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Cinnamon Apple Beignets

These delightful cinnamon apple beignets are small, quick, and the perfect warm dessert, combining soft interiors with crisp, sugary outsides.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple dessert, Beignets, cinnamon, Quick Dessert, small batch
Servings: 4 pieces
Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

For the apple filling

  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced Any firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji can be used.
  • 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Can adjust based on sweetness preference.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice To enhance flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water Used as a thickener for the filling.
  • pinch salt

For the beignet batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Can use gluten-free flour blend as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/3 cup milk or dairy-free milk
  • pinch salt

For finishing

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar To mix with cinnamon for tossing.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon To be mixed with sugar for coating.

Instructions

Prepare the apple filling

  • Warm butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
  • Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook until softened and glossy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Stir in lemon juice and cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1 more minute until the mixture is jammy. Cool slightly.

Make the batter

  • Whisk dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt) in one bowl.
  • In another bowl, whisk egg, vanilla, and milk together.
  • Combine both mixtures just until smooth; the batter should be thick but scoopable.

Fry the beignets

  • In a small pot, heat 1.5 inches of neutral oil to about 350°F.
  • Scoop a spoonful of beignet batter, place a teaspoon of apple filling on top, then cover with a little more batter.
  • Carefully drop into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deep golden.
  • Drain briefly on a rack and toss the warm beignets in cinnamon sugar.
  • Serve immediately while soft and aromatic.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil in the filling and your favorite dairy-free milk in the batter. If the batter feels thick, add more milk; if too runny, add flour to thicken.