Haitian Beignet Recipe

When Carnival season kicks off in the Caribbean, one treat you can always count on is a warm, golden Haitian beignet recipe. Whether you’re calling it Fat Tuesday, Jouvert, or Carnaval, these banana-rich delights are a must-have. Soft on the inside, crisp on the outside-this is the flavor of celebration.

In Haiti, beignets are more than food. They’re tradition. Passed down through generations, this recipe brings everyone to the table with its nostalgic aroma and easy prep. And unlike their puff-puff cousins, Haitian beignets are flatter in shape and flavored with ripe bananas and warm spices.

So let’s honor the season with something sweet and special. Grab your ripest bananas and let’s make magic. And don’t worry-we’ll keep it simple, fun, and full of Caribbean flair.

What Does Haitian Beignet Taste Like?

Imagine a cross between a spiced banana fritter and a doughnut. Haitian beignets are sweet, soft, and delightfully chewy, with the bananas lending both flavor and moisture to the batter. The outside fries to a golden crisp, while the inside stays tender and aromatic.

The flavor is cozy and familiar, thanks to nutmeg, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla and almond extract. That classic Caribbean touch-evaporated milk-adds richness without overpowering the sweetness.

Each bite delivers comfort and nostalgia, especially when dusted with a touch of sugar. Whether served warm at a party or cooled for a snack, these beignets taste like joy in every bite.

Ingredients Required for Haitian Beignet Recipe

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Haitian Beignet

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• ½ cup evaporated milk (or milk alternative)

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda

For Frying:

• 2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Optional for Serving:

• Powdered sugar or granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

1. Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
2. Fork or food processor (to mash bananas)
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Whisk or spoon
5. Frying pan or deep skillet
6. Ice cream scoop or tablespoon
7. Tongs or slotted spoon
8. Paper towels (for draining)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

How to Make Haitian Beignet

Simply follow the steps given below to make your Haitian Beignet at home

1. Mash the Bananas
Peel and mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a food processor for ease or stick with a fork for a more traditional touch.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp salt, and 1 tsp baking soda. Whisk until well blended.

3. Combine Wet and Dry
In a large mixing bowl, stir the mashed bananas together with 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp almond extract, and ½ cup evaporated milk. Gradually add in the dry mix and fold until you get a thick, sticky batter.

4. Heat the Oil
Pour 2 cups of oil into a deep skillet or frying pan. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when batter is added.

5. Fry the Beignets
Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to carefully drop batter into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 2 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through.

6. Drain and Serve
Remove the beignets with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with sugar and enjoy warm!

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Haitian Beignet

1. With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
The classic way-and honestly, still our favorite. A light shower of powdered sugar on warm beignets gives that café-style finish and melts right into the crispy surface. Simple, nostalgic, and always a hit.

2. Dipped in Sweetened Condensed Milk
If you’ve never tried this combo, you’re in for a treat. Just pour a little in a ramekin and dip your beignets like doughnuts. The richness of the condensed milk pairs beautifully with the warm banana flavor.

3. Served with Fresh Mango Slices
During the summer, we love pairing beignets with fresh, juicy mango. The bright, tropical sweetness balances the deep-fried richness of the beignet so well-it’s sunshine on a plate.

4. Drizzled with Warm Caramel Sauce
For something extra indulgent, we often drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce on top. It turns these simple fritters into a full-on dessert you can proudly serve at any gathering.

5. Alongside Haitian Coffee or Café au Lait
Beignets and a hot cup of strong Haitian coffee? That’s our weekend treat. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweet, and dipping them into your cup? Heavenly.

6. With Coconut Cream or Whipped Topping
When we’re entertaining, we’ll whip up some coconut cream and dollop it on top. It adds a creamy, tropical touch and feels a bit more elevated for guests.

7. Topped with Cinnamon Sugar
Sometimes we skip powdered sugar and toss the beignets in a cinnamon-sugar mix while they’re still hot. It gives them that churro-like crunch and an extra layer of spiced sweetness.

8. Served Cold with Ice Cream
Don’t knock it till you try it! We’ve served cooled-down beignets with vanilla or coconut ice cream, and it’s incredible. The contrast between warm spices and cold cream is irresistible.

9. With a Side of Guava Jam
A little spoonful of guava jam goes a long way. We often serve it on the side and let guests spread or dip at their leisure. The tart fruitiness lifts every bite.

10. Stacked High as a Party Platter
For Carnival or gatherings, we love piling them on a platter, adding mint leaves and powdered sugar for looks. We even stick toothpicks in some and serve with flavored dips-it disappears fast every time!

Some Tips on This Haitian Beignet Recipe

1. Use ripe bananas!
Soft, brown-spotted bananas are the best. They are sweet and mash really easy.

2. Mash, mash, mash!
Make sure your bananas are smooth like baby food. No big chunks!

3. Mix the dry stuff first.
Put flour, spices, and baking soda in a bowl and mix them up before adding anything wet.

4. Use a spoon or scoop.
To drop the batter in the oil, a spoon or ice cream scoop makes it easy-and less messy!

5. Hot oil is key!
Wait until the oil is hot before frying. If it’s not hot, your beignets will soak up oil.

6. Don’t crowd the pan.
Fry only a few beignets at a time. Give them space to cook and turn.

7. Flip them gently.
Turn each one after about 2 minutes. Use tongs or a spoon-carefully!

8. Drain the oil.
Place cooked beignets on paper towels so they don’t stay greasy.

9. Sprinkle with sugar.
Just a little sugar on top makes them extra yummy!

10. Eat them warm!
Beignets taste best when they’re fresh and warm. So share right away and enjoy!

How to Store and Reheat Haitian Beignet

To store Haitian beignets, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy instead of crispy.

Common Queries on This Haitian Beignet Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Haitian Beignet that people often ask.

1. What are Haitian beignets?

From our kitchen to yours-Haitian beignets are a beloved Caribbean fried pastry made primarily with mashed bananas, flour, and warm spices. Unlike puffier beignets found in places like New Orleans, ours are flatter and banana-forward, making them naturally sweet and tender. They’re especially popular during Carnival and festive celebrations.

2. What is a beignet made of?

In our experience, the base ingredients are simple: ripe bananas, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and a touch of vanilla and almond extract. We also add evaporated milk (usually Carnation brand in Haiti) to make the batter creamy and rich before frying them to golden perfection.

3. What are beignets filled with?

Traditional Haitian beignets aren’t usually filled-they’re more like banana fritters than doughnuts. The flavor comes from the mashed bananas and spices inside the dough, so no need for extra fillings. If you’re feeling adventurous, though, you could try folding in bits of coconut or chocolate chips for a twist.

4. How do beignets taste?

They’re sweet, soft, and slightly chewy, with hints of banana, nutmeg, and vanilla in every bite. The edges get crisp when fried just right, and a light sugar dusting takes them over the top. It’s like biting into a warm banana bread fritter that brings back childhood memories.

5. Can I use overripe bananas?

Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are ideal. They’re sweeter, mash easier, and add more flavor to the batter. We always save our spotted bananas for this recipe-it’s the perfect way to use them up.

6. What’s the best oil for frying beignets?

We usually use vegetable oil because it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point. Canola oil or sunflower oil also works great. Just make sure the oil reaches about 350°F (175°C) before frying.

7. Do I need a food processor to mash the bananas?

Not at all! A food processor makes things faster, but we’ve mashed bananas many times with just a fork. It’s a bit more rustic but still gets the job done-and it’s how our grandmothers did it!

8. Can I make Haitian beignets dairy-free?

Yes! If you’re lactose-intolerant or avoiding dairy, simply substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk or any plant-based milk. We’ve tried it with oat milk before, and it still came out soft and flavorful.

9. Why are my beignets too greasy or dense?

From experience, that usually means the oil wasn’t hot enough or the batter was too wet. Make sure your oil reaches 350°F and that your banana-to-flour ratio is balanced. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan-it drops the oil temperature quickly.

10. How long do Haitian beignets stay fresh?

They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to crisp them back up-just like new.

Haitian beignets are more than just a sweet treat-they’re a celebration of culture, tradition, and togetherness. With simple ingredients and bold Caribbean flavor, this recipe brings the spirit of Carnival straight to your kitchen. So grab your apron, turn up the music, and fry up some joy. Don’t forget to share the love and pass this recipe on!

Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.