Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe
Delight in these light and airy French Crullers topped with a fresh strawberry glaze and sprinkled with homemade strawberry sugar. These classic, deep-fried pastries boast a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior, perfectly complemented by a sweet and tangy strawberry finish that elevates this French favorite into a delicious dessert or treat.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 crullers 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
For the French Crullers:
- ½ cup Water
- ½ cup Whole Milk
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 1/3 cup Bread Flour
- 4 Large Eggs
- Vegetable or Canola Oil (for frying; enough to fill a deep fryer or deep skillet halfway)
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
- ¼ cup Fresh Strawberries (cut and mashed or pureed)
- 3–4 tbsp Whole Milk
For the Strawberry Sugar:
- ½ cup Freeze Dried Strawberries (processed into fine bits)
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- Prepare Parchment Squares: Cut parchment paper into eighteen 4” x 4” squares. Optionally, trace 3 to 3½ inch diameter circles onto each square using a glass. Set aside for piping guidance.
- Make Choux Pastry Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine water, whole milk, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to prevent boil-overs. Remove from heat, add bread flour, and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until combined.
- Cook Dough: Return pan to medium-high heat. Continuously stir and press dough into the sides until it forms a thick, smooth paste that pulls away cleanly from the pan sides.
- Cool and Beat Dough: Transfer dough to a stand mixer with paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until steam dissipates and dough cools slightly.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one by one, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Scrape bowl sides between eggs. The final batter should be smooth, glossy, thick, and elastic, forming a V shape when lifted.
- Pipe Dough: Fit a large piping bag with a star tip and transfer dough. Lightly spray a baking sheet and parchment squares. Place squares on the sheet with circle side down. Pipe closed rings of dough onto each square.
- Heat Oil: Preheat vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 370ºF. Use a thermometer to monitor temperature if frying on stovetop.
- Fry Crullers: Carefully place 2-3 crullers with paper side up into the oil. After 45 seconds, remove parchment paper with tongs. Fry each cruller for 2-3 minutes per side until medium golden brown.
- Drain and Cool: Remove crullers with tongs or slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and cool.
- Prepare Strawberry Glaze: Puree fresh strawberries using a food processor or mash thoroughly. In a bowl, whisk together sifted powdered sugar, pureed strawberries, and 3-4 tbsp whole milk until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Strawberry Sugar: Process freeze-dried strawberries into fine bits, then pulse with granulated sugar. Store in airtight container.
- Glaze and Garnish: When crullers are cool enough to handle, dip them into the strawberry glaze, then sprinkle generously with strawberry sugar. Place back on the rack for glaze to set.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the strawberry glazed French crullers immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Notes
- Use a candy or digital thermometer to maintain oil temperature precisely at 370ºF for perfect frying results.
- Ensure eggs are added one at a time and fully incorporated to achieve the ideal choux dough consistency.
- Remove parchment paper carefully after initial frying to avoid sogginess.
- Freeze-dried strawberry sugar adds a crunchy texture and intense strawberry flavor; can be made ahead and stored sealed.
- The crullers are best eaten fresh; refrigeration may soften their crisp exterior.
Keywords: French cruller, strawberry glaze, deep-fried pastry, choux pastry, strawberry sugar, dessert, pastry glaze