If you have a soft spot for light, airy pastries with a sweet fruity twist, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe. These crullers are wonderfully crisp on the outside and beautifully tender inside, all topped with a luscious strawberry glaze that is just bursting with fresh, summery flavor. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert, bringing classic French pastry elegance together with a vibrant strawberry finish. You’ll find every bite utterly irresistible, and I can’t wait to share this little slice of joy with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these crullers might seem fancy, but the ingredients are surprisingly simple and straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, from the richness of butter creating that tender crumb to the strawberry jam which delivers the natural sweetness and gorgeous color for the glaze. Let’s take a look at what’s needed to bring these beauties to life.
- 1 cup water: Provides the moisture base necessary for the dough to come together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the crullers, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving it structure and the right chewiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, comforting aroma that complements both the dough and glaze.
- 3 large eggs: Vital for binding and creating the light, airy texture inside.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for deep-frying the crullers to that perfect golden crisp.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The sweet base of the strawberry glaze for a smooth and glossy finish.
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam: Brings that signature fruity flavor and vibrant pink hue to the glaze.
- 2 teaspoons milk: Adjusts the glaze to just the right pourable consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth to the glaze’s sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cruller Dough
Start by bringing water and butter to a rolling boil in a saucepan over medium heat. This step is key for creating that tender yet sturdy cruller structure. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the flour and salt until the dough pulls away cleanly from the pan sides. Let it rest for about five minutes so it cools slightly—that makes it easier to add the eggs without scrambling. Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is silky smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a gentle floral aroma throughout the dough.
Step 2: Fry the Crullers
Heat your vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C)—this temperature ensures a crispy exterior without soaking up excess oil. Using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip makes shaping these crullers a breeze, but a sandwich bag with the corner snipped off works just fine too. Pipe dough rings about 3 inches across directly into the hot oil, frying in batches so they have plenty of space to crisp up beautifully. Fry each side for 2–3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden color, then transfer to paper towels to drain the extra oil.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Glaze
While your crullers cool just a bit, mix up the glory of the glaze—a simple blend of powdered sugar, strawberry jam, milk, and that pinch of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and luscious, adding extra milk gradually if it’s too thick. You’re aiming for a consistency that gently coats but doesn’t drip off too fast, turning each cruller into a sweet jewel.
Step 4: Glaze the Crullers
Dip each cooled cruller into the strawberry glaze, making sure the tops are completely covered in that glossy, pink goodness. Place them on a wire rack to set for a few minutes so the glaze firms up just right, ready to be devoured. This final step turns simple fried dough into a stunning strawberry-coated delight.
How to Serve Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding fresh sliced strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A sprig of mint can also bring a refreshing burst of color and aroma, elevating the visual appeal and hinting at the fresh flavors inside the glaze.
Side Dishes
These crullers pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a frothy latte, perfect for an indulgent breakfast or afternoon treat. If you want to keep things light, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait for a balanced but still decadent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe party-ready by stacking them on a pretty tiered dessert stand or placing them on a platter lined with edible flowers for a charming touch. If you want to get playful, drizzle extra glaze over the top for a marbled effect or sprinkle some finely chopped nuts on the glaze before it sets for an unexpected crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), store your crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to keep their delightful texture. Refrigeration can make them tough and less enjoyable, so it’s best avoided unless you plan to reheat them properly.
Freezing
While freshly fried crullers are unbeatable, you can freeze them unfrosted by wrapping each cruller tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to a month. Defrost at room temperature before glazing them fresh to preserve that lovely strawberry shine and flavor.
Reheating
To revive a day-old cruller, pop it into a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make fried dough rubbery. Once warmed, dip or drizzle with fresh strawberry glaze for maximum yum.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam for the glaze?
Absolutely! You can mash fresh strawberries and strain out seeds before mixing with powdered sugar and milk for a fresher, chunkier glaze. Keep in mind it may be less sweet and more textured but totally delicious.
What if I don’t have a piping bag or star tip?
No worries! A sturdy plastic sandwich bag with a small hole cut in one corner works well to pipe the dough into the classic twisted cruller shape, or you can try spooning rings carefully into the hot oil.
Why do my crullers sometimes get soggy inside?
This usually happens if the oil is not hot enough or the dough is too wet. Make sure the oil reaches 375°F for crispiness and that the dough is properly mixed and rested before frying.
Is there a substitute for vegetable oil for frying?
You can use other neutral oils with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil as its flavor can overpower and it has a lower smoke point, which isn’t ideal for deep frying.
Can I make these crullers gluten-free?
Adapting this recipe to gluten-free flours can be tricky due to the dough’s texture requirements, but experimenting with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend might work. Just be prepared for slight differences in texture and frying behavior.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe is like creating a little moment of happiness that’s crispy, tender, and bursting with strawberry sweetness. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend or impressing guests with a special homemade sweet, these crullers bring joy and deliciousness to the table. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved go-to recipe you’ll want to share again and again.
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 donuts made from a choux pastry dough, fried until golden and crispy, then dipped in a sweet and fruity strawberry glaze. These homemade crullers offer a delightful texture and a burst of strawberry flavor, perfect for a special breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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 cohesive ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Let the dough cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, creating a smooth batter. Stir in vanilla extract to finish the dough.
- 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 snipped off. Carefully pipe 3-inch diameter rings directly into the hot oil. Fry the crullers in batches, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove them from the oil 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 the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust thickness by adding a little more milk if necessary.
- Glaze the Crullers: Dip each cooled cruller into the strawberry glaze, coating the top completely. Place the glazed crullers on a wire rack to let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays at 375°F (190°C) for even frying and to prevent greasy donuts.
- Use a piping bag with a star tip to create the traditional ridges on the crullers.
- Allow the crullers to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days for best texture.
- For a different flavor, substitute strawberry jam with raspberry or apricot preserves.
