Baked Beignets Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that dreamy, pillowy, golden treat with a dusting of sweet powdered sugar, you’re going to love this Baked Beignets Recipe. Unlike the traditional deep-fried version, this baked twist is lighter on the oil but still packed with the same delightful texture and flavor. I absolutely love how these beignets come out beautifully golden and tender, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent afternoon snack. Stick around and I’ll share some of my favorite tips to make sure your beignets turn out perfectly every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Beignets Recipe is all about balancing richness and fluffiness. The combination of yeast, evaporated milk, and bread flour gives you that irresistible soft, chewy bite with just the right sweetness.

• Lukewarm Water: It wakes up the yeast — make sure it’s not too hot or you’ll kill those little bubbles of life.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and gives just a hint of sweetness to the dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: The magic ingredient that helps the dough rise and get airy.
• Large Egg: Adds structure and richness; use room temperature for best mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet note.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and strengthens the dough.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle caramel flavor that makes these extra special.
• Butter (for dough and brushing): Gives tenderness and buttery flavor — don’t skip the melted butter brushed on after baking!
• Bread Flour: This has a higher protein content to create a chewy, stretchy dough perfect for beignets.
• Egg Wash: For a beautiful golden crust on your baked beignets.
• Powdered Sugar: The signature finishing touch that makes beignets shine and taste like a dream.

Variations

I love encouraging you to put your own spin on this Baked Beignets Recipe. Over the years, I’ve tried adding different flavors or tweaks depending on the occasion and who’s at my kitchen table. It’s a versatile recipe that invites creativity!

• Chocolate Drizzle: When I want a touch of indulgence, I drizzle melted dark chocolate over warm beignets — my family goes crazy for it!
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap bread flour for a gluten-free blend and add a little xanthan gum to mimic the chewy texture.
• Spiced Twist: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough gives an aromatic, cozy vibe perfect for fall mornings.
• Fruit-Filled: After cutting your squares, you can add a spoonful of jam or Nutella before baking for a sweet surprise inside.

How to Make Baked Beignets Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast and Mix Your Dough

Start by combining lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. This little waiting game of 5-10 minutes until you see foam is like magic — it tells you the yeast is alive and kicking. Meanwhile, whisk your egg, salt, vanilla, and evaporated milk together in a smaller bowl. Then, mix it all with the yeast mixture, followed by melted butter and bread flour. The dough will feel a bit sticky — and that’s totally fine! I love using my hand here to really feel the texture come together. Once mixed, lightly oil your bowl and the dough, cover it with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, then set it somewhere cozy for about two hours until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Roll, Cut, and Proof Again

Now for the fun part: roll out that soft dough to about ¼-inch thickness. I find a pizza cutter works wonders for making even 1 ½-inch squares, and it’s quick! Place the squares on a parchment-lined baking tray, giving each about an inch of breathing space. Cover loosely with cling wrap and another towel — this second proofing for 45 minutes helps them puff up beautifully in the oven.

Step 3: Bake and Butter ‘Em Up

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while the dough finishes proofing. Before baking, brush each square with egg wash to get that gorgeous golden crust. Bake for about 12-15 minutes — keep an eye out for a warm, golden color. Right when they come out, brush with melted butter while they’re still warm, then dust generously with powdered sugar. That butter brush is a game-changer, locking in moisture and making the powdered sugar stick like a dream.

How to Serve Baked Beignets Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about the classic powdered sugar dusting — it brings that authentic beignet vibe and a sweet finish that’s hard to beat. Sometimes I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or even a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce for a bit of flair. If you’re feeling fancy, fresh berries on the side add a bright, juicy contrast.

Side Dishes

These beignets work beautifully alongside a cup of strong coffee or cafe au lait. For brunch, I’ve also served them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. They can even shine as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to stack the beignets pyramid-style on a pretty cake stand dusted heavily with powdered sugar, then garnish with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. Another fun idea is to serve them in small baskets lined with colorful napkins for a festive, casual vibe. Trust me, your guests will love the presentation almost as much as the beignets themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually layer parchment paper between beignets to keep them from sticking together, and they stay tender without getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve found that these beignets freeze beautifully. Just cool them completely, then lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. It’s a real time-saver when you want a quick treat later!

Reheating

To reheat, pop frozen or stored beignets in a 350°F (180°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving them — trust me, that just makes them rubbery. Brushing with a bit of melted butter before reheating helps bring back that fresh-baked charm.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Beignets Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen routine. It takes a classic New Orleans favorite and makes it approachable for weeknights or lazy weekends without all the fuss of frying. Once you get the hang of the proofing times and rolling, you’ll be rewarded with these fluffy, buttery pillows dusted in powdered sugar that bring smiles every time. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking you to make these over and over — and you’ll love the joy you put on their plates!

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