Chocolate Beignets with Rich have always held a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I tasted them at a quaint French café, where the air was filled with the aroma of freshly fried dough and rich chocolate. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors—crispy on the outside and decadently soft on the inside, oozing with a luscious chocolate filling. These chocolate-filled beignets are not just a treat; they are an experience that brings joy and indulgence to any occasion. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Beignets with Rich
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these delightful treats:
- They’re incredibly decadent chocolate beignets that satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet indulgence.
- Easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
- Each bite offers a perfect balance of fluffiness and rich chocolate flavor.
- They can be served warm, making them even more irresistible.
- Great for sharing, but you might not want to!
Ingredients for Chocolate Beignets with Rich
Here’s everything you need to create these amazing chocolate beignets:
- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (between 110 and 115 degrees F) – activates the yeast
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast – helps the dough rise
- 7 cups bread flour – gives structure and texture
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt – enhances flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warmth
- 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder – for that rich chocolate flavor
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature) – binds the ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – for aroma and taste
- 1 cup evaporated milk – adds creaminess
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into tiny pieces) – enriches the dough
- 5 cups peanut oil (for deep frying) – creates a crispy texture
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate (finely chopped) – for the filling
- 1/8 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar – for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional) – enhances chocolate flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream – for the ganache filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for flavor
- 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar – for dusting
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened or Dutch-process) – for dusting
How to Make Chocolate Beignets with Rich
- Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Set aside for about 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Step 2: Sift together the bread flour, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder in a large bowl.
- Step 3: In a stand mixer, beat the eggs until smooth. Add vanilla extract and evaporated milk, mixing thoroughly.
- Step 4: Gradually beat in half the flour mixture. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture while beating.
- Step 5: Add the butter pieces, incorporating well, then beat in the remaining flour mixture until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Step 7: Heat peanut oil in a large pan until it reaches 360°F (182°C).
- Step 8: Roll dough out to a 1/4-inch thick rectangle and cut into 3-inch squares.
- Step 9: Fry squares until golden brown, about 30 to 45 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 10: Make the ganache by heating heavy cream and pouring it over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth.
- Step 11: Refrigerate the ganache until firm enough to pipe, about 2 hours.
- Step 12: Pipe the ganache into each beignet.
- Step 13: Dust with confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Beignets with Rich
Follow these tips to ensure your beignets turn out perfectly:
- Let the dough chill for at least 2 hours to develop flavor.
- Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
- Use a thermometer to ensure accurate frying temperatures.
What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Beignets with Rich?
The secret lies in allowing the dough to rest, which develops flavor and texture. This also ensures that your chocolate beignets with rich filling have the perfect airy texture.
Can I make Chocolate Beignets with Rich ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before frying.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Beignets with Rich?
Avoid overworking the dough, as this can create dense beignets. Ensure your oil is at the right temperature to achieve that crispy exterior.
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Beignets with Rich
These beignets are best served warm and can be complemented with a side of whipped cream or fresh berries. For an extra touch, drizzle with a rich chocolate sauce or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re perfect for a decadent dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.
Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Beignets with Rich
Per serving (1 beignet):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Beignets with Rich
Let the beignets cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes for that fresh-from-the-fryer taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Beignets with Rich
Where can I find Chocolate Beignets with Rich?
These delicious treats can be found at French bakeries or cafés, but making them at home is the best way to enjoy them fresh!
What are Chocolate Beignets?
Chocolate beignets are a delightful twist on the classic French pastry, filled with rich chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar.
Can I make Chocolate Beignets with Rich gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check the consistency to ensure it’s not too dry.
Variations of Chocolate Beignets with Rich You Can Try
For a fun twist, try substituting the chocolate filling with a rich pastry cream or flavored custard. You can also experiment with different spices in the dough, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to create unique flavor profiles. Another delicious variation is to serve them with a rich chocolate ganache for dipping.
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Chocolate Beignets with Rich Chocolate Filling Delight
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 24 beignets 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich, fluffy Chocolate Beignets, a decadent twist on the classic French doughnut. Made with a cocoa-infused dough, fried to golden perfection, filled with a silky chocolate ganache, and dusted with cocoa sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water, between 110 and 115 degrees (F) (340 grams)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (131 grams)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 7 cups bread flour (845 grams)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder (23 grams)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup evaporated milk (227 grams)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into tiny pieces (71 grams)
- 5 cups peanut oil, for deep frying (992 grams)
- 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder, optional
- 1 cup (227 grams) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (170 grams)
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder, unsweetened or Dutch-process
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Set aside for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Sift together the bread flour, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder in a large bowl and set aside for later use.
- In the stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs until smooth. Add vanilla extract and evaporated milk, mixing thoroughly.
- On low speed, gradually beat in half the flour mixture. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture while beating to avoid splashing. Add the butter pieces and incorporate well, then beat in the remaining flour mixture until the dough is smooth and cohesive, about 2 minutes.
- Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours to develop flavor and texture.
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with three layers of paper towels. Heat peanut oil in a large enameled cast-iron pan until it reaches 360°F (182°C).
- Remove dough from the refrigerator, scrape onto a lightly floured surface, and knead gently once or twice. Roll dough out to a 1/4-inch thick rectangle and cut into 3-inch squares.
- Working in batches, fry the squares in hot oil until they puff up and turn golden brown, about 30 to 45 seconds per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried beignets to the prepared baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Finely chop semisweet chocolate and place in a shallow heatproof bowl with salt and confectioners’ sugar. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream and espresso powder (if using) just until nearly boiling, then pour over the chocolate mixture. Let sit for 2 minutes and stir until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Refrigerate the chocolate ganache until it is cold and firm enough to pipe, about 2 hours or up to 24 hours. If too hard, gently microwave in short bursts to soften and stir until smooth.
- Transfer chocolate filling into a piping bag fitted with a piping tip. Poke a small hole on the side of each beignet, insert the tip, and pipe the filling inside. Repeat for all beignets.
- Sift together confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder multiple times until well combined and smooth.
- Dust the filled beignets generously with the chocolate sugar and serve immediately. Best enjoyed within a few hours of preparation for optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ideal for a special breakfast or dessert.
- Best served fresh for optimal flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 beignet
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
