If you’ve ever wanted to indulge in a bakery-fresh treat without stepping foot outside your kitchen, this Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe is exactly the delight you need. These light, airy, and elegantly twisted pastries are fried to golden perfection and kissed with a luscious strawberry glaze made from real freeze-dried strawberries. The combination of the pillowy crullers and the vibrant, sweet glaze feels like a celebration in every bite, making it impossible to stop at just one. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to whenever you’re craving something special and utterly scrumptious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about simple, high-quality ingredients that transform into a masterpiece. Each component plays a vital role — from creating the perfect airy dough to the irresistible glaze that delivers that signature strawberry flavor and sweet shine.
- ½ cup water: Essential for steaming and softening the dough during initial cooking.
- ½ cup milk: Adds richness and tenderness to the crullers’ texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Provides a creamy flavor and helps create the dough’s delicate crumb.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Just enough to balance the dough without overpowering it.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough that gives structure and chew.
- 4 large eggs: These eggs lend richness and help achieve that light, airy cruller texture.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the dough.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to fry the crullers until golden and crisp.
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder: The star ingredient for a bright, natural strawberry glaze.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze beautifully.
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream: Adjusts the glaze consistency to a perfect dipping texture.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the strawberry glaze with a smooth aromatic finish.
How to Make Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Choux Dough
Begin by bringing the water, milk, butter, and sugar to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Stir constantly so the butter melts evenly, then add the flour all at once, stirring quickly until the mixture pulls away from the sides and forms a ball of dough. This step sets the foundation for the crullers’ lift and structure, so be sure to cook it well until it forms that perfect cohesive dough.
Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure the dough becomes smooth and glossy before adding the next. This gradual addition of eggs lifts the dough and injects the airy lightness that makes French crullers so irresistible. Stir in the vanilla extract for that touch of aromatic flavor that keeps the dough from tasting flat.
Step 3: Shape and Freeze the Crullers
Fit a piping bag with a large star tip and pipe the dough into rings about 3 inches in diameter on parchment-lined baking sheets. The classic ridges are what give crullers their signature look and extra surface area for the glaze to cling to. Pop them into the freezer for at least 30 minutes — this chilling step firms up the dough, helping it hold its shape perfectly when fried.
Step 4: Fry Until Puffy and Golden
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slide the frozen dough rings into the hot oil, frying for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re gorgeously puffed and golden brown. Watch closely to ensure even cooking and a light, crispy exterior with a satisfyingly tender center. Then, transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil, preserving that delicate crunch.
Step 5: Dip in the Strawberry Glaze
While the crullers cool, whisk together powdered sugar, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, milk or cream, and vanilla to create the irresistible strawberry glaze. Adjust the milk to get a smooth but not too runny consistency, perfect for dipping. One by one, dip the tops of the crullers into this vividly pink glaze and set them on a wire rack to allow the glaze to firm up. This glaze is what truly elevates this French classic into a fresh, fruity sensation.
How to Serve Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder or some finely chopped fresh strawberries on top to make these treats even more vibrant and appealing. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty finish and a touch more sweetness. Garnishes bring an extra sparkle that makes this recipe so much fun to present.
Side Dishes
Serve crullers alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a creamy latte. Their airy puffiness and sweet glaze pair fantastically with a warm beverage for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack. Fresh fruit or a small yogurt parfait can complement their richness perfectly, making your strawberry glazed French cruller experience feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra touch of elegance, stack a few glazed crullers on a tiered dessert stand at a brunch or party. You can also serve them with small bowls of whipped cream or strawberry compote on the side for dipping or drizzling. Turning these pastries into bite-sized mini crullers is another charming idea, especially for gatherings where finger foods shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover crullers (though it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To help preserve their crisp outer layer, place a piece of parchment between layers so they don’t stick together or lose texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unfried piped cruller dough on parchment-lined trays for up to 2 months. Freeze them solid before transferring to a sealed bag to keep them fresh. When ready, fry straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the frying time. Unfortunately, freezing fried crullers is not recommended as it may compromise their delicate texture.
Reheating
If you need to enjoy your crullers warm after storage, gently reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore some of their crispness. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soft and chewy rather than light and airy. Pair with fresh glaze to refresh every bite.
FAQs
What makes French crullers different from regular doughnuts?
French crullers are made from a choux pastry dough instead of yeast or cake dough. This gives them their signature hollow, airy texture and delicate crispness that’s quite different from classic doughnuts.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried for the glaze?
Fresh strawberries contain much more water, which can thin out the glaze, so freeze-dried strawberry powder is ideal for a vibrant flavor without compromising consistency. You can blend fresh strawberries into a sauce to drizzle on top if you want an extra fresh touch alongside the glaze.
Is it necessary to freeze the dough rings before frying?
Yes, freezing the shaped dough helps the crullers hold their intricate shape when frying. Without chilling, the dough may lose its ridges and not puff up as beautifully.
What oil should I use for frying the crullers?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. These oils won’t interfere with the delicate taste and handle the frying temperature well without smoking.
How long do the glazed crullers stay fresh?
They taste best the day they are made but will stay reasonably fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature. Beyond that, they may lose their crispness and become soggy.
Final Thoughts
Making these Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience. Their delicate puff pastry combined with the sweet, tangy strawberry glaze feels like a loving hug in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends and family, this recipe’s simplicity and elegance shine through. I hope you enjoy making and savoring these delightful crullers as much as I do—happy baking and happy indulging!
Print
Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 crullers
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Description
These Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are light, airy, and perfectly golden-fried dough rings topped with a sweet, tangy strawberry glaze made from freeze-dried strawberries. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they are an elegant twist on a classic French pastry, ideal for breakfast or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying (enough to deep fry, approximately 4 cups)
Strawberry Glaze
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, unsalted butter, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, quickly stir in the flour all at once, and continue cooking while stirring until the mixture forms a smooth dough that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Incorporate the eggs: Remove the dough from heat and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, until the dough is smooth, glossy, and has a pipeable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Shape the crullers: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a plain or star tip. Pipe rings about 3 inches in diameter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the piped dough rings in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up before frying.
- Fry the crullers: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen dough rings in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the crullers are puffed up and a deep golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the strawberry glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder, powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thick but pourable. Adjust milk amount to achieve desired consistency.
- Glaze the crullers: Once the crullers have cooled, dip their tops into the strawberry glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them on a rack or parchment paper to let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the oil temperature remains constant at 350°F to achieve optimal puffiness and golden texture.
- Freezing the dough before frying helps the crullers hold their shape and puff properly.
- Use a fine powder for freeze-dried strawberries to ensure a smooth glaze without lumps.
- The glaze can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days; crullers are best enjoyed fresh.
