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Heavenly Buttermilk Beignets Recipe

4.4 from 122 reviews

Heavenly Buttermilk Beignets are light, fluffy French-style doughnuts with a delicate hint of nutmeg and a perfectly sweet finish of powdered sugar. These deep-fried treats made with buttermilk and warm melted butter deliver a tender, airy texture with a subtle tang that’s balanced by the sweetness of the sugar, making them an irresistible indulgence perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Measure accurately for best results)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Balances tanginess of buttermilk)
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder (Essential for airy texture)
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda (Works with buttermilk)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (Enhances flavors)
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg (Adds warm spice)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup Buttermilk (Key for moisture and tang)
  • 2 large Eggs (Contributes richness)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Enhances flavor)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Melt just warm enough)

For Frying and Finishing

  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil (High smoke point)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (For finishing touch)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather and measure all your ingredients ahead of time to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined to create the dry base of the batter.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and warm melted unsalted butter until fully blended, which will add moisture and richness to the beignets.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture in the dough.
  5. Rest Batter: Allow the batter to rest for 10-15 minutes; this helps the baking powder activate and the flavors meld for fluffier beignets.
  6. Heat Oil: In a deep pot or heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for frying without burning the batter.
  7. Fry Beignets: Using a spoon or small scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
  8. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the cooked beignets with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil, keeping them light and crispy.
  9. Dust with Sugar: While still warm, generously sprinkle the beignets with powdered sugar to achieve their signature sweet finish.
  10. Serve: Enjoy your freshly fried buttermilk beignets warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Be sure to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked beignets.
  • Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the beignets dense instead of fluffy.
  • Resting the batter helps activate the leavening agents and improves texture.
  • Use a slotted spoon for frying to easily remove beignets and drain excess oil.
  • The powdered sugar topping is best applied when the beignets are still warm so it adheres nicely.

Keywords: buttermilk beignets, French doughnuts, fried pastries, sweet breakfast, powdered sugar beignets