There is something truly magical about these Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe that makes any morning or afternoon feel like a special occasion. Imagine tender, pillowy beignets with subtle floral notes of lavender and the warm, creamy essence of vanilla bean all wrapped up in a fluffy, golden exterior. These vegan treats bring classic French charm to your kitchen without any fuss or animal products, making them a delightful indulgence everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a cozy tea time, this recipe will quickly become one you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe truly comes down to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make these beignets utterly irresistible.
- Warm almond or oat milk: Provides a creamy, dairy-free liquid base that activates the yeast and adds subtle natural sweetness.
- Active dry yeast: The life force behind the beignets, helping the dough rise and become light and airy.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast, while also adding a classic sparkling crunch when mixed with lavender for coating.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Vanilla bean paste: Delivers deep, aromatic vanilla notes that elevate the taste beyond ordinary vanilla extract.
- Dried culinary lavender, ground: Instills a gentle floral fragrance that pairs beautifully with vanilla.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the soft yet sturdy structure of the dough.
- Melted coconut oil or vegan butter: Adds richness and keeps the beignets tender.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures a crisp and golden exterior.
- Sugar (for coating): Combined with lavender and optionally vanilla bean powder, it finishes the beignets with a fragrant, sweet glaze.
How to Make Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by warming your almond or oat milk gently so it’s pleasantly warm but not too hot—this warmth is crucial as it wakes up the yeast. Stir in the sugar, sprinkle the yeast on top, then give it a quick mix and leave it to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a foamy layer appears like a little cloud on the surface. This step is the foundation of that light, airy texture we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Into your foamy yeast mixture, stir in the salt, the star ingredients—vanilla bean paste and ground lavender—as well as the melted coconut oil or vegan butter. These bring wonderful flavor and softness to the dough. Gradually add the flour 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well until a soft dough begins to come together. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, but keep it soft—the dough should feel like a gentle cloud.
Step 3: Let Dough Rise
Pop your dough ball into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Find a warm cozy spot for it to rise peacefully for about an hour until it’s doubled in size. This rising time is where the yeast does its magic, puffing up the dough to create those airy pockets inside each beignet.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Once your dough has risen gloriously, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it gently to about 1/4-inch thickness, thick enough to stay fluffy yet easy to cook through. Cut the dough into squares or rounds around 2 inches wide—perfect bite-sized portions that fry evenly and temptingly golden.
Step 5: Fry the Beignets
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). This precise temperature is the sweet spot to get that perfect crispy shell without absorbing too much oil. Take care and gently drop a few beignets at a time into the hot oil. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown, flipping once. Transfer them with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain excess oil and keep that crunch just right.
Step 6: Coat with Lavender Sugar
While your beignets are still warm, roll them in a fragrant sugar blend made from sugar, ground lavender, and optional vanilla bean powder. This coating adds a delicate floral sweetness with an extra little color and texture boost that’s truly enchanting. The warm beignets soak up just enough sugar to make every bite a flavor-packed delight.
Step 7: Serve
Enjoy these dreamy Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets immediately while warm, perhaps with an extra dusting of the lavender sugar blend. Their fresh, tender texture and captivating aroma are unbeatable when eaten right away.
How to Serve Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe
Garnishes
To bring an extra touch of elegance, consider sprinkling powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vegan glaze on top. Edible lavender petals make for a stunning, aromatic garnish that also highlights the beignets’ unique flavor. Fresh berries or a twist of lemon zest can add contrasting freshness and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
These beignets are wonderfully versatile. Pair them with a rich hot chocolate made from plant-based milk or a fragrant herbal tea like chamomile or mint to complement the lavender notes. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or vegan yogurt with a spoonful of granola for added crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, stack the beignets on a pretty platter and sprinkle liberally with lavender sugar and edible flowers. You can also serve them with small bowls of vegan custard or fruit compotes for dipping. Present them in charming paper cones or rustic baskets lined with parchment paper to capture that classic French street food charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but this keeps them soft and ready for a quick snack without sacrificing too much of their delicate texture.
Freezing
To keep these beignets for longer, freeze them after frying and cooling completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months without losing their lovely flavor.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored beignets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes to regain their crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp outside and tender inside. If frozen, no need to thaw—reheat straight from the freezer for best results.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of almond or oat milk in the Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe is designed to be vegan with almond or oat milk, you can use any plant-based milk or even dairy milk if you prefer. Just make sure it’s warm when mixing with the yeast.
Where can I find culinary lavender?
Culinary lavender is available at many health food stores, specialty spice shops, or online. Be sure to select dried lavender intended for cooking, as some lavender sold for decoration is treated and not safe to eat.
What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste? Can I substitute vanilla extract?
Yes, vanilla extract works well as a substitute, although vanilla bean paste offers a bolder flavor and the charm of tiny vanilla specks throughout the dough, giving a special touch to your beignets.
How can I make the beignets less oily?
Maintaining the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C) is key to preventing greasiness. Oil that’s too cool absorbs more oil, while oil that’s too hot will burn the outside before cooking inside. Use a thermometer for best results.
Can these beignets be baked instead of fried?
While frying gives the classic crispness and golden color, you can bake them at 400°F (205°C) for about 12-15 minutes to create a lighter, less oily version. They won’t be quite the same but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe is one of those rare finds that turns simple ingredients into a truly enchanting treat. Whether you’re new to making vegan pastries or an experienced cook looking for a unique twist, these beignets bring a splash of French flair with wholesome, plant-based goodness. Give them a try and watch them become your new favorite fluffy indulgence to share with friends and family.
Print
Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets are a delightful plant-based twist on the classic French pastry. Infused with aromatic dried lavender and rich vanilla bean paste, these fluffy, golden-fried beignets are coated in a fragrant lavender sugar perfect for a charming breakfast or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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 for frying
Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp dried lavender, ground
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm almond or oat milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top, stir gently, then let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: To the yeast mixture, add salt, vanilla bean paste, ground culinary lavender, and melted coconut oil or vegan butter. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, 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 is smooth and elastic. Add additional flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and leave it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Roll and Cut: Once risen, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the dough into squares or rounds roughly 2 inches in size.
- Fry the Beignets: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few beignets at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beignets onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Coat with Lavender Sugar: In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, ground lavender, and optional vanilla bean powder. While the beignets are still warm, roll each piece thoroughly in the lavender sugar mixture for a fragrant, sweet coating.
- Serve: Enjoy the beignets warm, optionally dusted with extra lavender sugar for an extra burst of flavor and aroma.
Notes
- Ensure the almond or oat milk is warm but not hot to effectively activate the yeast.
- You can substitute vanilla bean paste with vanilla extract, but the paste offers a more intense and authentic vanilla flavor.
- Use culinary-grade dried lavender suitable for consumption to avoid any bitterness or harsh flavors.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually to prevent it from becoming too dense.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure the beignets cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- Fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
- Beignets are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container and reheated lightly in an oven to regain crispness.
