As I stood in the kitchen, an irresistible aroma wafted through the air—anything sweet, fried, and fruity had my full attention. That’s when I decided to take a leap of culinary creativity and whip up a batch of Strawberry Glazed French Crullers. These delightful treats are not just a treat for the eyes; they promise a perfect blend of lightness and flavor, capturing the essence of strawberries in every bite.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend breakfast or a show-stopping dessert that will wow friends and family at gatherings, these crullers are your answer. They’re surprisingly simple to make and will have everyone singing your praises. The combination of rich buttery dough, fluffy texture, and a vibrant strawberry glaze makes these crullers a delightful twist on a classic pastry.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delicious journey of flavor and finesse—you’ll soon discover just how easy it is to impress with homemade Strawberry Glazed French Crullers!
Why are Strawberry Glazed French Crullers irresistible?
Heavenly taste: The rich buttery dough pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberry glaze, creating a deliciously unique flavor that bursts in your mouth.
Easy to make: With straightforward steps, anyone can master these crullers without advanced baking skills.
Versatile: Enjoy them as breakfast, snack, or dessert—these crullers fit any occasion!
Impressive presentation: Their elegant shape and vibrant color make them a stunning centerpiece that will wow your guests.
Crowd-pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone loves these delightful treats, making them perfect for family gatherings or celebrations.
Dive into the world of homemade pastries with these crullers, and don’t forget to try your hand at other delicious creations!
Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Ingredients
Prepare yourself for a delightful kitchen adventure with these must-have ingredients for making Strawberry Glazed French Crullers!
For the Dough
- Water – ½ cup, essential for merging flavors and ingredients.
- Whole Milk – ½ cup, adds richness that enhances the buttery texture.
- Unsalted Butter – ½ cup, this key ingredient provides a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – 2 tbsp, to sweeten the dough just enough for balance.
- Salt – ½ tsp, enhances the overall flavor of your crullers.
- Bread Flour – 1 ⅓ cup, gives these crullers their unique chewy texture.
- Large Eggs – 4, perfect for the fluffy rise that makes them so light and airy.
For Frying
- Vegetable or Canola Oil – enough for frying, creating that golden, crispy outside you love.
For the Strawberry Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – 2 cups, gives the glaze that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Fresh Strawberries – ¼ cup, mashed or pureed, adds a fresh, fruity flavor to the glaze.
- Whole Milk – 3-4 tbsp, to reach the ideal consistency for dipping.
For Strawberry Sugar
- Freeze Dried Strawberries – ½ cup, processed into fine bits for a vibrant color and taste.
- Granulated Sugar – ¼ cup, balances the tartness of the strawberries perfectly.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to making heavenly Strawberry Glazed French Crullers that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Strawberry Glazed French Crullers
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Prepare parchment: Cut parchment paper into 18, 4” x 4” squares. For a professional touch, trace a circle (3-3½ inches) onto each square using a glass, if desired. Set these aside.
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Boil liquids: In a medium saucepan, combine water, whole milk, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, watching carefully to prevent it from boiling over.
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Mix flour: Once boiling, remove from heat and add the bread flour. Stir vigorously until you have a thick and smooth paste. Return the saucepan to medium-high heat and stir for a minute longer to dry out the mixture slightly.
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Cool batter: Transfer the dough to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until the steam subsides and the batter cools slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
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Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully absorbed before adding the next. The batter should be smooth, glossy, and elastic.
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Pipe dough: Fill a large piping bag fitted with a large star decorating tip. Lightly spray a baking sheet, place the parchment squares, and spray the squares lightly.
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Shape crullers: Using the piping bag, pipe a ring of dough onto each parchment square, sealing each circle as you go. Set them aside for frying.
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Heat oil: In a deep fryer or large saucepan, heat vegetable or canola oil to 370ºF. This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden fry!
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Fry crullers: Once the oil is hot, carefully place 2-3 crullers (with parchment) into the oil, paper-side up. Fry for about 45 seconds, then remove the paper using tongs.
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Finish frying: Fry each cruller for 2-3 minutes per side until they are medium golden brown. Use care to remove them from the oil, placing them on a wire cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain.
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Glaze crullers: When the crullers are still slightly warm, dip them into the strawberry glaze and sprinkle with strawberry sugar before returning them to the cooling rack.
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Prepare glaze: For the strawberry glaze, puree the fresh sliced strawberries and set aside.
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Mix glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, pureed strawberries, and whole milk. Whisk until everything is well blended and smooth.
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Make strawberry sugar: For the strawberry sugar, process freeze-dried strawberries into fine bits, then mix together with granulated sugar in a small bowl and pulse to combine.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh strawberries on top for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Strawberry Glazed French Crullers?
When it’s time to indulge in these sweet delights, consider pairing them with these delightful accompaniments for a complete experience that dances on your taste buds.
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Fresh Berries: A vibrant mix of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries to enhance the crullers’ fruity sweetness and add a fresh, tangy bite.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it complements the soft textures of the crullers, inviting a luxurious experience in every bite. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
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Cup of Coffee or Tea: The boldness of a freshly brewed cup balances the sweetness, making it a perfect pairing for brunch or afternoon treats.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle a rich chocolate sauce over your crullers for an indulgent twist that bridges flavors beautifully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert option, these warm crullers served alongside creamy vanilla ice cream create a blissful contrast in temperature and texture.
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Lemon Curd: The bright acidity from lemon curd cuts through the sweetness, bringing a delightful zing that refreshes your palate.
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Homemade Fruit Salsa: A fresh, zesty fruit salsa with hints of lime can elevate your crullers from breakfast to dessert in a flash!
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Sparkling Lemonade: This bubbly drink not only refreshes but also adds a tartness that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet strawberry glaze.
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Chocolate Milkshake: For a fun treat, serve your crullers with a thick, creamy chocolate milkshake for a nostalgic dessert experience that everyone will love.
These suggestions will surely enhance your enjoyment of the Strawberry Glazed French Crullers, making every bite a little piece of heaven.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cruller dough and pipe it onto parchment squares up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the piped dough in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy them, heat the oil and fry the crullers straight from the fridge for just as delicious results. For the glaze, you can mix the powdered sugar with fresh pureed strawberries and whole milk up to 3 days ahead, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, you’ll have delightful, homemade Strawberry Glazed French Crullers ready to impress with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Glazed French Crullers
Room Temperature: Store crullers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature to maintain their freshness and crispiness.
Fridge: If you need to keep crullers longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. It’s best to reheat them to restore their texture.
Freezer: Freeze crullers individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving for that fresh taste.
Reheating: To enjoy slightly chilled crullers, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This will help revive their delightful crunch!
Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Variations
Explore delightful twists and adaptations that will let your creativity shine—a beautiful world of flavor awaits!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute bread flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a fluffy, gluten-friendly cruller.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut milk and vegan butter for a delicious plant-based version.
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Chocolate Dip: Swap the strawberry glaze for a rich chocolate ganache for a decadent treat that chocoholics will adore.
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens every bite.
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Caramel Drizzle: Top your crullers with a drizzle of silky caramel for a sweet and indulgent flavor explosion.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts into the batter for an irresistible crunchy texture.
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Spicy Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the glaze for a surprising spicy kick that pairs beautifully with sweet strawberries.
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Berry Blend: Mix in other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, to the glaze for a delightful medley of fruity flavors.
Each variation opens up new horizons of taste, turning these classic crullers into your own signature creation!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers
Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and strawberries are fresh for the best flavor. Old ingredients can lead to flat-tasting crullers.
Perfect Frying Temperature: Always use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at 370ºF. Too hot, and the outside burns; too cool, and your crullers will absorb too much oil.
Don’t Rush the Batter: Allow the batter to cool slightly before adding the eggs. If added too early, the eggs can cook and create a lumpy texture in your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers.
Pipe with Care: When piping the dough, close the circle completely to avoid gaps during frying. This creates that perfect, beautiful shape.
Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a little more milk gradually. It should be pourable but thick enough to coat the crullers.
Let Them Cool: Allow crullers to cool on a wire rack after frying to maintain their crispiness and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select fresh strawberries for the glaze?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are deep red, firm, and have a bright green leafy cap. Avoid any that have dark spots or are overly soft, as these can lead to a less flavorful glaze. Fresh strawberries will yield the sweetest flavor for your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers.
How should I store leftover crullers?
To keep your crullers fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their delightful crunch!
Can I freeze Strawberry Glazed French Crullers?
Very much so! To freeze, wrap each cruller individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain that freshly fried taste.
What can I do if my batter is too thick?
No worries! If your batter seems too thick, you can add a little bit of warm water or milk, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until you achieve a smooth and slightly elastic texture. It should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped but not too stiff—think of a soft frosting consistency!
Are there any dietary considerations for these crullers?
Certainly! To make these crullers dairy-free, you can substitute unsweetened almond or oat milk for whole milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. For those with egg allergies, you can experiment with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, letting it sit until it gelates). Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How long can I keep the strawberry glaze before using it?
You can store any leftover strawberry glaze in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container. Before using it again, give it a good stir, as it may thicken a bit in the fridge. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a little bit of milk until you reach your desired consistency!
Delicious Strawberry Glazed French Crullers You Can Make Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut parchment paper into 18, 4” x 4” squares and set aside.
- Combine water, whole milk, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add the bread flour, stirring until a thick and smooth paste forms.
- Transfer the dough to a stand mixer and beat on medium speed until the steam subsides.
- Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully absorbed before adding the next.
- Fill a large piping bag with the dough and pipe rings onto the parchment squares.
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer to 370ºF.
- Carefully place 2-3 crullers into the hot oil, frying for about 45 seconds.
- Remove the parchment and continue frying each cruller for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Dip warm crullers into the strawberry glaze and sprinkle with strawberry sugar before cooling.
- For the glaze, puree fresh strawberries and mix with sifted powdered sugar and whole milk.
- Process freeze-dried strawberries into fine bits, then mix with granulated sugar.