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Ingredients
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Dough
Cinnamon Apple Filling
Vanilla Pastry Cream
For Frying
For Serving
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm, but not boiling. Add the warm milk to the dry ingredients, followed by the eggs and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- 2
Knead and Rise
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Cinnamon Apple Filling
- 3
Prepare the Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and the mixture is syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool.
Vanilla Pastry Cream
- 4
Make the Pastry Cream
In a saucepan, heat the milk until it begins to steam. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter, and let cool.
Frying Beignets
- 5
Shape and Fry
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into squares or rectangles. Place a small spoonful of cinnamon apple filling in the center of each square and fold over to seal. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the beignets in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Serving
- 6
Serve
Remove the beignets from the oil and drain on paper towels. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving. You can also fill the beignets with vanilla pastry cream using a piping bag if desired.