Indulge in the iconic flavors of Louisiana with this guilt-free twist on Classic New Orleans Beignets. Our recipe for Low Fat Classic New Orleans Beignets swaps out traditional heavy ingredients for unsweetened applesauce, creating a soft and airy dough that's baked instead of fried—perfect for those looking for a lighter option without sacrificing taste. With just a handful of pantry staples, these beignets are easy to make and beautifully golden when baked to perfection. Each bite is dusted with a generous layer of powdered sugar for a sweet finish that pairs effortlessly with coffee or tea. Ready in under 40 minutes and ideal for gatherings, this low-fat recipe captures the spirit of traditional French Quarter treats while embracing a healthier lifestyle. Enjoy these warm, pillowy delights straight from the oven—no fryer required!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk together until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, warm water, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
Once the dough has risen, turn it again onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Using a sharp knife or a dough cutter, cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
Arrange the squares on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each piece.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the beignets are golden brown.
Remove the baked beignets from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
Before serving, dust the beignets generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Calories |
1282 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.8 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1048 mg | 46% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 285.9 g | 104% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.8 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 96.2 g | ||
| Protein | 26.3 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 40 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 393 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.