Delectable and rich, these cream-filled beignets combine the texture of a beignet with the creamy sweetness of whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions, dessert, or breakfast, these pastries are ideal.
Ingredients for the Beignets:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for the Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of warm milk with a bit of sugar to activate the yeast (if using dry yeast).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Mix well.
- Incorporate the milk mixture into the dough.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in volume.
- Cut and Fry the Beignets:
- Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface and cut into rounds using a cookie cutter.
- Arrange the cut beignets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with a towel. Let them rest for another 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a fryer or large pan to 175°C (350°F).
- Fry the beignets in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Drain the beignets on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken.
- Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
- Fill and Coat the Beignets:
- Once the beignets have cooled slightly, use a small spoon to make a small hole in the side of each beignet.
- Fill each beignet with the whipped cream.
- Roll the filled beignets in granulated sugar to coat.
Tips for Perfectly Crisp Fried Beignets:
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough for even cooking and to avoid greasy beignets.
- Filling: Be gentle when filling the beignets to avoid tearing. Make sure the cream is whipped to stiff peaks for easy filling.
Serve the cream-filled beignets right away or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Enjoy these delicious beignets with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect treat any time of day.