Fluffy Baked Beignets: New Orleans-Style Without the Oil!

Baked Beignets Recipe are tasty, a healthier alternative to traditional fried pastries. With this baked donut recipe (no frying!), you get the same great taste with less oil—perfect if you want to enjoy this classic French treat without the extra calories.

Imagine pillowy French Quarter beignets—golden outside, cloud-soft inside—but made entirely in your oven. Our hack delivers the iconic powdered sugar experience without the deep-fry mess or calories. Perfect for Mardi Gras mornings or anytime cravings strike!

Enjoy soft, pillowy baked beignets with a golden crust—no deep fryer needed. A lighter, cleaner version of the New Orleans classic.

Why this recipe works

Baked instead of deep-fried

Soft and airy texture inside

Golden, slightly crisp outside

No messy oil or frying cleanup

Great for breakfast, brunch, or Mardi Gras

✔️ Yeast-powered lift – Foam test ensures perfect rise
✔️ Buttermilk magic—tenderizes without overwhelming tang
✔️ Butter brush finish—mimics fried crispness

Quick Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Rest Time: 1 hour

Bake Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Yield: 12 beignets

Calories: ~180 per beignet

Ingredients of Baked Beignets Recipe (No Deep Frying)

• 3/4 cup lukewarm water
• 1/4 cup superfine sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 to 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Pro Tip: Test your yeast by mixing it with the warm water and sugar. If it doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, it’s inactive—start fresh!

Baked Beignets Recipe Instructions:

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine 110°F (43°C) water, sugar, and yeast. Let foam for exactly 10 minutes—if no bubbles form, your yeast is inactive (start over with fresh yeast)
2. Whisk in egg, buttermilk, melted butter, salt, and vanilla.
3. Gradually add flour until the dough cleans the bowl’s sides but still sticks slightly to your finger when touched (about 5-7 minutes with a mixer).

Rising and Shaping

1. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a turned-off oven with the light on for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 1 1/2 inch squares using a pizza cutter or knife.

Baking

1. Place the beignet squares on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each piece.
2. Brush the tops lightly with milk.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes For extra crispness, rotating pans at the 6-minute mark for even browning, until deeply golden. Tap the bottom—it should sound hollow when done.

Finish & Serve

1. Pro Dusting Trick: Hold a fine-mesh sieve 12 inches above warm beignets and shake powdered sugar for snow-like coverage. 
2. Serve within 15 minutes with café au lait for the authentic New Orleans experience.
3. Best served immediately with:
   • Café au lait or chicory coffee
   • Hot chocolate for dipping
   • Fresh berries on the side

Tips

Use a stand mixer with dough hook to save time

Let dough rise in a slightly warm (but off) oven for faster results

Serve warm for best taste

Can be reheated in the oven for 2–3 minutes at 350°F

FAQs – Baked Donuts (No Frying)

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour ?
Yes, all-purpose flour works fine. For a lighter texture, you can add a bit of cornstarch (1 tbsp per cup of flour).

Do I need a donut pan ?
It helps to get the classic shape, but you can also pipe the batter into rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture might vary slightly.

Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk + 1 tbsp vinegar (for “buttermilk”), flax egg, and coconut oil.

Why are my beignets dense?
Over-kneading or old yeast are likely culprits.

Can I air-fry these?
A: Absolutely! Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes.

How do I get more “fried” texture?
Brush baked beignets with melted butter right after baking.

How do I store baked donuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat briefly before serving.

Can I add a glaze or topping?
Absolutely. Try a simple sugar glaze, chocolate, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar once they’ve cooled.

Are they still soft the next day?
They’re best the same day, but you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the softness.

Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond, soy, or oat milk all work well in this recipe.

How do nutrition stats compare to fried?
Baking cuts 75% of the fat—about 180 calories vs. 300+ for traditional. But we promise—zero flavor sacrifice!

Can I bake beignets instead of frying them?
Absolutely. This recipe is made specifically for baking with excellent results.

These beignets prove that ‘baked’ doesn’t mean ‘bland.’ Crispy outside, cloud-like inside—and no oil splatters! Ready to skip the fryer?

For a more traditional deep-fried beignet recipe, visit Bigger Bolder Baking’s Homemade Beignets.

Ready to bake?
Skip the oil—try these baked beignets today and enjoy the classic flavor without the mess.
Leave a comment below if you made them, and tag @tastydinnerrecipes on Instagram so we can see your creations! 🍩