Copycat Cracker Barrel Beignets with Butter Pecan Sauce

Light, fluffy, golden beignets tossed in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with warm butter pecan sauce—southern comfort in every bite!
Why You’ll Love These Beignets
These aren’t just any beignets… they’re a Cracker Barrel-inspired treat that pairs pillowy biscuit dough with a sticky-sweet pecan sauce. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or just a cozy treat, they’re irresistibly indulgent and surprisingly easy to make!
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Beignets:
- 12 rounds of prepared buttermilk biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Vegetable or neutral oil, for frying
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Butter Pecan Sauce:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beignets
Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2–3 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). (A candy thermometer is your best friend here!)
Cut the Dough:
Slice each biscuit round into quarters using a knife or pizza cutter to make perfect little bite-sized pieces.
Fry the Beignets:
Working in batches, gently place a few pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, until puffed and golden brown.
Remove with a slotted spoon and let them rest briefly on a paper towel-lined plate.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Toss the warm beignets in the mixture until beautifully coated.
Step 2: Make the Butter Pecan Sauce
Melt the Butter:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until smooth and bubbling.
Sweeten & Stir:
Add brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is glossy.
Add the Pecans:
Stir in the finely chopped pecans and simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish with Vanilla:
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool just a bit—it will thicken as it rests.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy!
Plate Up:
Arrange your cinnamon sugar–coated beignets on a serving plate.
Drizzle or Dip:
Either drizzle the warm butter pecan sauce right over the top or serve it in a small bowl for dipping (because who doesn’t love options?).
Optional Garnish:
Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or extra chopped pecans for a pretty finish.
Tips & Variations:
- No biscuit dough? You can substitute with sweet roll dough or puff pastry in a pinch!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for extra depth.
- Make ahead: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge—just reheat gently before serving.
Nutritional Info (Estimates):
Servings: 6–8 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min
Calories per serving: ~300–350 (depending on portion size and amount of sauce)
Serve with:
A strong cup of coffee, creamy chai latte, or even vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert plate!