Name: The Ultimate Guide to Making Light & Fluffy Buttermilk Beignets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; Vegetable oil for frying; Powdered sugar for dusting

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I always fall in love with these beignets—light, fluffy squares of fried dough kissed with powdered sugar. This recipe feels nostalgic and indulgent, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple sweet treat any time. The Ultimate Guide to Making Light & Fluffy Buttermilk Beignets

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how gentle and tender the interior turns out, thanks to the buttermilk and just-right flour blend. I find the dusting of powdered sugar irresistible, and frying them hot makes them golden-crisp on the outside while staying soft and airy inside. They remind me of cozy mornings and warm kitchens.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I gather:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil for frying
Powdered sugar for dusting

directions

First I whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl I mix buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. I gently fold wet into dry until just combined—some lumps are okay to avoid toughness. After mixing, I let the batter rest for about 10–15 minutes at room temperature so gluten relaxes and beignets become lighter.

While resting, I heat oil in a deep pot to about 350 °F (175 °C)—using a thermometer helps hit the right range. Then I carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, frying 2–3 at a time to avoid crowding. I fry each side about 2‑3 minutes until they puff and turn golden. I lift them out with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels or a rack, then while still warm I dust generously with powdered sugar. I repeat until all batter is used, keeping oil temperature consistent.

Servings and timing

The recipe yields about 4 servings (around a dozen beignets).

Prep time: 15 minutes
Rest time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

I like to switch things up by adding a bit of nutmeg or cinnamon to the powdered sugar for seasonal flavor. Sometimes I stir a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract into the batter. I also enjoy stuffing them with chocolate or fruit compote after frying for a fun twist. Another variation is making mini beignet balls rather than squares.

storage/reheating

I store leftover beignets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When I want to reheat, I pop them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness. Microwaving makes them soft, so I avoid that.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

I usually make it fresh, but I have prepped the batter up to 2 hours ahead, kept it in the fridge, and brought it back to room temperature before frying for good results.

What kind of oil works best for frying?

I prefer vegetable or canola oil because of their high smoke point and neutral flavor. Olive oil isn’t ideal—it doesn’t hold up to the heat as well and can alter the taste.

Can I freeze the beignets?

I’ve found freezing them isn’t ideal. If I do, I cool them fully, seal in a freezer bag, then reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer. They lose some fresh quality but still make a decent treat.

How many calories are in one beignet?

Each beignet is approximately 150 calories—this can vary based on size, ingredients, and sugar coating.

Can I substitute buttermilk if I don’t have any?

I’ve made them using milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5–10 minutes. The texture turns out very similar.

Conclusion

These light and fluffy beignets are always worth making—they’re heavenly warm, sweet, and tender. I love how simple ingredients come together to create something special. Perfect for sharing over coffee or treating myself on a quiet morning. Let me know if you try them—I’d be happy to hear how they turn out!