Name: Haitian Beignets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Haitian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg; Oil for frying; Powdered sugar for dusting

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If you’re dreaming of golden, pillowy bites that conjure up sunshine and celebration, Haitian Beignets are truly a treat you can’t miss. These irresistible morsels bring together the cozy flavors of vanilla, nutmeg, and just a hint of sweetness, all wrapped in a delicately crisp shell. Fried until perfectly puffed and then blanketed in clouds of powdered sugar, Haitian Beignets offer both comfort and delight in every bite—whether you serve them as a snack or a festive dessert, they’re sure to become a new favorite tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Haitian Beignets at home is refreshingly simple, yet every ingredient plays a crucial part in recreating that authentic, melt-in-the-mouth experience. There’s no need for exotic or hard-to-find items—just a handful of pantry staples and a little love bring this recipe to life!

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, flour provides the signature structure and helps the beignets puff up beautifully during frying.
Sugar: A touch of sugar brings just the right hint of sweetness to the batter and helps with that lovely golden color.
Baking powder: This is your secret to achieving those light, airy pockets inside every Haitian Beignet.
Salt: A little salt enhances all the other flavors and keeps the treats from being cloyingly sweet.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and give a rich, tender crumb to each beignet.
Evaporated milk: Adds a velvety texture and a subtle richness you won’t want to skip.
Vanilla extract: This brings a warm, fragrant aroma that sets Haitian Beignets apart from ordinary fritters.
Grated nutmeg: Nutmeg sprinkles in a whisper of spice that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable to ensure the flavors shine and the beignets fry up crisp and light.
Powdered sugar for dusting: Don’t be shy—this crowning touch adds both irresistible sweetness and that iconic beignet look.

How to Make Haitian Beignets

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and freshly grated nutmeg. Taking this extra moment to combine these dry elements ensures even flavor and rise throughout your beignets, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly until frothy, then add in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract. Mixing these together creates a luscious, aromatic base that helps the batter come together smoothly in the next step.

Step 3: Make the Batter

Now, pour the wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir everything together gently, aiming for a thick but not overly stiff batter. Don’t worry if it looks rustic—authentic Haitian Beignets are all about charm, not uniformity!

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour plenty of oil into a deep pot, enough to allow your beignets to float as they fry. Heat the oil to 350°F (a thermometer helps, but a piece of bread sizzling steadily means you’re good to go). Proper temperature is vital for a light and crisp finish, so don’t skimp on checking.

Step 5: Fry the Beignets

Using two spoons, carefully drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry each side for 2–3 minutes, turning as needed, until they’re puffed and golden brown.

Step 6: Drain and Dust

Lift the fried beignets out with a slotted spoon and lay them on a plate lined with paper towels. While still warm, shower them generously with powdered sugar—a moment that truly brings Haitian Beignets to life.

How to Serve Haitian Beignets

Garnishes

Freshly fried Haitian Beignets shine brightest with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, but for a little twist, you might sprinkle over a bit of extra grated nutmeg or a touch of citrus zest. A drizzle of honey or a dollop of fruit preserves can add another layer of deliciousness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Haitian Beignets with strong coffee, herbal tea, or even hot chocolate for a comforting snack or delightful brunch treat. Fruit salads or light, fresh juices offer a pleasant contrast for a more balanced dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these for a celebration, stack them in a pyramid, scatter edible flowers around, or even thread them onto skewers for a playful display. You can also serve them alongside small dipping bowls of chocolate sauce, spiced syrup, or sweetened condensed milk for interactive fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have any Haitian Beignets left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. They’re best eaten fresh, but a quick refresh can bring them back to life!

Freezing

You can freeze beignets after they’ve cooled completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. Freeze without the powdered sugar and dust just before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-fried texture, reheat Haitian Beignets in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This will help restore their crispness—microwaving can make them soggy, so the oven is definitely your friend here!

FAQs

Can I make Haitian Beignets without a deep fryer?

Absolutely! All you need is a deep, heavy-bottomed pot and enough oil so your beignets float while frying. Use a cooking thermometer to keep the oil at a consistent temperature for the best results.

Can I add other flavors to the batter?

Definitely. While classic Haitian Beignets feature nutmeg and vanilla, you can add a little grated lime zest or a splash of rum extract for a unique twist that still pays homage to Caribbean roots.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

350°F is ideal, but if you don’t have a thermometer, try dropping in a cube of bread—it should sizzle steadily and brown in about 60 seconds. The right temperature keeps your Haitian Beignets light and not greasy.

What’s the best way to get them evenly shaped?

These beignets are celebrated for their rustic, imperfect look, but if you prefer a neater shape, use a small ice cream scoop or two spoons to portion the batter evenly into the hot oil.

Are Haitian Beignets vegan?

As written, this recipe uses eggs and evaporated milk, but you can try plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and non-dairy evaporated milk for a vegan twist. The result might be slightly different, but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

Haitian Beignets have a way of turning any kitchen into a celebratory space, filling the air with warm, sweet aromas and the promise of something truly special. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging solo, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch—trust me, tasting these hot from the fryer is an experience you won’t forget.

Haitian Beignets Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 beignets 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Haitian Beignets, a delightful Caribbean dessert that is fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. These light and fluffy beignets are a must-try for any food lover!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

Additional:

Oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the evaporated milk and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until a thick batter forms.
Frying: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil in batches, fry each side for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serving: While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.