Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

If you’re craving a light, airy treat with a burst of fruity sweetness, you’re going to love Strawberry Glazed French Crullers. These golden, ridged donuts offer a perfect crunch softening into a fluffy interior, all topped with a shiny, luscious strawberry glaze that’s both eye-catching and delicious. Whether it’s a breakfast indulgence, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are an irresistible way to bring joy to your day with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delightfully light texture: The crullers have a unique hollow, airy structure that melts in your mouth.
• Vibrant strawberry glaze: Adds a fresh, fruity burst that balances perfectly with the mild sweetness of the dough.
• Simple ingredient list: Uses pantry staples that make the process straightforward and accessible for all home bakers.
• Versatile for occasions: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a special treat for guests.
• Customizable recipe: Easily adapted to suit dietary preferences and flavor twists.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of airy dough and flavorful glaze. Each component plays a vital role, from the eggs that provide structure to the fresh strawberries that create a radiant glaze full of natural sweetness and color.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving structure without heaviness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter for a tender crumb.
• Butter: Provides a slight richness and enhances flavor and texture.
• Eggs: Key for the dough’s rise and the cruller’s light texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough gently while balancing the strawberry glaze.
• Baking powder: Helps give the crullers their characteristic lift and fluffiness.
• Fresh strawberries: Essential for the glaze, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Powdered sugar: Creates the smooth, sweet strawberry glaze.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the glaze with a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures the crullers get golden, crispy edges without heavy greasiness.

Variations for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to switch up flavors, cater to dietary needs, or add your unique twist, here are some scrumptious ideas to inspire your creativity.

• Chocolate dip: Replace the strawberry glaze with a rich dark chocolate coating for decadence.
• Vegan option: Use plant-based milk and egg replacers to make these crullers cruelty-free and just as delicious.
• Berry medley glaze: Blend strawberries with raspberries and blueberries for a mixed berry finish.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: Skip the glaze and toss warm crullers in cinnamon sugar for a cozy twist.
• Almond or other nut extracts: Add a hint of almond extract to the dough or glaze for a nutty aroma and taste.

How to Make Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Step 1: Prepare the pâte à choux dough

Start by combining milk, butter, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Step 2: Incorporate the eggs

Once the dough cools slightly, add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. This helps create the signature airy texture that crullers are known for.

Step 3: Pipe the dough into crullers

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 3- to 4-inch rings onto parchment-lined baking sheets. These ridged rings will give your crullers their classic shape and distinctive texture.

Step 4: Fry the crullers

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough rings in batches, turning once, until puffed and golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Make the strawberry glaze

While the crullers cool slightly, blend fresh strawberries with powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice until smooth and glossy. Adjust sweetness to taste.

Step 6: Glaze the crullers

Dip the top of each warm cruller into the strawberry glaze and place them on a rack to allow the glaze to set. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that beautifully complements the crisp, airy donuts.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

• Temperature control: Maintain oil at a steady 350°F for even frying without greasy crullers.
• Use room temperature eggs: This helps the dough integrate better, enhancing texture.
• Pipe with precision: A star tip gives the crulls their classic ridges that hold onto glaze perfectly.
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and avoid sogginess.
• Fresh strawberries are best: Use ripe berries for a naturally sweet and vibrant glaze.

How to Serve Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Garnishes

Top your glazed crullers with fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of edible flower petals for a cheerful, elegant touch that complements the fruity glaze.

Side Dishes

Pair with a cup of rich coffee, hot chocolate, or a fruity herbal tea to balance the sweet glaze and crunchy cruller. Fresh fruit salad can add a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve crullers on a tiered dessert stand for brunch or an afternoon tea party. You can also create a dessert platter with assorted glazes and fresh berries for a vibrant, shareable experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to retain their crispness and powdered sugar glaze.

Freezing

Wrap cooled crullers individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Reheat crullers gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crisp exterior without melting the glaze completely.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the glaze?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen strawberries well before blending to avoid excess moisture diluting the glaze.

Are French crullers gluten-free friendly?

Traditional French crullers use wheat flour, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for frying, although texture may vary.

What’s the difference between a cruller and a regular donut?

Crullers have a light, hollow, ridged dough made from pâte à choux, unlike traditional yeast or cake donuts which are denser and smoother.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While the classic method is frying, crullers can be baked at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, but they will be less crispy.

How long does the strawberry glaze keep?

The glaze is best used fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir well before dipping crullers again.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are a delightful blend of light, airy textures and vibrant fruit flavors that brighten any moment. Easy to make, utterly tasty, and wonderfully versatile, this recipe invites you to share the joy of homemade treats with family and friends. Trust me, once you try making these lovely crullers, they will quickly become a cherished favorite for every occasion.

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