Easy Gluten Free Beignets Recipe

Once you’ve tasted these AMAZING homemade gluten-free beignets, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff. The New Orleans style beignets are light, puffy and addictively delicious, and it’s impossible to tell they are gluten free.

What is a beignet?

A beignet is a fried pastry that originated in France. It is typically made with a yeast-based dough, rolled out into a thin sheet, cut into squares, and then fried. Beignets are often served with powdered sugar on top and are traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Is beignet a donut?

Although beignets are sometimes called “French donuts,” they are different from traditional American donuts. Beignets are smaller, lighter and puffier with a pillow-like texture. They taste like powdered sugar pillows. Beignets also do not have a hole in the center like most doughnuts.

Why are beignets popular?

Beignets are deep-fried fritters that are a staple in New Orleans food culture. They are a popular breakfast food because they are bite-size crispy, pillow-light, mildly sweetened donut-like sweet or savory fritters.

ingredient substitutions

millet flour – sorghum flour, certified gluten free oat flour

tapioca starch – corn starch, potato starch (not flour)

1 tsp. psyllium husk powder – 1 tablespoon psyllium husk

pure maple syrup – agave, honey 

milk – non-dairy milk

butter – melted coconut oil, vegan butter

lemon zest – orange zest

Any other substitutions will not work in this recipe

step by step gluten free beignets recipe

STEP ONE

Mix dry ingredients; rice flour, tapioca starch, millet flour, psyllium powder (not husk), rapid-rise instant yeast, baking powder and salt.

STEP TWO

Next, whisk warm milk, maple syrup, melted butter, lemon zest and vanilla. Then whisk in the eggs.

STEP THREE

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix to form the batter. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours.

The batter will absorb the moisture and become a dough that easily rolls out.

STEP FOUR

Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut it into small squares or rectangles (about 2 by 2-inch size)

STEP FIVE

Fry the beignets in hot oil (about 160 F) for a few seconds per side. They should rise to the surface, puff up, and turn golden brown.

STEP SIX

Drain on paper towels and generously dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy warm

toppings for beignets

There are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings for beignets, but some of our favorites include the classic powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, and vanilla glaze. You can’t go wrong with these toppings, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination.

storing gluten free beignets

 First, gluten free beignets are best served fresh and warm. So, if you have any leftovers, keep them at room temperature for up to two days. Or, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

However, they will taste better when they are first made. If you refrigerate the beignets, I recommend reheating them in the oven before serving. The best part, rarely will you have beignet leftovers.

If you want to reheat the beignets, the best way to do so is by placing them on a baking sheet and reheating them in a 350 Fahrenheit degree oven for about 8 minutes before serving. This will help them crisp up and taste better than if you were to microwave them.

variations of gluten free beignets

When serving these pillowy beignets, the sky is the limit! They can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a tasty snack and are best when served warm.

– Serve them warm out of the fryer with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a classic treat.

– Mix in dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries or chopped candied ginger

– Make them savory by adding 1 cup of finelly chopped ham and 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese to the dough

Our 4 favorite gluten free donut recipes

Gluten-Free Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Gluten-Free Baked Chocolate Donuts

Low-Carb Grain-Free Ham and Cheese Donuts

Gluten-Free Baked Jelly Donuts Recipe

summary

The gluten free beignet recipe is surprisingly easy. The addictively delicious mini donuts are light and airy with a hint of fresh lemon and vanilla flavor. You can enjoy them warm for breakfast, brunch or as anytime snack. 

Let’s connect

Meet Kristina. Passionate about creating delicious, innovative gluten free recipes, and author of two gluten free cookbooks, “Entertaining The Gluten Free Way” and “Small Bites The Gluten Free Way”.

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Many thanks!

Kristina x