Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe
Ready for a little taste of New Orleans magic at home? The Royal Bakery Box Beignet is a pillowy, golden treat dusted generously with powdered sugar — pure comfort that transports you straight to a bustling French Quarter café. These beignets are surprisingly simple to make, with a plush interior and irresistibly crisp edges. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast, a showstopping dessert, or just a fun afternoon in the kitchen, this classic pastry will never disappoint!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a short, staple list of ingredients comes together to create the unforgettable Royal Bakery Box Beignet. Each component plays a starring role in delivering that light, airy texture and just-sweet-enough flavor. Gather your essentials for a baking adventure!
- Active dry yeast: The key to fluffy, airy beignets — make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Warm water (110°F/43°C): Just the right temperature to activate your yeast and kickstart the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps the yeast feed properly.
- Evaporated milk: Enriches the dough for that signature tender crumb and slight creaminess.
- Large egg: Gives structure and a touch of richness — don’t skip it!
- Salt: Balances and enhances every bite, keeping the beignets from tasting flat.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the beignet; gives body without weighing things down.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds moistness and delicious flavor to the dough.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral flavor and high smoke point are perfect for crisp, golden beignets.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: No Royal Bakery Box Beignet is complete without a generous snowfall of this sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Royal Bakery Box Beignet
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin your Royal Bakery Box Beignet adventure by sprinkling the active dry yeast into a large mixing bowl with the warm water. Give it five minutes to get nice and foamy — this is the signal that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Stir in the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, egg, and salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve. This is where the beignet’s signature richness starts to take shape!
Step 3: Make the Dough
Add two cups of flour to the bowl and mix until you have a soft, sticky batter. Next, work in the softened butter. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If it feels a bit sticky, don’t worry — you want something that’s supple, not stiff.
Step 4: Knead for Perfection
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about five to six minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic — this step is important for that signature beignet texture. Once it’s ready, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about one to one and a half hours).
Step 5: Shape & Cut
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to a quarter-inch thickness on a floured surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice into two-inch squares. These will puff up beautifully during frying!
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the beignets in batches, turning them after one or two minutes so each side achieves that irresistible golden puff. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets and drain on paper towels.
Step 7: Finish with Powdered Sugar
While still warm, blanket each Royal Bakery Box Beignet with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. The more, the merrier — it’s all part of the fun! Serve immediately to experience the full magic.
How to Serve Royal Bakery Box Beignet
Garnishes
A simple shower of powdered sugar is classic for a Royal Bakery Box Beignet, but if you’re feeling playful, offer bowls of warm chocolate sauce, citrus zest, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. These little tweaks turn an already delightful treat into something truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair your beignets with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a strong cup of café au lait for that authentic coffeehouse feeling. They make a fabulous addition to a brunch spread, or serve as a pick-me-up alongside fresh fruit or yogurt.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the beignets high on a platter dusted with extra sugar, or serve individually in little parchment cones for a festive touch. For a party, offer a “dipping bar” with sauces like caramel, berry compote, or sweetened cream — the Royal Bakery Box Beignet is pure joy, no matter how you serve it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra beignets (as unlikely as that sounds), stash them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. A quick reheat will bring back some of that dreamy, just-fried texture.
Freezing
To freeze your Royal Bakery Box Beignet, cool completely, then layer between parchment sheets in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, ready for when you need an instant treat!
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover beignets in a 300°F (150°C) oven for five to seven minutes. Skip the microwave, as it tends to make them chewy rather than crisp. A fresh dusting of powdered sugar will revive their bakery-fresh glory!
FAQs
What makes a Royal Bakery Box Beignet different from a regular doughnut?
Unlike doughnuts, beignets are yeast-leavened and traditionally square, with a lighter, airier texture and no hole in the middle. The Royal Bakery Box Beignet takes the classic up a notch with an extra-tender dough and irresistible powdered sugar coating.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, cover it, and chill in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and rise till doubled before rolling and frying for fresh, warm beignets in the morning.
Is it possible to make Royal Bakery Box Beignet without a deep fryer?
Yes! A heavy, deep pot and a candy thermometer work just as well. Be sure the oil maintains a steady 350°F (175°C) for evenly puffed and golden results.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If the dough isn’t rising, check the freshness of your yeast and confirm your water wasn’t too hot or cold. Yeast thrives in cozy conditions, so try moving the bowl to a warmer spot or gently warming your oven and turning it off before placing the bowl inside.
How do I keep my beignets from absorbing too much oil?
Be sure not to overcrowd the pot and maintain the correct oil temperature. If the oil is too cool, beignets soak up oil instead of puffing up quickly. Proper temperature helps ensure a crisp exterior and a tender, fluffy center.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly joyful about sharing fresh Royal Bakery Box Beignets — that first, sweet bite has the power to brighten any day. Whether you’re a beignet beginner or a dough devotee, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Give it a try, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a homemade taste of classic New Orleans magic!
Print
Royal Bakery Box Beignet Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 beignets 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of New Orleans with these homemade beignets. Light and airy fried dough, generously dusted with powdered sugar – the perfect treat for any time of day!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For Frying:
- vegetable oil
For Dusting:
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Dissolve Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare Dough: Stir in sugar, evaporated milk, egg, and salt. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Mix in butter, then gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5–6 minutes until smooth. Let rise until doubled in size, about 1–1 1/2 hours.
- Cut and Fry: Roll out dough, cut into squares, and fry in hot oil until puffed and golden on both sides.
- Dust and Serve: Drain on paper towels and dust generously with powdered sugar before serving warm.
Notes
- For a flavor twist, add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be briefly reheated in the oven at 300°F (150°C).
- Serve with chocolate sauce, fruit compote, or café au lait for an authentic New Orleans-style treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1–1 1/2 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Pastry
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: New Orleans, French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
