Beignet Ice Cream

4 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: PT0M Total: 24 h 20 m Beginner
Beignet Ice Cream
Beignets are the heart and soul of New Orleans, brought by French colonists and perfected at Cafe du Monde since 1862. These pillowy, sugar-dusted squares of fried dough represent the joie de vivre of New Orleans - simple pleasure elevated to an art form, best enjoyed with cafe au lait while watching the world go by. The beignet embodies New Orleans’ approach to life: take something humble, add a generous spirit, and create joy that transcends the ordinary. This ice cream with real beignet pieces, vanilla, almond extract, and nutmeg captures that same spirit of celebration.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups vanilla protein shake or whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1 tbsp sugar + 2 tbsp monk fruit/erythritol
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup mini beignets, diced (for mix-in)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix sweetener blend, xanthan gum, powdered sugar, nutmeg, and salt in pint container.
  2. Add protein shake (or milk), then blend in vanilla extract and almond extract until smooth and well combined.
  3. Freeze for 24 hours minimum until completely solid.
  4. Process on LITE ICE CREAM setting in your ice cream maker. If mixture seems too thick or grainy, add 1-2 tbsp liquid and re-spin.
  5. During final processing, mix in diced beignet pieces throughout the ice cream. Serve immediately for soft-serve texture, or freeze for firmer ice cream.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my ice cream grainy or icy?

A: Make sure the xanthan gum is fully mixed in before freezing - it helps create a smooth, creamy texture. Also ensure your mixture is completely frozen solid (full 24 hours) before processing.

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of protein shake?

A: Absolutely! Whole milk works great. The protein shake just adds extra creaminess and body, but regular whole milk will give you excellent results too.

Tips and Techniques

Get those beignets from Cafe du Monde if you can! If not, any good beignet will do - just make sure they’re nice and fresh! You can also use our French Market Beignets or Bite Size Beignets. Pair with Cafe au Lait for the full New Orleans experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • vanilla protein shake: whole milk or half-and-half
  • monk fruit/erythritol: regular granulated sugar
  • mini beignets: regular-sized beignets cut into small pieces

Equipment Needed

  • Ice cream maker with LITE ICE CREAM setting (or equivalent churning function)
  • Pint container for freezing
  • Blender or whisk for mixing

Historical Context

Beignets are the heart and soul of New Orleans, brought by French colonists and perfected at Cafe du Monde since 1862. These pillowy, sugar-dusted squares of fried dough represent the joie de vivre of New Orleans - simple pleasure elevated to an art form, best enjoyed with cafe au lait while watching the world go by. The beignet embodies New Orleans’ approach to life: take something humble, add a generous spirit, and create joy that transcends the ordinary. This ice cream captures that same spirit of celebration.