Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

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Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are a light, airy, and beautifully textured doughnut with a crisp, golden exterior and a soft, delicate interior. Made from pâte à choux dough, these crullers are fried until golden and then dipped in a sweet, tangy strawberry glaze. The glaze adds a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the crispness of the cruller, making each bite a delightful treat.

The first time I made these, I wanted to try something a little different from traditional doughnuts, and they were an instant favorite! The dough is lighter than most fried doughnuts, and the strawberry glaze adds a vibrant, fruity twist. What I love most about these crullers is their delicate texture, which is both crunchy and soft, along with the glossy strawberry glaze that gives them a beautiful pop of color. Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are perfect for brunch, special occasions, or whenever you want to impress with a unique, indulgent pastry!

Perfect for:

  • Breakfast or brunch
  • Afternoon tea
  • Snack time
  • Strawberry lovers
  • Special occasions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Strawberry Glazed French Crullers will become your new go-to pastry:

  • Crisp and Light Texture: The crullers are perfectly airy with a slight crunch, creating a satisfying contrast in each bite.
  • Luscious Strawberry Glaze: The sweet glaze adds a burst of fruity flavor that complements the crullers perfectly.
  • Versatile: Enjoy these crullers on their own or pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk.
  • Easy to Make at Home: With a few simple ingredients, you can create a bakery-quality treat right in your kitchen.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: These crullers make a beautiful addition to any breakfast or dessert spread.
  • Fun to Shape: The cruller dough is fun to pipe into a classic ring shape, making them a treat to prepare.
  • Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance, making them quick and easy to fry when ready.
  • Strawberry Sweetness: The fresh strawberry glaze provides a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • Delicate and Elegant: These crullers look as beautiful as they taste, with their charming ridged texture and glaze.
  • Kid-Friendly: Perfect for kids who love sweet pastries, these crullers are both fun to make and eat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 12 crullers
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For the French Crullers:

  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Strawberry Glaze:

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

  • Fresh Strawberries: Provides a vibrant, natural sweetness for the glaze.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, tender cruller dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to both the dough and glaze.
  • Powdered Sugar: Ensures a smooth, glossy glaze finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cruller Dough:

  1. Heat the Water and Butter: In a medium saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Add the Flour: Once the butter has melted, stir in the flour and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Cool the Dough: Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool for 5 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each one to fully incorporate before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Pipe the Dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe the dough into 4-inch rings on a sheet of parchment paper.

Fry the Crullers:

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Fry the Crullers: Carefully drop the piped dough rings into the hot oil, frying in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
  3. Drain and Cool: Remove the crullers from the oil and drain on paper towels. Let them cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:

  1. Make the Strawberry Puree: Blend fresh strawberries until smooth, then strain to remove seeds if desired.
  2. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.

Glaze the Crullers:

  1. Dip the Crullers: Once the crullers have cooled, dip the tops into the strawberry glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
  2. Set the Glaze: Place the glazed crullers on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set.

Serve:

  1. Serve and Enjoy: Once the glaze has set, serve the crullers immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers:

  • With Coffee or Tea: Perfect for a morning coffee break or afternoon tea.
  • As a Brunch Treat: Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or other pastries for a well-rounded brunch.
  • For a Sweet Snack: Enjoy them as a mid-afternoon snack to satisfy your sweet tooth.
  • For Special Occasions: Serve these crullers at birthdays, showers, or holiday gatherings for a festive touch.
  • As a Breakfast Pastry: Pair with a hot beverage for an indulgent start to your day.
  • With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
  • With Whipped Cream: Serve with fresh whipped cream or a side of whipped mascarpone for a creamy contrast.
  • As a Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sorbet for a refreshing contrast.
  • With Fresh Strawberries: Garnish with sliced strawberries for an extra fruity burst.
  • For Gifting: Package these crullers in a box for a sweet homemade gift.

Additional Tips

  • Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even frying and prevent sticking.
  • Cool Before Glazing: Make sure the crullers are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
  • Make-Ahead Dough: You can prepare the dough ahead of time, refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before frying.
  • Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more cream for a thinner glaze.

Recipe Variations

  • Chocolate Glazed Crullers: Swap the strawberry glaze for a rich chocolate glaze for a decadent twist.
  • Lemon Glazed Crullers: Use lemon juice and zest in the glaze for a tangy citrus version.
  • Vanilla Crullers: Skip the strawberry glaze and top with a simple vanilla glaze for a classic flavor.
  • Berry Mix Glaze: Use a blend of mixed berries for a unique glaze flavor.
  • Maple Glaze: For a fall-inspired version, swap the strawberry glaze for maple syrup and powdered sugar.
  • Nutty Crullers: Add crushed pistachios or almonds to the glaze for a nutty crunch.
  • Vegan Crullers: Substitute eggs with aquafaba and use plant-based butter for a vegan version.
  • Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warm, spiced flavor.

Special Equipment

  • Deep Fryer or Large Pot: For frying the crullers to perfection.
  • Piping Bag and Star Tip: For piping the dough into classic cruller shapes.
  • Thermometer: To ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
  • Wire Rack: To cool the crullers and let the glaze set.
  • Blender or Food Processor: For pureeing the strawberries for the glaze.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
    Yes, frozen strawberries work well, just make sure to thaw and strain them before using.
  2. How long do these crullers stay fresh?
    These crullers are best enjoyed within 2 days but can be stored in an airtight container.
  3. Can I freeze crullers?
    Yes, you can freeze the crullers without the glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze when ready to serve.
  4. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
  5. What’s the best way to fry crullers?
    Fry in small batches and monitor the temperature to avoid oily, greasy crullers.
  6. Can I make these crullers without a piping bag?
    While a piping bag gives the best results, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off as a substitute.
  7. Can I use other fruit for the glaze?
    Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches would work beautifully in the glaze.
  8. What can I do if my crullers are too oily?
    Drain the crullers well and reduce the frying time or temperature slightly for the next batch.
  9. Can I skip the glaze?
    Yes, the crullers are delicious on their own, or you can dust them with powdered sugar instead.
  10. How do I make crullers crispier?
    Ensure the oil is hot enough, and fry for the full recommended time for a crisp exterior.

Conclusion

Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are a sweet and elegant treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and sweet strawberry glaze, they are the perfect pastry for any occasion. These crullers are sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen, whether for a special breakfast, brunch, or afternoon treat. Make these crullers at home and enjoy the joy of fresh, homemade pastries!