Prepare to fall in love at first bite with Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets! These pillowy, aromatic morsels are the perfect marriage of delicate floral notes and the comforting warmth of vanilla, all wrapped up in a crisp, golden exterior. Whether you’re treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up or sharing with friends over coffee, there’s something truly special about making beignets from scratch. Not only are these treats entirely plant-based, but they also bring a hint of French bakery magic right into your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Each one plays a starring role in flavor and texture, so don’t skip or skimp—your Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets will thank you for it. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to help you along the way:
- Warm almond or oat milk: This is your liquid base, adding subtle creaminess and helping to activate the yeast for a fluffy rise.
- Active dry yeast: The secret to airy, cloud-like beignets; make sure it’s fresh for the best lift.
- Sugar: Not just for sweetness, but also to feed the yeast and give that golden crust.
- Salt: Just a touch balances the floral and sweet flavors, preventing the beignets from tasting flat.
- Vanilla bean paste (or extract): This adds rich, aromatic vanilla notes that pair beautifully with lavender.
- Dried culinary lavender, ground: The hero ingredient for that gentle, elegant floral flavor—make sure it’s food-grade!
- All-purpose flour: The main structure; start with 2 1/2 cups and add more if the dough is too sticky.
- Melted coconut oil or vegan butter: Adds tenderness and a subtle richness to the finished dough.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfectly crisp beignets.
- Sugar (for coating): Rolling the fresh beignets in sugar creates that classic, irresistible finish.
- Dried lavender, ground (for coating): Infuses the sugar with even more floral aroma.
- Vanilla bean powder (optional): For an extra layer of vanilla essence in the sugar coating—totally worth it if you have it!
How to Make Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by gently warming your almond or oat milk (just to the touch, not hot), then stir in the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface, give it a gentle stir, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks creamy and foamy—if not, your yeast may be old, so check the date!
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
To your activated yeast mixture, add salt, vanilla bean paste, and the ground dried lavender. Pour in your melted coconut oil or vegan butter, then begin adding flour, half a cup at a time. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic—if it’s sticking too much, sprinkle in a little more flour.
Step 3: Let Dough Rise
Lightly grease a bowl, place your dough inside, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Set it somewhere warm and cozy, and let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in size. This step is where the magic happens, so be patient and let the yeast do its thing.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Once your dough has puffed up, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or biscuit cutter to cut the dough into 2-inch squares or rounds—the classic look for Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets.
Step 5: Fry the Beignets
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower a few beignets at a time into the oil, frying for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and irresistible. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.
Step 6: Coat with Lavender Sugar
While the beignets are still warm, roll each one in a bowl of sugar mixed with ground dried lavender and, if you like, a pinch of vanilla bean powder. The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully, giving every bite a sparkly, fragrant finish.
Step 7: Serve
These are best enjoyed fresh, ideally while still warm. For extra flair, sift a little more lavender sugar over the top just before serving. You’re now ready to savor the magic of Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets!
How to Serve Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets
Garnishes
A light dusting of extra lavender sugar or a sprinkle of powdered sugar is all you need to elevate your Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets. For a show-stopping effect, scatter a few edible dried lavender buds or add a drizzle of vegan vanilla glaze for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these beignets with a steaming mug of almond milk latte, a pot of Earl Grey tea, or even a fresh fruit salad. Their subtle floral and vanilla flavors make them a dreamy companion to anything creamy or fruity—think coconut yogurt, berry compote, or even a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for dessert!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets stacked on a pretty cake stand for brunch, or tuck them into a paper bag for a Parisian street-food vibe. For parties, arrange them in a basket with sprigs of fresh lavender, or thread mini beignets onto skewers for a whimsical, shareable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra beignets (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Place a piece of parchment between layers to keep them from sticking together. They’ll lose a bit of their crispiness, but a quick warm-up will bring them back to life.
Freezing
Absolutely! Let your Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—perfect for satisfying a sudden craving!
Reheating
To refresh stored or frozen beignets, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and warm them for about 8 to 10 minutes. For a quick fix, a few seconds in the microwave will do, but the oven brings back that irresistible outer crisp.
FAQs
Can I make these Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a good 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just keep an eye on the dough texture, as you may need to adjust the liquid or flour amounts slightly for the perfect pillowy result.
Is there a substitute for lavender if I can’t find it?
If lavender isn’t available, you can skip it for a classic vanilla bean beignet, or experiment with a pinch of food-grade rose petals for a different floral twist. Just be sure to use edible, food-safe flowers!
Can I bake instead of fry these beignets?
While frying gives the authentic French beignet texture, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-14 minutes until golden. The result will be less crispy but still delicious—just brush with melted vegan butter before rolling in sugar.
What’s the best way to grind dried lavender?
Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to finely grind dried culinary lavender. This helps the flavor infuse evenly without any tough bits in your Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! After kneading, cover the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. This not only saves time but also develops even more flavor. Let it come to room temperature before rolling, cutting, and frying.
Final Thoughts
There’s a certain joy in crafting a batch of Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets from scratch—each step is a little act of self-care, and the end result is pure, edible happiness. Don’t wait for a special occasion; treat yourself and your loved ones, and watch these melt-in-your-mouth beauties disappear in no time!
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Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in these Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets, a light and fluffy fried pastry infused with delicate floral lavender and rich vanilla bean flavors. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these beignets are rolled in a fragrant lavender sugar coating making them a unique and delightful vegan treat ideal for breakfast, dessert or an elegant snack.
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
Lavender 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 evenly over the milk and sugar mixture, then gently stir. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Prepare the Dough: Add the salt, vanilla bean paste, ground lavender, and melted coconut oil or vegan butter to the foamy yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Roll and Cut: After rising, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter or knife, cut the dough into 2-inch squares or rounds for uniform beignets.
- Fry the Beignets: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few beignets into the hot oil, frying them for 1-2 minutes per side until they are puffed up and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets, and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Coat with Lavender Sugar: In a bowl, mix together sugar, ground lavender, and vanilla bean powder if using. While the beignets are still warm, roll each one in the lavender sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated for a sweet, aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve the vegan lavender vanilla bean French beignets warm, optionally dusted with additional lavender sugar. Enjoy them fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use culinary-grade dried lavender for the best flavor and safety in food preparation.
- If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract is a good substitute.
- Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to ensure even frying and prevent greasy beignets.
- The dough can be refrigerated after the first rise to develop more flavor—just allow extra time for the second rise.
- Store leftover beignets in an airtight container and reheat lightly in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
