Deep-Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light, fluffy pillows of fried dough dusted generously with powdered sugar, perfect for a classic Mardi Gras sweet treat. This latin american-inspired mardi gras ready in about 35 minutes pairs (1 packet) active dry yeast, 110°F warm water, granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.1 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in 3/4 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 cup warm evaporated milk, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 large egg, and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter until combined.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Step 5: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep heavy pot to 360°F.
  6. Step 6: Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 3-inch squares.
  7. Step 7: Fry the dough squares in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown.
  8. Step 8: Drain on paper towels and immediately dust generously with 1 cup powdered sugar before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Deep-Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (1 packet) active dry yeast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Fried 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 Deep-Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Deep-Fried Beignets with Powdered Sugar Dusting?

Latin American mardi gras 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.

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