How many calories are in a small beignet?

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a single mini beignet can contain as few as 80 calories, although this can change dramatically depending on its size and recipe. These classic New Orleans treats, known for their airy texture and generous dusting of powdered sugar, have a surprisingly wide range of calorie counts. Understanding the factors that influence this number is key to fitting them into a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a small beignet varies significantly, influenced by size, ingredients, and preparation method. A mini version can be around 80-130 calories, while larger, richer recipes push the total higher.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A small beignet's calorie count depends heavily on its size, ingredients, and cooking method.
Range of 80-130 Calories: A typical estimate for a small or mini beignet is between 80 and 130 calories.
Frying Adds Calories: The deep-frying process significantly increases the fat and overall caloric value of the pastry.
Powdered Sugar Matters: The generous dusting of powdered sugar contributes to the total calories and sugar content.
Healthier Options: For lower-calorie alternatives, consider air frying, baking, or using less powdered sugar.
Restaurant vs. Homemade: Homemade beignets can vary widely, while restaurant versions are often larger and higher in calories.

Understanding the Calorie Range of a Small Beignet

The calorie count for a small beignet is not a fixed number. It can fluctuate significantly based on several factors, including the recipe, size, and cooking method. For instance, a basic, yeast-based mini beignet might contain around 80 calories, whereas a richer, butter-filled dough or a larger size can easily push the calorie count over 100 per piece. The generous dusting of powdered sugar adds more calories and sugar content to the final product.

Factors Affecting Beignet Calories

The nutritional profile of a beignet is a direct result of its preparation. Key variables include:

Size: A "small" beignet is subjective. Is it a 2-inch square or a larger, fluffier fritter? The volume of dough directly impacts the calorie density.
Ingredients: Traditional recipes use standard yeast dough ingredients like flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and butter. However, substitutions can alter the nutrition. For example, vegan recipes may use plant-based milk and oil, changing the overall fat and calorie content.
Preparation Method: The biggest factor is the cooking process. Beignets are deep-fried in oil, which adds substantial fat and calories. The type of oil used also plays a role in the type of fat consumed.
Additional Fillings: Some variations include fillings like cream, fruit, or chocolate, which will significantly increase the total calories and sugar.
Amount of Topping: The amount of powdered sugar dusted on top adds pure carbohydrates and sugar to each serving.

A Typical Macronutrient Breakdown

Let's look at a representative nutritional profile for a standard small beignet. Keep in mind this is an estimate, as home recipes and restaurant versions will differ.

Total Fat: The deep-frying process means a significant portion of the calories comes from fat. A typical beignet might contain around 7-10 grams of fat.
Carbohydrates: The primary component of the beignet dough is flour, and the powdered sugar on top is nearly all sugar. This results in a high carbohydrate count, often between 12-30 grams.
Protein: Since the main ingredients are not protein-heavy, a beignet contains only a small amount of protein, usually 2-5 grams per piece.
Sugar: A key feature of beignets is their sweetness, largely from the dusting of powdered sugar. This can contribute several grams of sugar per serving.

Comparison Table: Beignet Calories by Type


Beignet Type	Estimated Calories per Serving	Macronutrient Notes	Source
Mini/Small Beignet (Plain)	80-130 kcal	Lower end of the calorie spectrum, less fat/sugar due to smaller size.
Standard Homemade Beignet	~210-250 kcal	Can be higher depending on the richness of the dough and amount of powdered sugar.
Filled Mini Beignet (Chocolate/Fruit)	~110 kcal	Filling adds calories but is still smaller than a full-size version.
Standard Restaurant Beignet	250+ kcal	Larger, richer recipes can be significantly higher in calories.
Cafe du Monde Mix (pre-frying)	60 kcal	This is just the mix, not the finished product. Frying adds significant calories.

Tips for a Healthier Beignet Experience

While beignets are a treat and not a health food, you can still enjoy them mindfully. The main caloric impact comes from the deep-frying process and the generous powdered sugar topping. For those looking to reduce calories, consider these steps:

Control the size: If making them at home, cut smaller squares to manage portion sizes. Smaller beignets absorb less oil and require less dough, naturally reducing the calorie count per piece.
Use an air fryer: For a lighter, non-fried version, try using an air fryer. This significantly reduces added fat and calories from oil absorption while still creating a warm, fluffy result.
Go light on the sugar: Powdered sugar is a major calorie contributor. Sifting a lighter layer or using an alternative sugar-free dusting can help reduce the sugar and calorie load.
Choose a healthier oil: When deep-frying, opt for a healthier oil with a high smoke point, like canola or avocado oil, though the difference in calorie density will be minimal compared to the reduction from other methods.
Try a baked version: Search for baked beignet recipes that mimic the texture without the deep-frying process, offering a much lower-calorie alternative.

Conclusion

The question of how many calories are in a small beignet doesn't have a single, universal answer. A safe estimate for a standard small or mini beignet is in the range of 80 to 130 calories, but this is highly dependent on the recipe, ingredients, and preparation method. A richer, larger beignet, especially from a restaurant, will likely be at the higher end of the scale or beyond. For those looking to manage their intake, controlling portions and exploring healthier cooking methods like baking or air frying are excellent options. Ultimately, beignets are a delicious indulgence to be enjoyed in moderation. To learn more about this classic pastry, visit the Food Network's article on What Are Beignets?.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for a finished Cafe du Monde beignet is not explicitly listed in the search results, but their mix, before frying and adding powdered sugar, is 60 calories per serving. The final calorie count is much higher once it is fried and dusted with sugar.

Not necessarily. Both are sweet, deep-fried pastries. The nutritional value depends entirely on the specific recipe, size, and toppings of each. Some beignets can be comparable to or even higher in calories and fat than certain types of doughnuts.

Yes, size is a major factor. A smaller, mini beignet will contain significantly fewer calories than a large, standard-sized beignet because it has less dough and absorbs less frying oil.

Yes, you can. Healthier options include air frying or baking the dough instead of deep-frying, and using less powdered sugar for dusting. You can also experiment with vegan recipes that use plant-based ingredients.

The primary sources of calories are the carbohydrates from the dough and powdered sugar, as well as the fat absorbed during the deep-frying process. A beignet typically has a high-fat and high-carbohydrate content.

While both are fried pastries, beignets are traditionally square and have no hole, and the dough is generally less sweet. Doughnuts can come in various shapes and fillings and have a wider range of toppings than the classic powdered sugar on a beignet.

Yes, beignets with fillings such as fruit, cream, or chocolate will contain more calories than a traditional, unfilled beignet. The type and amount of filling will determine the final calorie count.