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Lemon Beignets

Lemon Beignets

The ultimate comfort food, Lemon Beignets are light, fluffy, and filled with zesty lemon curd. Topped with fresh berries and dusted with powdered sugar, they make for an irresistible treat. Perfect for brunch or dessert, these beignets are sure to impress your family and friends. Make them tonight!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 36 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 1 and 1/2 cups warm water between 110 and 115 degrees (F)
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 7 cups bread flour
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 4 cups peanut oil for deep frying
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup lemon curd
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Frying Pan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a medium-size bowl, add the warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast and whisk well to combine. Sit aside for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture has bubbled up and become foamy.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs until smooth. Beat in the pure vanilla extract and evaporated milk. Beat in 3 and 1/2 cups of the bread flour until smooth. Turn the mixer to low speed and slowly pour in the yeast mixture (careful here - this mixture can splash up if added to quickly!); beat until smooth. Add in the unsalted butter and beat until incorporated.
  3. Finally, beat in the remaining 3 and 1/2 cups of bread flour and salt. Beat until dough is smooth and cohesive; about 2 minutes. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  4. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with three layers of paper towels, set aside.
  5. In a large enameled cast-iron pan, heat 4 inches of peanut oil to 360 degrees (F). Remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Cut the dough into 2 and 1/2-inch squares.
  6. In batches, fry the dough until they puff up and are golden brown in color, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beignets to the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.
  7. Fill a piping bag (fitted with a small tip) with the lemon curd. Using the end of a small spoon (or your finger) make a small hole in the side of each beignet. Insert the tip into each hole and fill until the center puffs up a bit (or the curd begins to spill back out the hole).
  8. Dust with powdered sugar, top with berries, and serve at once!

Notes

  • Storage: These beignets are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the unfilled beignets for up to a month. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
  • Pairing: Enjoy them with a side of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
  • Serving: They are perfect for brunch or as a dessert at celebrations. Serve them warm for the best taste experience.
  • Experiment: Try filling the beignets with different fruit curds or jams for a unique twist on the classic recipe.