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
9
While the oil heats, prepare for frying by placing the confectioners' sugar into a large paper or plastic bag.
10
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the dough into 1-inch squares.
11
Carefully drop the squares into the hot oil, a few at a time, being cautious not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry the beignets, flipping them frequently, until they turn a rich golden brown, about 2–4 minutes.
12
Using a slotted spoon, remove the beignets from the oil and let them drain for a few seconds on paper towels.
13
Immediately place the warm beignets into the bag with confectioners' sugar, seal the bag, and gently shake to coat them evenly.
14
Serve the beignets warm, optionally with syrup for dipping, and enjoy a taste of New Orleans!
Nutrition Information
8.5g
Fat
39.7g
Carbs
4.6g
Protein
8.3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cafe Du Monde-Style French Quarter Beignets?
They are pillowy, golden squares of deep-fried dough coated in a generous dusting of confectioners' sugar, capturing the essence of New Orleans culinary traditions.
How many calories are in one serving of these beignets?
Each serving contains approximately 270 calories.
What type of flour is recommended for this beignet recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 7 cups of bread flour to achieve the proper texture.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise in a warm environment for at least 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
What temperature should the oil be for frying beignets?
The oil should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) in a deep fryer.
How long do the beignets need to fry?
They should be fried for about 2 to 4 minutes, flipping frequently until they turn a rich golden brown.
What is the secret to coating the beignets evenly with sugar?
Place the warm beignets into a large paper or plastic bag filled with confectioners' sugar, seal it, and gently shake.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of approximately 1/4-inch before cutting.
What size should I cut the beignet dough into?
Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice the dough into 1-inch squares.
How do I activate the yeast for this recipe?
Combine lukewarm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl and let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
How much fat is in a serving of these beignets?
Each serving contains 8.5g of fat.
How much sugar is in one serving?
There are 8.3g of sugar per serving.
What kind of milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of evaporated milk.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 slightly beaten eggs.
How long should I knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded for approximately 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What is the protein content of these beignets?
Each serving provides 4.6g of protein.
Can I serve these with anything besides sugar?
Yes, they can optionally be served with syrup for dipping or paired with a rich cafe au lait.
What type of yeast is needed?
You will need one 1/4 ounce envelope of active dry yeast.
How much shortening is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of shortening.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this dish?
There are 39.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much confectioners' sugar is needed for the coating?
The recipe suggests using 3 cups of confectioners' sugar for coating.
Should the beignets be cold when adding the sugar?
No, you should immediately place the warm beignets into the sugar to ensure it sticks properly.
How much lukewarm water is required?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of lukewarm water.
Is salt included in the dough recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt.
What is the best way to grease the rising bowl?
The recipe recommends coating a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the oil for frying and spray for the bowl.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is a breakfast favorite and can also be served as a dessert or pastry.
Should I add all the flour at once?
No, you should gradually incorporate 3 cups first, then add shortening, and then gradually add the remaining flour.
Can I use a paper bag for the sugar coating step?
Yes, a large paper or plastic bag works perfectly for shaking the beignets with sugar.
How many beignets should I fry at once?
You should drop them into the oil a few at a time, being cautious not to overcrowd the fryer.