Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Introduction

Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are the kind of pastry that instantly elevates any moment, whether you’re starting your day with a warm cup of coffee or surprising loved ones with a special treat. These crullers offer the best of both worlds—the crisp, golden exterior, which gives way to a soft, airy interior that’s perfectly light. The strawberry glaze, with its sweet and tangy flavor, perfectly complements the richness of the dough, creating an unforgettable combination. It’s a pastry that not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a touch of elegance to the table.

The first time I made these Strawberry Glazed French Crullers, I was amazed at how effortlessly they came together. The process of piping the dough into those delicate, twisted shapes felt like a fun and creative project, and as they fried to golden perfection, the kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma. The moment I dipped the warm crullers into the glossy, vibrant strawberry glaze, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing these would be a treat to remember.

What I love most about these crullers is how versatile they are. They’re the perfect way to start the day, but they’re also wonderful for special occasions like brunch, or even as a sweet afternoon snack. The strawberry glaze is not only refreshing, but it’s also an easy way to elevate any pastry. Whether served as a treat for yourself or shared with others, these crullers bring joy to every bite and add a burst of flavor to any day.

Perfect for:

• Weekend brunches
• Holiday mornings
• Dessert tables
• Coffee pairings
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe

Here’s why Strawberry Glazed French Crullers will become your new go-to pastry:

• Light and Airy Texture: The cruller dough puffs up beautifully during frying, creating a light, airy interior that melts in your mouth.
• Perfectly Sweet Glaze: The strawberry glaze adds a sweet and fruity finish, balancing the richness of the fried dough with a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Crispy Exterior: The outside of the cruller has a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft, fluffy interior, making each bite irresistible.
• Impressive Yet Simple: While they look fancy and sophisticated, these crullers are surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, holiday gathering, or as an afternoon snack, these strawberry-glazed crullers are always a crowd-pleaser.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Frying Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 12 crullers
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make Strawberry Glazed French Crullers:

For the Crullers:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree (or strawberry jam)
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Unsalted Butter: Essential for creating a rich, tender dough while allowing you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
• Fresh Strawberry Puree: The puree adds a natural strawberry flavor to the glaze, giving it a vibrant color and fresh taste. If fresh strawberries are not available, strawberry jam can be substituted.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cruller dough, providing structure and texture to the pastry.
• Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the dough and helping the crullers rise during frying, ensuring they’re light and airy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Strawberry Glazed French Crullers:

Prepare the Cruller Dough:

1. Cook the Butter Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the Flour: Once the mixture is boiling, add the flour all at once. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Cool the Dough: Remove the pan from the heat and let the dough cool for about 5 minutes, just enough so that it’s warm but not too hot to touch.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate each egg into the dough. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Fry the Crullers:

5. Heat the Oil: Fill a deep pot or Dutch oven with about 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature to ensure the oil stays hot enough to fry the crullers.
6. Pipe the Dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Carefully pipe 3-4-inch long cruller shapes into the hot oil. You can pipe a simple loop or twist for that signature cruller look.
7. Fry the Crullers: Fry the crullers in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Strawberry Glaze:

8. Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
9. Dip the Crullers: Once the crullers have cooled slightly, dip each one into the strawberry glaze, ensuring the top is fully coated. Allow the excess glaze to drip off before placing the crullers on a wire rack to set.

Serve and Enjoy:

10. Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. The crullers can be served warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Here are 10 ways to serve your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers:

• Serve with Fresh Fruit: Pair the crullers with sliced strawberries or other fresh berries for an extra burst of freshness.
• With Coffee or Tea: These crullers make a delightful accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or tea, perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter: Include them on a dessert platter alongside other pastries, cookies, or fruit for a beautiful, indulgent spread.
• For Special Occasions: Serve them at holiday brunches, birthday parties, or any special gathering for an impressive and delicious treat.
• For a Sweet Snack: These crullers are perfect for a midday snack or dessert, providing the right balance of sweetness without being too heavy.
• With Whipped Cream: Serve crullers with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Mini Version for Parties: Pipe smaller, bite-sized crullers and glaze them for an easy-to-eat, party-friendly version.
• With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an irresistible dessert combo.
• With a Hot Fudge Drizzle: For even more sweetness, drizzle the crullers with hot fudge sauce for a decadent touch.
• Serve with Fruit Compote: Pair them with a homemade fruit compote, such as mixed berries or peaches, for a fresh and flavorful contrast.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Here are some tips to make your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers even better:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry the crullers in small batches to maintain the temperature of the oil and ensure they cook evenly.
• Use a Piping Bag for Precision: Using a piping bag with a star tip allows you to create the classic cruller shape and makes the frying process easier.
• Cool Before Glazing: Let the crullers cool slightly before dipping them in the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting too quickly and makes for a better presentation.
• Check Oil Temperature Regularly: If the oil is too hot, the crullers will cook too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. If it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Customize the Glaze Flavor: Feel free to experiment with other fruit purees, such as raspberry or blueberry, for a different flavor profile.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers:

• Chocolate Glazed Crullers: Swap the strawberry glaze for a rich chocolate glaze for a different flavor.
• Lemon Glazed Crullers: Use fresh lemon juice and zest in the glaze for a citrusy twist.
• Maple Glazed Crullers: Replace the strawberry puree with maple syrup for a comforting, fall-inspired glaze.
• Berry Mix Glazed Crullers: Use a mixture of berry purees, such as blueberry and raspberry, for a multicolored glaze.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coated Crullers: After frying, toss the crullers in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, spiced coating.
• Vanilla Bean Glaze: Use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract for a more intense vanilla flavor in the glaze.
• Peach Glazed Crullers: Swap strawberry for peach puree for a summer-inspired twist on this recipe.
• Nutella Filled Crullers: Pipe a small amount of Nutella inside the dough before frying for a chocolate-hazelnut filling.
• Caramel Glazed Crullers: Replace the strawberry glaze with a creamy caramel glaze for a rich, buttery flavor.
• Raspberry Glazed Crullers: Use fresh raspberry puree in place of the strawberry for a tangy variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Crullers can be frozen before glazing. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven and glaze them fresh.
• Storage: Store leftover crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best eaten fresh but will remain good for a short time.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers easier:

• Piping Bag: A piping bag with a star tip is essential for shaping the crullers.
• Candy Thermometer: Helps ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying the crullers.
• Deep Fryer or Dutch Oven: A deep fryer or Dutch oven allows you to fry the crullers evenly and safely.
• Slotted Spoon: Ideal for removing the crullers from the hot oil without excess grease.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack lets the crullers cool evenly without becoming soggy.

FAQ Section for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?
   Yes, frozen strawberries can be thawed and pureed for the glaze. Just ensure they’re well-drained to avoid excess water.
2. Can I make the crullers ahead of time?
   It’s best to fry the crullers fresh, but you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.
3. How can I avoid greasy crullers?
   Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the oil temperature to drop.
4. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
   Yes, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral oil with a high smoke point.
5. How do I make sure the crullers are cooked through?
   Make sure the crullers are golden brown on the outside, and use a thermometer to check that the oil is at the right temperature (350°F).

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Conclusion

Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are the perfect balance of crispy, airy, and sweet. With a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, delicate interior, these crullers are enhanced by a vibrant strawberry glaze that adds a touch of fruity sweetness. Whether you serve them for a brunch gathering or as a special treat, these pastries are sure to impress. They’re easy to make, customizable with different glaze flavors, and a delightful way to enjoy a classic French pastry with a refreshing twist.

The crispy outer layer gives way to a light, fluffy center, while the luscious strawberry glaze provides a pop of color and flavor. Whether you choose to add sprinkles or enjoy them as is, these crullers will become your new favorite pastry. Perfect for a cozy morning with coffee or as a showstopper at your next brunch gathering, they’ll bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

I can’t wait to see your strawberry-glazed creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring this sweet treat to life! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made it your own. Happy cooking!