If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a light, airy donut with a luscious, fruity glaze that makes your taste buds dance, then this Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. These crullers are delightfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfectly complemented by a sweet strawberry glaze that adds just the right touch of summery freshness. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, this recipe promises an irresistible indulgence that will soon become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even though making these French crullers might seem like a fancy endeavor, the ingredients are wonderfully simple and work harmoniously to create a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each item plays a key role, from the buttery dough that fries up golden crisp to the strawberry glaze that adds a vibrant touch of sweetness and color.
- 1 cup water: Provides the liquid base for hydrations and dough formation.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor that makes the crullers tender.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The structure foundation for the dough.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crullers.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note to the dough.
- 3 large eggs: Essential for lightness and binding the dough.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral oil perfect for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweet base for the strawberry glaze.
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam: Infuses true strawberry flavor and natural sweetness into the glaze.
- 2 teaspoons milk: Helps achieve a smooth, pourable glaze consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds depth and enhances the strawberry notes in the glaze.
How to Make Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by bringing the water and butter to a rolling boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the flour and salt vigorously. You’ll see the dough come together quickly and pull away from the sides of the pan—a signal you’re on the right track. After letting the dough cool for about five minutes, beat in the eggs one at a time until the texture becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic hint.
Step 2: Fry the Crullers
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a sturdy pot to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, transfer your silky dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip; alternatively, a plastic sandwich bag with a corner snipped off will suffice. Carefully pipe the dough into donut-shaped rings about three inches in diameter directly into the hot oil. Fry them in batches, turning after 2 to 3 minutes, until both sides turn a rich golden brown. Once cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry jam, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until perfectly smooth and glossy. If the glaze feels too thick, add a splash more milk to get a beautiful pourable consistency that will coat each cruller evenly and temptingly.
Step 4: Glaze the Crullers
Dip each warm cruller into the strawberry glaze, generously coating the top with that vibrant strawberry goodness. Place the glazed crullers on a wire rack to let the glaze set properly, allowing for a delightful shiny finish and the perfect first bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe
Garnishes
For a visually stunning touch, add some fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios. These simple additions provide beautiful color contrasts and extra texture that can turn your crullers into an unforgettable treat.
Side Dishes
Pair your crullers with a steaming cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk. If you want to build a brunch spread, fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream complement the strawberry glaze wonderfully without overpowering its delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking crullers on a decorative cake stand for a festive party centerpiece, or serve them individually on pretty plates with a small drizzle of additional strawberry glaze or chocolate sauce. For a fun twist, fill the center with whipped cream or pastry cream after glazing for an extra indulgent variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them from getting soggy while preserving their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze unglazed crullers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them inside a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to one month. Avoid freezing the glazed crullers as the glaze can get sticky and lose its texture.
Reheating
To refresh your crullers, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This method helps the exterior regain crispness. Add the strawberry glaze after reheating for that fresh, fruity finish.
FAQs
Can I use jam other than strawberry for the glaze?
Absolutely! While this Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe highlights strawberry jam for its bright, summery flavor, you can use raspberry or blueberry jam for delicious variations.
Do I need a deep fryer to make crullers?
No need for a fancy deep fryer. A heavy-bottomed pot with enough oil to submerge the crullers works perfectly as long as you can maintain the right temperature.
Can I make these crullers gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but note that the texture might differ. A mix that includes xanthan gum often yields the best results for similar dough consistency.
Is it okay to skip the vanilla extract?
While vanilla adds a lovely aroma and depth to both the dough and glaze, the recipe will still taste wonderful without it. Feel free to omit if you don’t have any on hand.
How long do the glazed crullers stay fresh?
The glazed crullers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for about 24 hours before the glaze starts to lose its shine and firmness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about homemade crullers, especially when topped with a fresh strawberry glaze that feels like a little celebration in every bite. This Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a bakery classic home with ease and joy. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and share the deliciousness with friends and family—happy frying and happy indulging!
Print
Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Description
Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are light, airy, and crispy donut-style pastries made from choux pastry dough, fried to golden perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy strawberry glaze. This delightful treat combines a delicate texture with a fruity finish, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Crullers
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Strawberry Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Crullers: In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour and salt until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and glossy. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Fry the Crullers: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip or use a plastic sandwich bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the dough in 3-inch donut shapes carefully into the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. Remove the crullers using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Strawberry Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry jam, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Glaze the Crullers: Dip the top of each cruller into the strawberry glaze, coating it completely. Place glazed crullers on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, good-quality strawberry jam for the best flavor in the glaze.
- Maintain oil temperature carefully to ensure crullers cook evenly and become crispy without absorbing too much oil.
- Pipe the dough carefully and gently to avoid deflating it for light crullers.
- Allow the crullers to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Store leftover crullers in an airtight container and reheat briefly before serving.
