Heavenly Buttermilk Beignets: Light, Fluffy, and Irresistible
Warm and simple beignets for any day.
introduction
These buttermilk beignets are light, fluffy, and quick to make. They cook fast and taste best warm, dusted with powdered sugar. If you like easy sweet treats, try these beignets. If you enjoy other simple desserts, you might also like Almond Meringue Sandwich Cookies for a different bite.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is fast, uses few ingredients, and gives great texture. The buttermilk and baking powder make the beignets airy. Kids and guests will love them. You can make them for breakfast, a snack, or a party.
how to make Heavenly Buttermilk Beignets
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- Whisk wet ingredients in another bowl. Beat buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry. Stir until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix. A few small lumps are fine.
- Rest the dough 10 minutes. This helps it puff when fried.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for safety.
- Shape pieces. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, or roll and cut small squares.
- Fry in small batches. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Turn once.
- Drain on paper towels. Let excess oil drip off.
- Dust with powdered sugar while warm. Serve right away.
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)
- 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)
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil (High smoke point)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (For finishing touch)
Directions :
Follow the steps in "how to make Heavenly Buttermilk Beignets" above. Use a thermometer and fry in small batches. Keep an eye on oil temperature so the beignets cook evenly and stay light inside.
how to serve Heavenly Buttermilk Beignets
Serve them warm and dusted with powdered sugar. Offer coffee, hot chocolate, or tea on the side. For a brunch spread, place beignets with fruit and a savory main like baked Italian sub sandwiches to balance sweet and savory.
how to store Heavenly Buttermilk Beignets
Store cooled beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Reheat in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back some crispness. Do not store them in the fridge — they will get soft and lose texture.
tips to make Heavenly Buttermilk Beignets
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it.
- Keep oil at a steady 350°F (175°C). Too hot burns the outside; too cool makes them greasy.
- Do not crowd the pan. Fry in small batches so oil temperature stays steady.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving so it looks fresh.
variation (if any)
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm twist.
- Fill beignets with jam or chocolate after frying by using a piping tip.
- For a richer flavor, use half heavy cream and half buttermilk. You can also pair these beignets with larger meal ideas like Best Smothered Chicken and Rice for a full dinner then finish with a sweet bite.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: You can shape and bake small rounds at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, but they will not be as light and airy as fried beignets.
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Regular milk will work if you add 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk and let sit 5 minutes to sour. This mimics buttermilk.
Q: How do I know when oil is the right temperature?
A: Use a kitchen thermometer for best results. If you do not have one, drop a small bit of dough into the oil; it should sizzle and rise quickly without browning too fast.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: You can mix the dough and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours, but bring it to room temperature before frying for best rise.
Q: Why do my beignets turn out dense?
A: Dense beignets often mean oil was too cool, dough was overmixed, or baking powder is old. Check oil temp and handle dough gently.
Heavenly Buttermilk Beignets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light, fluffy buttermilk beignets that are quick to make and best served warm, dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients: buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Rest the dough for 10 minutes to help it puff when fried.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, or roll and cut small squares.
- Fry in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and let excess oil drip off.
- Dust with powdered sugar while warm and serve immediately.
Notes
For serving, pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. Reheat cooled beignets in a low oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
