Recipe Challenge ~ Disneyland's Pumpkin Beignets

This time of year I always miss fall flavors at Disneyland, especially those of a pumpkin-centric nature. A favorite in this genre is the Pumpkin Beignets served in New Orleans Square.



 

 

Disney has provided the recipe for this seasonal treat, so I figured, why not try and duplicate it at home?

 

Needed ingredients:



1/2 cup + 2 T pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup + 1 T heavy cream (I used half & half), 1/4 cup warm water, 3 large eggs, 2 T vegetable shortening, 2 tsp pumpkin extract (I couldn't find this), 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, pinch salt, 4 cups flour, 1/2 T dry instant yeast, oil for frying, powdered sugar for dusting.

Combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cream, water, eggs, shortening, pumpkin extract (if you find it), spices and salt in a mixer bowl with whisk attachment.(I like to mix by hand so whisked under my own power). Whisk to combine. Add flour and yeast, stirring by hand to continue.

The recipe then calls to mix with a dough hook. I don't have this so mixed by hand until ball formed. Place dough in a clean bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

When ready to cook, roll dough out on floured surface to 1/3" thickness and cut into squares or Mickey heads.

Heat 3" of oil in a deep pot to 350 and fry, turning frequently, until puffed and golden. Remove beignets with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels placed over newspaper to drain.
Generously sprinkle powdered sugar on top of warm beignets; serve warm.

 

The verdict: The recipe didn't call for kneading, but this may have been needed. Although my version had a nice flavor and puffed while frying, the texture was wrong..much more bread like than doughnut like. Disney wins this one hands down.