Disney Beignets

5 from 13 votes

Make fluffy Disney Beignets at home! These Mickey shaped fried treats are dusted with powdered sugar and served with creamy vanilla dipping sauce.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

rise time1 30

Total Time2

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French

Servings:

Author: Kristyn Merkley

Equipment

Ingredients

1 teaspoon active dry yeast
¾ cup warm water, 105°F
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 yolks
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 the ingredients are combined and the dough is smooth but still slightly sticky.
Form a ball with the dough and place it 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 the oil reaches 370°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Oil that is too cool can make the beignets greasy, while oil that is too hot can brown the outside before the centers cook through.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it is ½ inch thick. Use a 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 over 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 or cooked egg bits that can form.
Add vanilla and stir well. Cover the creme and place it in the fridge to chill. Serve alongside the beignets.

Notes

Recipe Tips.

Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. After adding it to the warm water, it should begin to look foamy or bubbly.
Avoid adding too much extra flour. A slightly sticky dough helps create soft, fluffy beignets.
Use a thermometer to keep the frying oil around 370°F. The temperature will drop when you add the dough, so fry in small batches and allow the oil to return to temperature.
Fry a few beignets at a time so they have room to puff and cook evenly.
Cook the sauce over low heat and whisk constantly to keep the egg yolks from scrambling. Strain it before chilling for a smooth, creamy dipping sauce.

Make ahead of time. These are best served freshly fried, but the dough can be made and stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. It will slowly rise. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and cutting. Cut out the dough shapes and place on lined trays. Cover with plastic and keep in the fridge for up to 2 hours, bring to room temperature, then fry.

Fry and keep them warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Store. Disney Beignets are best served fresh and warm, when they're soft and fluffy inside. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will lose some of their fresh-fried texture as they sit. Reheat briefly in a 350°F oven until warmed through, then add a fresh dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

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