Disney Beignets
User Reviews
5
Disney Beignets
Description
The Disney Beignets recipe starts with activating yeast in warm water and mixing it into a rich dough made from sugar, eggs, nutmeg, heavy cream, and vegetable shortening. After incorporating flour, the dough is kneaded until smooth and left to rise for about an hour. Once risen, it is rolled out and cut into Mickey Mouse shapes, then deep-fried in oil heated to 370°F until golden brown. This frying temperature ensures the beignets cook quickly without burning.
The cooked beignets are light and airy with a crisp exterior, complemented by the subtly spiced dough. The accompanying vanilla creme anglaise, made with half and half, vanilla, egg yolks, and sugar, adds a creamy, lightly sweet dip that enhances the experience. These treats are best enjoyed freshly fried but can be prepared ahead by chilling shaped dough or storing leftovers properly.
Storing the dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days allows for convenient preparation. After frying, keep beignets warm in a low oven if needed. Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer preservation. Reheating in a microwave or oven restores warmth and softness.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- ¾ cup water 105°F, warm
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg whisked
- ½ teaspoon salt
- dash nutmeg
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoon vegetable shortening
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- vegetable oil for frying
- powdered sugar
Vanilla Creme Anglaise
- ¾ cup half and half
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste
- 2 large egg yolk
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
Beignets
- Add warm water to a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and stir to dissolve. Allow the yeast to activate (about 5 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), add the sugar, egg, salt, nutmeg, heavy cream, and shortening. Mix to combine.
- Pour in the activated yeast and mix.
- Add the flour to the mix. Use the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer and mix on medium speed until ingredients are combined and dough is smooth but still slightly sticky.
- Form a ball with the dough and place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour.
- Use a deep-sided heavy pot and add 3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 370°F (cooler than this won't cook the beignets fast enough and hotter than this will burn them quite easily).
- On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough until it is ½ inch thick. Use Mickey Cookie cutter to cut out Mickey-shaped pieces of dough.
- Working in batches fry the beignets until golden brown, about 1 minute on each side.
- Use tongs to remove the beignets from the hot oil. Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. While the beignets are still warm, dust them completely with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.
Vanilla Creme Anglaise
- While the dough ball is rising, make your vanilla creme sauce.
- Add the half and half to a small pot on medium heat. Bring it to a low simmer and then turn off the burner.
- Add your egg yolks and ¼ cup sugar to a heat-proof bowl and whisk together.
- Then slowly pour in the hot half and half. Whisk constantly.
- Once it has been combined pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Continue to whisk over low heat until it thickens a bit. (180°F) To check: dip the back of a spoon into the mixture. The creme should evenly coat it without dripping off.
- Pour the custard through a mesh strainer to remove any lumps/skin that can form.
- Add vanilla and stir well. Cover the creme and place it in the fridge to chill. Serve alongside the beignets.
Notes
- You can prepare the dough up to three days ahead and store it covered in the fridge; let it return to room temperature before rolling and cutting.
- Cut and shape the dough pieces, then keep them covered in the fridge for up to two hours before frying.
- Keep fried beignets warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for 1-2 months.
- To reheat, microwave briefly or warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes before eating.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 246 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 246kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 64mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 115mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 75mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 260IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.