Bring a touch of French tradition to your kitchen with these Apple Beignets—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavors. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a delightful afternoon treat, these apple fritters are easy to make and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 240 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet baking powder (about 2 tsp)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200 ml (Âľ cup) semi-skimmed milk
- 2 tbsp peanut oil
- 2 tbsp dark rum (optional)
- 4 apples (Golden, Gala, or Granny Smith)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, peanut oil, and rum (if using).
- Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Let the batter rest at room temperature for 60 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- While the batter rests, peel the apples, core them using an apple corer, and slice them into rings about 1 cm (½ inch) thick.
- Toss the apple rings in the lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Set aside for sprinkling over the beignets later.
Step 4: Fry the Beignets
- Heat a pot of oil or deep fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Dip each apple ring into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Carefully place the rings into the hot oil and fry for 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Step 5: Drain and Sprinkle
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the beignets from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While still warm, sprinkle generously with the prepared cinnamon sugar.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the beignets warm for the ultimate crispy treat, or enjoy them at room temperature—they’re equally delicious!
Tips for Perfect Beignets
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for apples with a good balance of sweetness and tartness, like Granny Smith or Gala.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the batter rest ensures a lighter and fluffier texture.
- Keep the Oil Hot: Maintain the oil temperature at 180°C (350°F) for evenly cooked, crispy beignets.
Variations
- Alcohol-Free: Omit the rum for a kid-friendly version.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the beignets for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Twist: Add crushed almonds or hazelnuts to the cinnamon sugar for a crunchy topping.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a warm caramel sauce for dipping.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Enjoy with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or cider for a cozy treat.
These Apple Beignets are a timeless dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon with the crispy delight of fried batter. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or just yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Bon appétit! 🍎✨
