Buttermilk Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting
Light and airy French-style doughnuts fried to golden perfection, dusted generously with powdered sugar—a beloved treat from Southern Louisiana’s Creole tradition. This southern louisiana-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, (1 packet) active dry yeast into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (110°F) warm water
- 1/2 cup, room temperature buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups, for dusting powdered sugar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp granulated sugar in 3/4 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, remaining 3 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Make a well in the center.
- Step 3: Add the yeast mixture, 1/2 cup room temperature buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter to the flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 4: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding a little flour if too sticky.
- Step 5: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Step 6: Punch down the dough and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Step 7: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 360°F. Fry the beignets in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown.
- Step 8: Drain on paper towels and immediately dust generously with 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Buttermilk Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Buttermilk Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Buttermilk Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Buttermilk Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting?
Southern Louisiana desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
