Dreamy Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe

Dreamy Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan) Recipe

Soft, pillowy beignets with a lavender vanilla bean twist dance between tradition and innovation.

These delightful (vegan) pastries bring a touch of French elegance to your kitchen.

Delicate lavender vanilla bean notes weave through each golden, crispy bite, creating an unexpected sensory experience.

The recipe reimagines classic beignets with plant-based ingredients that don’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Light, airy pockets of dough emerge from hot oil, dusted with a whisper of powdered sugar.

Each beignet promises a moment of pure culinary bliss that transports you straight to a quaint Parisian café.

Dive into this delectable recipe and transform your ordinary dessert time into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 11

Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan) Ingredient Guide

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base for soft, pillowy beignets with a delicate texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast for perfect rising.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the beignets.
For Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Yeast: Magical rising agent that creates light, airy texture in the dough.
  • Plant-Based Milk: Ensures a tender crumb and helps activate the yeast smoothly.
  • Cashew Yogurt: Brings creamy richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Vegan Butter: Adds luxurious flavor and helps create a soft, flaky texture.
For Flavoring and Topping Ingredients:
  • Dried Lavender: Introduces a delicate, aromatic floral note to the beignets.
  • Vanilla Bean: Brings deep, complex sweetness and elegant flavor profile.
  • Coconut Cream: Creates a silky, luxurious filling with subtle tropical undertones.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides smooth, sweet icing that beautifully coats the beignets.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan)

  • Stand Mixer: Essential for mixing dough and creating smooth cream with whisk attachment.
  • Large Deep Pan: Perfect for deep-frying beignets at precise temperature.
  • Pastry Bag with Long Narrow Tip: Crucial for filling beignets with lavender vanilla cream.
  • Rolling Pin: Needed to roll out dough into a square shape.
  • Slotted Spoon: Great for safely removing beignets from hot oil.
  • Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil from fried beignets.
  • Tray: Used for letting dough squares rise before frying.
  • Whisk: Useful for mixing icing and combining ingredients smoothly.
  • Medium Bowl: Helps prepare lavender vanilla icing.
  • Large Bowl: Alternative for mixing dough if not using stand mixer.

How to Fry Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan)

  • Yeast Activation

Mix lukewarm water with yeast and let it become bubbly, creating the foundation for soft, pillowy pastries.

  • Dough Formation

Combine plant-based milk, sugar, and salt with flour, kneading until a smooth, elastic texture emerges that signals perfect beignet potential.

  • Rising Time

Allow dough to expand and develop rich flavors, doubling in size in a cozy, warm environment that nurtures its delicate structure.

  • Shaping Squares

Roll dough into a generous square, slicing into smaller pieces that will transform into golden, crispy delights when kissed by hot oil.

  • Frying Magic

Submerge dough squares in hot oil, watching them dance and turn a gorgeous golden brown, capturing that classic beignet crunch.

  • Cream Filling

Inject each pastry with lavender-infused cream, creating a surprise burst of flavor that delights with every bite.

  • Lavender Icing Finale

Drizzle smooth lavender vanilla icing across the top, adding a elegant, sweet finish to these dreamy vegan treats.

Tips for Perfecting Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan)

  • Activate yeast in warm (not hot) liquid to ensure proper fermentation and soft, airy beignets. Test water temperature by touching it—it should feel comfortably warm like a baby's bath.
  • Use a candy thermometer to maintain consistent 350°F oil for even, golden-brown frying without burning. Fluctuating temperatures can lead to greasy or undercooked pastries.
  • Replace lavender with other botanicals like rose water, orange blossom, or elderflower for unique flavor profiles. Experiment with subtle herb and floral infusions.
  • Prepare dough a day in advance and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor development and more convenient preparation. Cold fermentation enhances texture and taste complexity.
  • Swap cashew yogurt with almond or soy yogurt for alternative creamy fillings. Each plant-based alternative offers distinct subtle nuances to the final dessert.

Serve Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan) with Tea

  • Sweet Lavender Cream Pairing: Nestle these golden beignets alongside a steaming cup of earl grey tea or a delicate lavender latte for an elegant dessert experience.
  • Texture Contrast Delight: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or toasted almond slivers on top of the icing to add a delightful crunch that complements the soft, pillowy beignet texture.
  • Seasonal Presentation Charm: Arrange the beignets on a rustic wooden board with fresh lavender sprigs and edible flowers for a stunning brunch centerpiece that looks as incredible as it tastes.
  • Breakfast Transformation: Turn these beignets into a complete morning meal by serving with fresh berries, whipped coconut cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup for added indulgence.

Store Vegan Beignets to Keep Them Light

  • Quick Serving Strategy: Enjoy these delicate beignets fresh and warm, ideally within 2-3 hours of preparing for maximum taste and texture. Serve immediately after filling and icing to appreciate their crispy exterior and creamy interior.
  • Refrigeration Wisdom: Store unfilled beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep cream and icing separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing Techniques: Freeze plain fried beignets without filling or icing for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before filling and serving.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough a day in advance and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor development. You can also fry beignets earlier in the day, then reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes before filling and serving to restore crispness.
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Dreamy Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe

Dreamy Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Delicate lavender vanilla bean French beignets elevate traditional pastry with plant-based elegance. Crisp exterior and delicate interior invite sweet exploration for those seeking refined vegan dessert experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large vanilla bean (scrapings)
  • 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1½ cups unsweetened plant-based milk (for icing)
  • ½ cup prepared lavender icing
  • ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cashew yogurt
  • ¼ cup vegan butter
  • ¼ cup coconut cream
  • 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Bloom yeast in lukewarm water until frothy and active.
  2. Liquid Base Preparation: Mix plant-based milk, sugar, and salt into the yeast mixture, creating a smooth liquid foundation for the dough.
  3. Dough Formation: Gradually incorporate flour and knead until a silky, elastic dough develops with consistent texture.
  4. First Fermentation: Place dough in a greased container, cover with a damp cloth, and allow to rise in a warm environment until volume doubles, approximately two hours.
  5. Dough Shaping: Roll out the risen dough into precise squares, then slice into uniform smaller portions for secondary proofing.
  6. Oil Preparation: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F, ensuring optimal temperature for even frying.
  7. Frying Process: Gently lower dough squares into hot oil, frying until each side achieves a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
  8. Draining: Remove beignets using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  9. Lavender Vanilla Icing: Whisk lavender, vanilla bean scrapings, plant-based milk, and powdered sugar into a smooth, aromatic glaze.
  10. Filling Creation: Blend cashew yogurt, vegan butter, coconut cream, and lavender icing to produce a light, creamy filling.
  11. Filling and Finishing: Use a pastry bag to inject lavender vanilla bean cream into beignet centers, then generously coat with lavender vanilla icing.
  12. Serving: Present beignets immediately to maintain optimal temperature, texture, and flavor characteristics.

Notes

  • Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water is precisely lukewarm (around 110°F) to activate yeast without killing it, creating the perfect rise.
  • Dough Resting Strategy: Allow slow overnight refrigeration for deeper flavor development and more complex texture.
  • Frying Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature using a digital thermometer to prevent soggy or burnt beignets.
  • Filling Injection Technique: Use a small round pastry tip for smooth, even cream distribution inside each beignet’s center.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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