If you have a soft spot for dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth pastries and an adventurous palate that loves floral and vanilla notes, this Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe will become one of your absolute favorites. These light, airy beignets are infused with delicate lavender and fragrant vanilla bean, creating a unique twist on the classic French treat. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, they offer an irresistible experience whether you’re indulging in a cozy breakfast or an elegant afternoon treat. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find that the vegan version can be just as delightful as the original!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in bringing out that tender texture, subtle fragrance, and delightful sweetness that makes these beignets unforgettable.
- Warm almond or oat milk: A dairy-free base that provides moisture and helps activate the yeast for a light dough.
- Active dry yeast: The rising agent essential for fluffy, airy beignets that puff up beautifully.
- Sugar: Balances flavors and feeds the yeast to help achieve that perfect rise.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances sweetness.
- Vanilla bean paste: Packed with fragrant seeds, it lends an intense vanilla aroma that’s key to this recipe.
- Dried culinary lavender, ground: Adds a subtle floral note that’s utterly enchanting when paired with vanilla.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the dough; adding just the right amount creates a tender yet sturdy beignet.
- Melted coconut oil or vegan butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil for frying: To get that perfectly crisp exterior without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Sugar, ground lavender, and vanilla bean powder mixture: A finishing touch that transforms each bite into a fragrant, sweet delight.
How to Make Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by warming your choice of almond or oat milk until it’s just pleasantly warm — not hot — because this is crucial to waking up your yeast without killing it. Mix the warm milk with sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. After a gentle stir, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the surface turns foamy and bubbly. This signals that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough.
Step 2: Mix and knead the dough
Once the yeast is foamy, add salt, luscious vanilla bean paste, the ground lavender, and melted coconut oil to the bowl. Gradually incorporate the flour, half a cup at a time, stirring and then kneading until a soft dough forms. The kneading process, lasting about five to seven minutes, is when the dough develops strength and elasticity. If it sticks too much, sprinkle a little extra flour carefully. The goal is a smooth, slightly tacky dough that’s a joy to work with.
Step 3: Let the dough rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and tuck it into a warm spot. This is where the magic of fermentation happens! Give it about an hour to double in size. You’ll notice how airy and puffy the dough becomes, which promises beignets that are light as clouds.
Step 4: Shape the beignets
Flour your work surface lightly to prevent sticking and then roll the risen dough out evenly to about a quarter-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to create squares or rounds approximately two inches wide. This uniformity helps them cook evenly and ensures perfectly bite-sized treats.
Step 5: Fry to golden perfection
Heat your vegetable oil to a steady 350°F or 175°C, then carefully introduce a few beignets at a time into the hot oil. They need just 1 to 2 minutes per side until the outside transforms to a luscious golden brown. Don’t overcrowd your pan — giving each beignet space ensures even frying and prevents them from sticking together. Use a slotted spoon to transfer your golden beauties onto paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Step 6: Coat with lavender sugar glaze
While your beignets are still warm, roll them in a fragrant mixture of sugar, ground lavender, and optional vanilla bean powder. This final step lends an additional burst of floral sweetness, turning each bite into an aromatic delight that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Step 7: Devour fresh
Although these Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe beauties can be enjoyed at room temperature, they are undeniably best fresh and warm. A sprinkle of extra lavender sugar on top adds that irresistible finishing touch, making each moment of indulgence even sweeter.
How to Serve Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your beignets with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of lavender sugar for enhanced fragrance. Fresh edible lavender buds scattered on the plate can create a visually stunning presentation that echoes the flavors inside the beignets. For a little extra indulgence, a drizzle of vegan vanilla glaze or a thin ribbon of agave syrup adds sweetness and keeps things beautifully moist.
Side Dishes
Pair this delightful treat with a cup of robust black coffee or a creamy, dairy-free latte to balance the sweetness with a bit of sophistication. Fresh berries or a fruit compote add a pop of color and a burst of tartness that complements the floral notes perfectly. For a brunch setting, a light citrus salad or vegan yogurt with granola creates a harmonious spread that feels both refreshing and decadent.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your beignets on a vintage French plate lined with delicate parchment paper for an elegant look. Stack them pyramid-style on a wooden board for a casual, welcoming vibe perfect for sharing. You can even serve them alongside a small bowl of lavender-infused maple syrup or vegan chocolate ganache for dipping, inviting your guests to customize each bite exactly how they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers — though I doubt it will last long! — store the beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Placing a paper towel inside helps absorb any moisture, keeping the beignets from becoming soggy and preserving their crispy charm.
Freezing
To enjoy this Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe at a later time, freezing is a fantastic option. Cool the beignets completely, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month, so you can have them ready for a spontaneous treat.
Reheating
Rewarm frozen or stored beignets in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method revives their crisp exterior while warming the inside perfectly. Avoid microwaves as they tend to make the texture gummy. For a final flourish, sprinkle a little fresh lavender sugar once warm, and enjoy just as if they were freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of almond or oat milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute with any plant-based milk or even regular dairy milk if you prefer. The recipe will still deliver fantastic flavor and texture. However, almond or oat milk tends to enhance the delicate taste without overpowering the lavender and vanilla notes.
What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste or vanilla bean powder?
If you’re missing those ingredients, good-quality vanilla extract can be a fine substitute. While it may not have quite the same pod-speckled look or subtle complexity, it will still impart that lovely vanilla warmth essential to this recipe.
How important is it to use culinary lavender? Can I use any lavender?
It’s best to stick to dried culinary lavender because it’s curated specifically for cooking and tastes less bitter or perfumed than garden lavender. Avoid lavender intended for potpourri or essential oils, as they may not be safe to eat.
Can these beignets be baked instead of fried?
While traditional beignets are fried to achieve that perfect crispness, you can bake them if you’re looking for a lighter alternative. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden, but know the texture will be different without the crunchy fried exterior.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
If your dough isn’t rising, check that your yeast was fresh and that the milk wasn’t too hot or cold when activated. Also, ensure the rise environment is warm enough. If needed, place the covered dough in the oven with just the oven light on or near a warm spot in your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe is a delicious journey of delicate flavors and satisfying textures that will brighten your kitchen and your day. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a weekend treat, these beignets bring joy in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—embrace the beauty of floral and vanilla combined in a vegan-friendly form that will impress both friends and family alike!
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Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
- Yield: 10 beignets
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets offer a delightful twist on the classic New Orleans treat by incorporating aromatic lavender and vanilla bean for a floral, fragrant flavor. Made with plant-based milk and coconut oil, these beignets are light, fluffy, and fried to golden perfection. They’re dusted with a lavender-scented sugar for an elegant finish, perfect for a cozy brunch or special dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm almond or oat milk
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender, ground
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp melted coconut oil or vegan butter
For frying
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
Lavender Sugar Topping
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp dried lavender, ground
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder (optional)
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm almond or oat milk and 2 tablespoons sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top, stir gently, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, ground lavender, and melted coconut oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour, adding about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.
- Proof the dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the beignets: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into 2-inch squares or rounds, depending on your desired shape.
- Heat oil and fry: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of about 2-3 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Fry the beignets in small batches, carefully dropping them into the hot oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed up. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried beignets onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare lavender sugar and coat: In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon ground dried lavender, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder if using. While the beignets are still warm, roll each one in the lavender sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve warm: Enjoy the beignets warm, optionally with an extra dusting of lavender sugar for enhanced fragrance and sweetness.
Notes
- You can substitute oat milk with other plant-based milks but ensure they are warm for activating yeast.
- Use culinary-grade lavender to avoid bitterness and ensure edible safety.
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is crucial for light, non-greasy beignets.
- Be gentle when rolling and handling the dough to preserve airiness.
- Store leftover beignets in an airtight container and reheat in a warm oven for best results.
