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Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe

4.6 from 81 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
  • 34 tbsp Whole Milk

For the Strawberry Sugar:

  • ½ cup Freeze Dried Strawberries (processed into fine bits)
  • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Prepare Strawberry Sugar: Process freeze-dried strawberries into fine bits, then pulse with granulated sugar. Store in airtight container.
  12. 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.
  13. 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