The word "beignet" is the French word for “fritter,” and this delicious fried pastry is a dessert staple of Cajun cuisine. While they are the official state donut of Louisiana, you can find these soft, pillowy treats covered in powdered sugar or icing throughout the southeast. Whether you love this dessert or are new to it, below is more information about its interesting origin and history.

Origins of the Beignet

Beignets originated in 16th Century France, though similar pastries can be traced to ancient Rome. The Romans made “scriblita,” which was a dessert that used a high-moisture dough and was cooked in boiling animal fat. Due to the pastry’s similarity to the Spanish sopapilla, another fluffy, fried pastry, some theorize the beignet may also have an Andalusian influence. However, beignets are square and sopapillas are usually triangular or circular. Despite the unclear origins, the French version of the beignet has been a staple of Mardi Gras celebrations since the 17th Century. 

During this period, the beignet made its way to the U.S. via French colonists. While some historians speculate Ursuline nuns were responsible for bringing the recipe from France, there is no evidence of this. Others suggest French settlers brought the beignet to the French-Canadian region known as Acadia in the 18th Century. When the British seized Acadia, forcing thousands of French Acadians to migrate south, they may have taken the recipe to their new home in New Orleans.

The Beignet in Modern Cajun Cuisine

As Cajun culture has French ancestry, the beignet is a cornerstone of Cajun cuisine. True to tradition, the pastry is usually still served with cafe au lait, which is coffee with chicory milk. Additionally, as a nod to Louisiana’s Caribbean and African influences, modern beignets are sometimes filled with a cream made from bananas or plantains.

The world-famous Café du Monde, which originally opened in 1862 in the French Quarter of New Orleans, is the most renowned place for beignets. For many years, they called their signature pastries “French Market donuts” and only changed the name to beignet in the late 20th Century. Today, you can find these delicious donuts in restaurants that serve Cajun cuisine throughout the United States, and particularly in the southeastern region of the country.

If your mouth is watering for delicious Cajun cuisine, visit Local Life OBA. Located in Orange Beach, AL, this restaurant offers a taste of New Orleans, with a menu of traditional dishes, including fresh seafood, pasta, funnel cakes, and beignets. Call (870) 505- 6225 to discuss catering or reservations with a friendly team member. Visit the website to learn more about this beachside Cajun restaurant.