Princess and the Frog Beignets (Tiana’s Beignets): A Magical Recipe for Light and Fluffy Beignets

Tiana’s Beignets, inspired by The Princess and the Frog, are an absolute treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. In the movie, Tiana’s magical creation, the beignet, is a warm, golden, sugar-dusted delight that perfectly encapsulates the charm of New Orleans. This recipe brings that magic right to your kitchen, creating fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth beignets that will transport you straight to the heart of the French Quarter. Whether you’re a Disney lover or just someone looking for a delicious dessert, these beignets are the perfect project for beginner bakers looking to try something fun and rewarding.

Print

Making beignets from scratch may sound a bit daunting, but rest assured, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process with ease. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can recreate the magic of Tiana’s beignets at home. These beignets are soft, pillowy, and dusted with powdered sugar—just like the ones you’d find in a New Orleans café.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

If you’re a beginner cook, this beignet recipe is perfect for you. It’s beginner-friendly, and while it does take a little time, the steps are simple, clear, and easy to follow. There are no complicated techniques involved, and the ingredients are all easily accessible at your local grocery store. Plus, with a few handy tips along the way, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. The best part is that the dough is quite forgiving, and even if it’s not perfect, you’ll still end up with delicious beignets.

Additionally, this recipe allows you to practice your dough-making skills and familiarize yourself with the process of yeast activation and frying—all key kitchen techniques. Plus, the payoff is huge—what could be better than biting into a warm, fluffy, and lightly sweetened beignet, covered in a generous dusting of powdered sugar?

Ingredients and Preparation

Before you begin, let’s gather everything you need. This recipe calls for basic pantry ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk, very warm
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 1/2 teaspoons dry active yeast
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, (or up to 3 cups, as needed)
• Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for serving

Ingredient Alternatives:

• Milk Substitute: If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can swap regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. The flavor may slightly vary, but you’ll still get that wonderful fluffy texture.
• Flour Variations: If you want to make the beignets gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check the packaging for any binding agents or additional instructions.
• Vanilla Substitute: If you want a deeper vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract. Alternatively, almond extract can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything we need, it’s time to get to work. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll soon have a batch of golden, delicious beignets!

1. Activate the Yeast

• In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine 1 cup warm milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve the yeast and sugar into the warm milk.
• Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. During this time, you should see the yeast begin to bubble and foam. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to be incorporated into the dough. If the mixture doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

• Once the yeast is activated, add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 egg, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt into the bowl. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

3. Add Flour and Knead the Dough

• Gradually add the 2 3/4 cups of flour to the mixture. You can add the flour a little at a time, stirring to combine after each addition. Use a dough hook attachment for a stand mixer or a spoon to combine the flour into the dough.
• Continue kneading the dough for about 3-4 minutes. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on low speed. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky but not too wet. If the dough is still too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. Adding too much flour will make the beignets dense and heavy.

4. Let the Dough Rise

• Once the dough is kneaded, cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you’re short on time, you can place the bowl in a warm oven (preheated to 200°F) with the door closed for a quicker rise. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the dough overnight for a more extended rise, which will give the beignets a deeper flavor.

5. Prepare the Oil for Frying

• Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. You want the oil to be around 350°F for the perfect frying temperature. If the oil is too cool, the beignets will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, they will burn on the outside before cooking through.
• If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough. If it rises to the surface and bubbles immediately, the oil is ready.

6. Roll and Cut the Dough

• Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Then, turn it out onto a lightly floured countertop.
• Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle that is about 1/2-inch thick. Then, use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into 1-2 inch squares.

7. Fry the Beignets

• Carefully place 4-5 squares of dough into the hot oil at a time. Fry the beignets for about 2-2 1/2 minutes, turning them halfway through. The dough should puff up and turn golden brown.
• Remove the beignets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

8. Dust with Powdered Sugar

• Allow the beignets to cool for about 5 minutes before generously dusting them with powdered sugar. You can sift the sugar over them or use a spoon to sprinkle it on.
• Serve immediately while they’re still warm and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.

Beginner Tips and Notes

As a beginner baker, you might have some questions along the way. Here are a few tips to help you along:

1. Yeast Troubleshooting: Always check your yeast before using it. If it doesn’t foam after a few minutes, it’s probably expired and you’ll need fresh yeast.
2. Dough Consistency: If your dough is too sticky, resist the urge to add too much flour. Too much flour will make the beignets heavy. Stick with a slightly sticky dough that is still manageable.
3. Frying Tips: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding the pot can make the oil temperature drop, leading to soggy beignets. Make sure the oil stays at 350°F for the best results.
4. Resting the Dough: If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the rising process by placing the dough in a warm area, like near a sunny window or in a warm oven. But for the best flavor, letting it rise slowly overnight in the fridge is ideal.

Serving Suggestions

These beignets are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of complementary sides or sauces to elevate the experience:

• Café au Lait: Pair your beignets with a traditional New Orleans café au lait—a blend of strong coffee and steamed milk.
• Chocolate Sauce: For a decadent touch, serve the beignets with a rich chocolate dipping sauce or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
• Fruit Compote: A fresh berry compote or caramelized bananas can add a burst of flavor alongside the warm beignets.
• Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve the beignets with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Conclusion

Tiana’s beignets from The Princess and the Frog are a magical way to bring a piece of New Orleans into your kitchen. They’re fluffy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying to make. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to create a batch of delicious beignets that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a treat on a weekend morning, these beignets are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s face.

Enjoy the process of creating these beautiful, Disney-inspired beignets, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results!