Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan)

Is there anything quite like a doughnut? I don’t think so… unless it’s a beignet. These Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan) are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. With their unique floral notes and creamy filling, they stand out from traditional doughnuts. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these vegan beignets will impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of lavender and vanilla bean creates an exquisite taste that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
• Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy the indulgence of beignets without the use of animal products, making them suitable for everyone.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up even if you’re new to baking.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them at brunch, special gatherings, or as an everyday treat; they are versatile enough for any event.
• Impressive Presentation: These beautiful beignets not only taste great but also look stunning, making them a showstopper on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having the right equipment will make preparing your Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan) much easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Whisk attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Pastry bag with a narrow tip
• Deep frying pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes it easy to cream together the yogurt and butter quickly for a fluffy filling.
• Pastry bag: A must-have for filling the beignets with the luscious lavender cream without making a mess.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
– scrapings from 1 large vanilla bean
– 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (I used almond)
– 4 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cashew yogurt
– 1/4 cup vegan butter, softened
– 1/4 cup coconut cream
– 1/2 cup prepared lavender icing (from above)
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (lukewarm (I used almond))
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

How to Make Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan)

Step 1: Prepare the Icing and Filling

First, make your icing and filling. Whisk together the ingredients for the icing in a medium bowl until smooth and set aside. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the yogurt and butter. Beat together until creamed and fluffy. Add coconut cream and half a cup of icing, then mix until combined. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl if doing by hand), dissolve yeast in lukewarm plant-based milk and let sit for about five minutes until bubbly. Stir in coconut milk and sugar along with salt until well mixed. Gradually add flour one cup at a time until it forms a smooth dough. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about two hours. Alternatively, you can refrigerate overnight.

Step 3: Shape the Beignets

Once dough is ready, divide it into two halves. Roll one half out into a square about ten inches on each side. Cut into sixteen squares. Place these squares on a tray to rise for another thirty to forty-five minutes.

Step 4: Fry the Beignets

Heat about three inches of oil in a deep frying pan to 350 degrees F (180 C). Line a plate with paper towels. Drop dough squares gently into the hot oil in batches, frying each side for about thirty seconds or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared plate.

Step 5: Fill and Serve

Fill a pastry bag fitted with a long narrow tip with the lavender cream mixture. Pipe into the centers of each beignet then spread about one tablespoon of icing on top of each one. Serve immediately for best flavor!

How to Serve Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan)

Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan) offer a delightful twist on traditional sweets. These light and airy treats are perfect for various occasions and can be served in numerous ways that enhance their unique flavors.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve your beignets alongside a mix of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Their tartness perfectly complements the sweet lavender flavor.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of pure maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that enhances the vanilla notes in the beignets, making them even more indulgent.

Accompanied by Vegan Whipped Cream

• Pair the beignets with a dollop of vegan whipped cream for an extra creamy texture. This combination is perfect for a brunch or dessert setting.

With a Cup of Tea

• Enjoy your beignets with a warm cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or earl grey. The soothing flavors harmonize beautifully with the lavender essence.

Dusted with Extra Powdered Sugar

• For those who enjoy a sweeter treat, dusting your beignets with additional powdered sugar will add an extra layer of sweetness and sophistication.

Served Warm

• Always serve your Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan) warm for the best experience. Their soft texture and warmth make them irresistible!

How to Perfect Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan)

To achieve the best Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan), consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your lavender flowers and vanilla beans are fresh for the best flavor possible.
• Temperature Check: Make sure that your plant-based milk is lukewarm when activating yeast; too hot will kill it, while too cold won’t activate it properly.
• Rest Time is Key: Allow your dough to rise until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy beignets.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry only a few beignets at a time to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can lead to soggy results.
• Fill Just Before Serving: To maintain freshness, fill the centers of your beignets just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add citrus zest or spices into your dough for unique variations on this classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan)

These delicious Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan) pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors.

1. Citrus Salad: A refreshing mix of orange and grapefruit segments adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the beignets.
2. Chia Seed Pudding: Creamy chia pudding topped with fruit provides a nutritious contrast to the fried pastries.
3. Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layer coconut yogurt with granola and fruit for a satisfying texture that pairs well with beignets.
4. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits offers an excellent topping for both flavor and color.
5. Savory Scones: Lightly flavored savory scones provide balance against the sweetness of the beignets, making for an interesting brunch spread.
6. Herb-Infused Tea: A cup of herbal tea infused with mint or basil complements the floral notes in the beignets beautifully.
7. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and contrast, enhancing your overall tasting experience.
8. Granola Bars: Chewy granola bars can serve as a handy side dish, perfect for brunch gatherings alongside these sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan), it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring the yeast activation: Make sure to properly activate the yeast by letting it sit in lukewarm milk until bubbly. Failing to do this can lead to dense beignets.
• Not using the right flour: Opt for all-purpose flour, as using whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives may alter the texture and flavor of your beignets.
• Skipping the resting period: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for light and fluffy beignets. Don’t rush this step; let it double in size as instructed.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Fry only a few dough squares at a time. Overcrowding can lower the oil’s temperature, resulting in soggy beignets.
• Neglecting icing preparation: Prepare your lavender icing beforehand. If made too late, you may end up with warm beignets that won’t hold the icing properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Temperature: Keep in a cool part of your fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan)

• Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each beignet for 15-20 seconds. This method may make them slightly chewy, so use cautiously.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes per side. This keeps them crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan), you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh lavender. However, you’ll need about three times more fresh flowers since they are less concentrated in flavor.

How do I know when my dough has risen enough?

Your dough should double in size and feel airy. A simple test is pressing your finger into it; if the indentation remains, it’s ready.

What can I substitute for cashew yogurt?

You can use any unsweetened plant-based yogurt like almond or coconut yogurt as a suitable alternative.

Are Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan) gluten-free?

These beignets are not gluten-free unless you specifically use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Can I make these beignets ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it overnight in the fridge before frying them fresh when needed.

Final Thoughts

Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan) are not only delightful but also versatile! Their unique flavor makes them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize with different fillings or icings to suit your taste. Try making these stunning treats today!