Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets: A Delightful Floral Twist

These Lavender Vanilla Bean French Beignets (Vegan) are a sophisticated take on the classic beignet, combining the light, fluffy dough with the delicate flavors of lavender and vanilla. Filled with a rich, plant-based cream and topped with a floral-infused icing, these beignets are a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for brunch, a special dessert, or an indulgent afternoon snack, this recipe will bring a touch of French elegance to your kitchen—completely vegan!

Ingredients:

For the Lavender Vanilla Bean Icing:

• 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
• Scrapings from 1 large vanilla bean
• ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond milk)
• 4 cups powdered sugar

For the Lavender Vanilla Bean Cream:

• ¼ cup unsweetened cashew yogurt
• ¼ cup vegan butter, softened
• ¼ cup coconut cream
• ½ cup prepared lavender icing (from above)

For the Beignets:

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1½ cups unsweetened plant-based milk, lukewarm (such as almond milk)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Prepare the Lavender Vanilla Bean Icing and Cream:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers, the scrapings from 1 large vanilla bean, ½ cup plant-based milk, and 4 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Set the icing aside.
• In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream together ¼ cup cashew yogurt and ¼ cup softened vegan butter until light and fluffy.
• Add ¼ cup coconut cream and ½ cup of the prepared lavender icing. Mix until well combined and smooth.
• Cover the cream mixture and refrigerate until ready to fill the beignets.

2. Make the Beignet Dough:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if working by hand), dissolve 1 tablespoon active dry yeast in ¼ cup lukewarm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
• Stir in 1½ cups plant-based milk, ⅓ cup sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
• Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—about 2 hours. Alternatively, refrigerate the dough overnight for a slow rise.

3. Shape and Fry the Beignets:

• Once the dough has risen, divide it in half. Roll out one half into a square (approximately 10×10 inches) and cut it into 16 smaller squares.
• Place the dough squares on a tray and let them rise for an additional 30 to 45 minutes.
• In a large, deep pan, heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F (180°C). Line a plate with paper towels for draining.
• Fry the dough squares, a few at a time, for about 30 seconds per side, or until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried beignets to the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Fill and Ice the Beignets:

• Once the beignets have cooled slightly, fill a pastry bag fitted with a long narrow tip with the lavender vanilla bean cream. Carefully pipe the cream into the center of each beignet, filling it generously.
• Spread about 1 tablespoon of the lavender vanilla icing on top of each beignet, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful, glossy finish.

Recipe Tips:

• Floral Flavor: If you prefer a more subtle lavender flavor, reduce the amount of dried lavender to ½ tablespoon. Alternatively, you can omit the lavender altogether and keep it as a vanilla bean recipe.
• Frying: Make sure to maintain the oil at 350°F for even cooking. If the oil is too hot, the beignets may brown too quickly without fully cooking the dough inside.
• Storage: These beignets are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat them briefly in the oven before serving.

Recipe Information:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Calories: 340 kcal per beignet
• Servings: 16 beignets

These Vegan Lavender Vanilla Bean Beignets are a fragrant and indulgent treat that will transport you straight to a Parisian café. The delicate floral notes of lavender paired with the creamy vanilla bean filling make each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these beignets are a vegan dessert that will impress even the most discerning palates. Enjoy!