Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets are a delightful twist on the classic French pastry. This recipe embodies both elegance and charm, infusing your kitchen with the soothing scent of lavender and the warm, comforting notes of vanilla. Just thinking about biting into a warm, fluffy beignet, dusted with powdered sugar, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. These amazing little bites bring a taste of France right to your home and are perfect for those special occasions or simply as a treat.
If you’ve never experienced the fluffy goodness of French beignets, you’re in for a real treat! The combination of lavender and vanilla creates a unique flavor profile that is both refreshing and comforting. Each beignet is light, airy, and melts in your mouth, making it hard to stop at just one. The aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re frying will invigorate your senses and create excitement. Let me share why this recipe is extraordinary and how to make these exquisite pastries yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets; let’s explore some of the most compelling ones:
1. Unique Flavor – The aromatic blend of lavender and vanilla offers a luxurious taste experience.
2. Easy to Make – The steps are straightforward and user-friendly, making it suitable for all skill levels.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a brunch gathering or a formal dinner, these beignets impress.
4. Versatile Serving Options – They can be served warm with various toppings, allowing creative presentations.
5. A Feast for the Senses – The preparation and scent alone create a delightful cooking ambiance.
6. Crowd-Pleaser – Friends and family will rave about these delightful treats, asking for the recipe.
With these appealing factors, it’s no wonder Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets are destined to become your new favorite treat!
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparing Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets takes about 90 minutes, which encompasses mixing, resting, frying, and assembling. Here’s how the time breaks down:
– Preparation Time: 30 minutes
– Resting Time: 30 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30 minutes
These times may vary slightly based on your experience in the kitchen, but this framework should provide a good estimate for planning!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets is a delightful and rewarding venture. Just follow these easy steps:
1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, dried lavender, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla bean paste, and melted butter until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface, and knead the dough gently for about 2 minutes until it is slightly elastic.
6. Rest the Dough: Roll the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
7. Heat Oil: In a large, deep pot, heat oil over medium heat until it reaches about 365°F (185°C).
8. Shape Beignets: Roll out the rested dough to about ½ inch thick on a floured surface. Cut out squares or circles using a knife or pastry cutter.
9. Fry the Beignets: Carefully drop a few pieces of dough into the hot oil, frying until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: After draining, dust the beignets generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
How to Serve
To enjoy Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets to the fullest, consider the following serving suggestions:
1. Presentation: Arrange the beignets on a decorative plate and dust with additional powdered sugar for a beautiful display.
2. Dipping Sauces: Offer a side of warm chocolate sauce or a lavender-infused glaze for added flavor.
3. Accompaniments: Pair with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
4. Beverage Pairing: They complement tea, coffee, or a glass of sparkling champagne, making them perfect for brunch or dessert.
Make sure to savor each bite of these exquisite Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets with friends and family! They’ll certainly become a new favorite in your household.
Additional Tips
– Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding a hint of lemon zest or almond extract to enhance the flavor profile of your Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets.
– Fresh Lavender: If possible, use fresh lavender instead of dried for a more intense and vibrant flavor. Just be sure to use culinary-grade lavender.
– Keep Oil Temperature Steady: Ensure the oil remains at the right temperature during frying. If it’s too hot, the beignets can burn; if too cold, they can become greasy.
– Dust Generously: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar! It not only adds sweetness but also enhances the beignets’ visual appeal.
– Serving Warm: Serve immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor. If they cool down, they can lose some of their fluffiness.
Recipe Variation
Feel free to get creative! Here are some variations on the Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets recipe:
1. Herbal Infusions: Try incorporating other herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a savory touch, balancing the sweetness of the vanilla.
2. Fruity Beignets: Add diced fruits like blueberries or raspberries into the dough for an unexpected burst of flavor.
3. Glazed Beignets: Instead of dusting with powdered sugar, dip the warm beignets in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweeter finish.
4. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melt some chocolate to serve as a rich dipping sauce alongside the beignets for a decadent treat.
Freezing and Storage
– Storage: Keep any leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can still be delicious the next day.
– Freezing: To freeze beignets, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months.
– Reheating: To reheat, place frozen beignets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individually for 15-20 seconds.
Special Equipment
For the best results when making Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets, consider having the following equipment handy:
– Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: A deep fryer or heavy pot allows you to maintain the right oil temperature for frying.
– Slotted Spoon: This tool makes it easy to remove the beignets from the hot oil without excess oil clinging to them.
– Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness before cutting out shapes.
– Wire Rack: A wire rack enables the beignets to cool correctly after frying while ensuring they don’t get soggy.
– Candy Thermometer: Useful for checking the oil temperature, ensuring proper frying conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter texture, though it may alter the taste slightly.
What type of lavender should I use?
Always use culinary-grade lavender. This ensures it’s safe for consumption and has the best flavor profile.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the beignets?
You can modify the amount of sugar in the dough or experiment with different glaze recipes for more or less sweetness.
Can these be made ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare them fresh. However, you can make the dough ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for a day before frying.
What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?
You can substitute it with pure vanilla extract. Just use slightly more to ensure a robust vanilla flavor.
Conclusion
Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets are truly a delightful and sophisticated treat that elevates any occasion. Their uniquely aromatic flavor, combined with their fluffy texture, makes them irresistible to all. With a little preparation and creativity, you can indulge in these exquisite pastries whenever the craving strikes! Your friends and family will surely appreciate the extra effort in bringing a taste of France into your kitchen.
Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets: An Incredible 10-Step Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Creating Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets is a delightful and rewarding venture. Just follow these easy steps:
1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, dried lavender, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla bean paste, and melted butter until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface, and knead the dough gently for about 2 minutes until it is slightly elastic.
6. Rest the Dough: Roll the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
7. Heat Oil: In a large, deep pot, heat oil over medium heat until it reaches about 365°F (185°C).
8. Shape Beignets: Roll out the rested dough to about ½ inch thick on a floured surface. Cut out squares or circles using a knife or pastry cutter.
9. Fry the Beignets: Carefully drop a few pieces of dough into the hot oil, frying until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: After draining, dust the beignets generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 beignets
- Calories: 180 kcal per beignet
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
