Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the warm scent of frying dough enveloped me, instantly transporting me back to summer fairs and indulgent brunches. Today, I’m sharing the joy of creating Strawberry Glazed French Crullers, a delightful twist on classic choux pastry. These airy treats are not only a feast for the senses but also incredibly versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. A quick and satisfying preparation means you can whip them up in no time, whether for a special celebration or a cozy afternoon treat. Dipped in a luscious homemade strawberry glaze and finished with a sprinkle of strawberry sugar, these crullers are sure to impress friends and family alike. Ready to indulge in a sweet adventure? Let’s get started! Why are these crullers a must-try? Irresistible Flavor: These Strawberry Glazed French Crullers burst with fruity sweetness, thanks to the rich strawberry glaze and the delicate pastry. Quick to Make: With simple ingredients and an easy frying method, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time. Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for summer gatherings or cozy brunches, these crullers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, much like Hawaiian Roll French toast or Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches. Texture Magic: Enjoy a perfect crisp exterior giving way to a soft and airy center, creating a wonderful bite that’s unlike anything you’d find in a fast-food joint. Endless Variations: Not just limited to strawberries, feel free to experiment with other flavors — blueberries, raspberries, or even a rich chocolate glaze, the options are limitless! Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Ingredients Get ready to create something sweet and special! For the Choux Pastry Water – Adds moisture essential for steaming the choux pastry. Whole Milk – Contributes richness; substitute with plant-based milk for a dairy-free option. Unsalted Butter – Provides texture and flavor; can use margarine to make it dairy-free. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough; swap for coconut sugar for a less refined touch. Salt – Enhances the flavor; it’s a vital ingredient, so no substitutes are necessary. Bread Flour – Creates structure and chewiness; all-purpose flour can work but may alter texture. Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture; egg substitutes aren’t recommended for this recipe. For Frying Vegetable or Canola Oil – Essential for frying; stick with these oils for best results. For the Glaze Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the glaze; no significant substitutes are needed. Fresh Strawberries – Imparts fabulous fruity flavor; frozen strawberries can be a quick alternative, though the taste may vary. Whole Milk (for glaze) – Provides necessary consistency; feel free to use plant-based milk instead. For the Strawberry Sugar Freeze Dried Strawberries – Perfect for making strawberry sugar; ground fresh strawberries can work but may offer a different texture. Granulated Sugar (for strawberry sugar) – Adds extra sweetness; this ingredient doesn’t require substitutes. Now that you have all your ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to enjoying these delightful Strawberry Glazed French Crullers! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Step 1: Prepare Parchment Squares Begin by cutting 18 squares of parchment paper, each measuring 4 inches. For easier piping later, you may trace circles on the parchment using a template or a pencil. Lay these squares on a baking sheet or a clean countertop, ready for the cruller batter once it’s prepared. Step 2: Make Choux Pastry In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Heat this mixture over medium-high until it comes to a rolling boil. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat, and quickly stir in 1 1/2 cups of bread flour until the mixture forms a smooth dough. Step 3: Beat Batter Transfer the dough to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the steam to escape fully. As the dough cools slightly, incorporate 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing until the batter is smooth, glossy, and pipeable. Step 4: Pipe Crullers Pour the choux pastry into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Gently pipe your crullers onto the prepared parchment squares, shaping them into rings or circles as desired. Ensure they are spaced generously on the parchment to allow for puffing during frying. Step 5: Fry Crullers Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 370°F. Carefully place the crullers, parchment-side up, into the hot oil. Fry for about 45 seconds, then use tongs to carefully remove the parchment, continuing to fry the crullers for an additional 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and puffed. Step 6: Cool and Glaze Once golden, lift the crullers from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with pureed fresh strawberries and whole milk until smooth. After the crullers are cooled slightly and no longer hot, dip them in the strawberry glaze and sprinkle with strawberry sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Make Ahead Options These Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the choux pastry up to 24 hours in advance; just place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. You can also pipe the crullers onto parchment squares and refrigerate them overnight. When you’re ready to fry, take them out and fry directly from the fridge, ensuring they’re patted dry to maintain their crispiness. Lastly, after glazing, sprinkle with strawberry sugar just before serving for that delightful finish. This way, you’ll have delicious, airy crullers ready for any occasion with minimal fuss! How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh on the day of frying. If needed, keep unrefrigerated for no more than 4 hours to maintain texture. Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day, but note that they may lose some crispness. Reheat briefly before serving for best results. Freezer: Freeze unglazed crullers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before glazing. Reheating: Warm crullers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to revive their delightful crispy exterior before adding the strawberry glaze. Expert Tips for Perfect Crullers Oil Temperature: Ensure the frying oil is at 370°F for the best results. A thermometer will help maintain the ideal heat. Piping Technique: If you’re struggling with piping, use a glass to trace circles on parchment, aiding in the perfect shape for your crullers. Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process; glaze the crullers only once they are no longer hot to prevent melting the strawberry glaze. Choux Pastry Consistency: Make sure to allow the dough to cool slightly after mixing before adding eggs, ensuring a smooth and glossy batter for your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers. Avoid Overcrowding: Fry a few crullers at a time to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick together, allowing for a perfect crispness! What to Serve with Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Enhance your delightful crullers experience with these perfectly paired sides that will elevate your breakfast or dessert spread. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of juicy summer fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet crullers. The natural tartness of berries complements the strawberry glaze beautifully. Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layer greek yogurt, granola, and seasonal berries for a wholesome balance of textures. This adds a nutritious touch to your sweet treat. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea provides a comforting counterpoint to the sweetness of the crullers. The rich flavors meld perfectly with the fruity glaze. Chantilly Cream: This light and fluffy cream adds an airy sweetness that enhances the crullers’ texture. A dollop beside each cruller invites delightful indulgence. Chocolate Drizzle: For a twist, drizzle some melted chocolate over the crullers. The deep flavor adds depth and contrasts with the strawberry sweetness. Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream transforms these crullers into a decadent dessert. The creaminess brings an irresistible combination of hot and cold. Pairing these delightful options with your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers will create a truly memorable experience! Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these crullers with a few delightful variations! Mixed Berries: Swap fresh strawberries for blueberries or raspberries to create a medley of flavors that still sing of summer. Chocolate Lovers: For a rich twist, replace the strawberry glaze with melted chocolate or a heavenly chocolate icing, perfect for a decadent treat. Spiced Dough: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg directly into your choux pastry to warm up the flavor profile; it’s a delightful touch that pairs beautifully with the glaze. Citrus Zing: Incorporate zest from lemons or oranges into the glaze for a refreshing citrus boost that lightens the sweetness wonderfully. Nutty Finish: Top your crullers with crushed nuts or a sprinkle of toffee bits for additional texture that elevates every bite. Dairy-Free Option: To keep it vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based milk and margarine throughout the recipe. And don’t forget, if you love fruity desserts, you might also enjoy making some Strawberry Mango Cupcakes or try whipping up a batch of Strawberry Biscuits Sweet. Happy baking! Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe FAQs What are the best strawberries to use for the glaze? Absolutely! For the most vibrant flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries that are deep red and firm. Avoid those with dark spots or a mushy texture, as they may lack sweetness. If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can opt for frozen strawberries; just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly less intense. How should I store leftover crullers? The more the merrier, but if you find yourself with extra crullers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. They are best enjoyed fresh, but if you choose to keep them, allow them to come to room temperature before reheating to help restore some of their crispy texture. Can I freeze Strawberry Glazed French Crullers? Yes! To freeze them, it’s best to do so before glazing. Wrap the unglazed crullers tightly in plastic wrap, then cover them in foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and glaze them just before serving. What if my choux pastry isn’t puffing up properly? No worries! If your crullers aren’t puffing as they should, it might be due to a few factors. First, ensure your oil is hot enough—370°F is ideal. If your dough seems too wet or thin, it could affect texture and puff. Lastly, ensure you’re not overcrowding the frying pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and yield dense crullers. Give these pointers a try for a better result! Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, simply substitute whole milk with a plant-based alternative, like almond or coconut milk. Keep in mind, though, that the flavor may differ slightly. For a gluten-free version, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends—just be sure to check that they are suitable for choux pastry. What’s the ideal way to reheat crullers for the best texture? Great question! To restore that heavenly crispness, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the crullers on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This method will help revive their delightful exterior. Remember to glaze them after reheating for the freshest taste! Strawberry Glazed French Crullers: Sweet Summer Indulgence No ratings yet Delight in these airy Strawberry Glazed French Crullers, perfect for summer fairs or cozy brunches. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 crullersCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Choux Pastry1 cup Water1 cup Whole Milk or plant-based milk1/2 cup Unsalted Butter or margarine1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar can substitute with coconut sugar1/2 teaspoon Salt no substitutes1 1/2 cups Bread Flour or all-purpose flour4 large Eggs no substitutesFor Frying4 cups Vegetable or Canola Oil for fryingFor the Glaze2 cups Powdered Sugar no substitutes1 cup Fresh Strawberries or frozen1/4 cup Whole Milk or plant-based milkFor the Strawberry Sugar1/2 cup Freeze Dried Strawberries for strawberry sugar1/2 cup Granulated Sugar no substitutes Equipment Stand mixerpiping bagDeep FryersaucepanBaking Sheet Method PreparationCut 18 squares of parchment paper, each measuring 4 inches, and lay them on a baking sheet.In a medium saucepan, combine water, whole milk, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat until boiling.Remove from heat and stir in the bread flour until a smooth dough forms.Transfer to a stand mixer and beat on medium speed for 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time until smooth.Pipe the choux pastry onto the parchment squares, shaping into rings or circles.Heat oil to 370°F and fry the crullers for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then dip in the glaze and sprinkle with strawberry sugar. Nutrition Serving: 1crullerCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesEnjoy the crullers fresh on the day of frying for the best texture. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day or freeze unglazed crullers for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
