Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

If you’re searching for a dessert that combines light, airy texture with a sweet, fruity twist, look no further than Strawberry Glazed French Crullers. This delightful treat features delicate, airy crullers covered in a luscious strawberry glaze, making each bite a perfect harmony of sweetness and softness. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a stunning, irresistible dessert that feels both classic and fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and Airy Texture: The pastry dough is piped into elegant rings that fry up with a delicate crispness and fluffy inside.
• Natural Strawberry Flavor: A vibrant, fresh glaze made with real strawberries elevates the sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
• Simple Ingredients: Basic pantry staples combine effortlessly to create a bakery-quality dessert at home.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The twisted shape of the crullers paired with bright pink glaze is visually stunning.
• Versatile Occasion Treat: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or special gatherings where you want to surprise with something unique.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Glazed French Crullers recipe is as approachable as it is delicious. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the ideal texture, flavor, and color balance, making the recipe both straightforward and rewarding.

• Water: The liquid base for the choux pastry that helps create the perfect airy dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough, keeping crullers tender.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the texture light and airy.
• Eggs: Essential for binding and creating that characteristic puff in French crullers.
• Vegetable Oil for Frying: A neutral oil that crisps the dough without imparting extra flavor.
• Fresh Strawberries: Puree for the glaze that ensures vibrant color and fresh taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to a perfect consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm undertones to the strawberry glaze.
• Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors in the dough.

Variations for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Feel free to make this treat your own! This recipe is easily customizable and works well with ingredient swaps, dietary adjustments, or creative flavor twists.

• Lemon-Infused Glaze: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and zest to the strawberry glaze for a citrusy zing.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg to make the crullers vegan-friendly.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After glazing with strawberry, drizzle melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Mixed Berry Glaze: Combine raspberries or blueberries with strawberries for a flavorful berry medley.
• Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough to give a subtle warm spice note.

How to Make Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry Dough

Begin by heating water, butter, and salt in a saucepan until the butter melts completely. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the flour until the mixture forms a smooth ball. Return to low heat briefly, stirring constantly to dry out the dough slightly, enhancing crispiness during frying.

Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs

Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and add beaten eggs gradually, incorporating fully before adding more. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect dough consistency that pipes smoothly and puffs beautifully.

Step 3: Pipe the Crullers

Fit a piping bag with a large star tip and pipe 3-4 inch rings onto parchment paper-lined trays. The distinctive ridges form the classic cruller texture and help hold onto the strawberry glaze.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the crullers in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and puffed, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze

Puree fresh strawberries and strain to remove seeds. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy, creating that luscious pink glaze.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Dip the warm crullers halfway into the strawberry glaze or spoon it over the tops. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving to enjoy every sweet, airy bite.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

• Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The quality of strawberries impacts the glaze color and flavor immensely, so choose the freshest available.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil between 350°F and 375°F to ensure crullers cook evenly and don’t absorb excess oil.
• Pipe with Confidence: Practice makes perfect—piping crisp, even rings creates the signature shape and texture.
• Allow Glaze to Cool Slightly: To prevent the glaze from melting away, let the crullers cool a bit before dipping or glazing.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

How to Serve Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or place a fresh strawberry slice on top of the glaze for an extra pop of color and freshness. A tiny mint leaf also complements the berry sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these crullers alongside a hot cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a chilled glass of milk to balance the sweetness. For brunch, they pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salads or a light yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange crullers on a tiered dessert tray for a festive look at gatherings. You can also create a doughnut wall or nestle them around a berry centerpiece for impressive party displays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Strawberry Glazed French Crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them fresh and airy.

Freezing

Crullers freeze well before glazing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving.

Reheating

Reheat crullers in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to refresh their crispiness without drying them out; then add fresh strawberry glaze.

FAQs

What makes French crullers different from regular doughnuts?

French crullers use choux pastry dough that puffs up during frying, creating a light, airy texture with ridges from piping, unlike cake or yeast doughnuts which are denser.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid watery glaze.

Is it necessary to use a piping bag with a star tip?

While a star tip gives crullers their classic ridged texture, you can use any round tip; just note that the texture and appearance will be slightly different.

How long do the glazed crullers stay fresh?

Once glazed, crullers are best enjoyed the same day. They can be kept in an airtight container for up to two days but may lose some crispiness over time.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Gluten-free flours can be experimented with, but due to the structure of choux pastry, the texture might change; combining gluten-free flour blends with xanthan gum may yield the best results.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. With their airy texture, fresh strawberry sweetness, and stunning presentation, they truly feel like a bakery treat made just for you. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the smiles it brings to your table!

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