As I stood in my kitchen this morning, the scent of warm oil and sweet strawberries filled the air, transporting me to a sunny afternoon at a French bakery. Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are my go-to treat when I crave something light and airy, yet indulgent. With a delightfully crispy exterior and a tender interior, they are perfectly complemented by a homemade strawberry glaze that captures the essence of summer. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity, making it a delightful project for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, they’re an instant crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or an afternoon pick-me-up. Are you ready to create your own batch and impress your loved ones? Let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!

Why Are Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Irresistible?

Simplicity at Its Finest: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, anyone can whip up these delightful treats.
Light and Fluffy: The airy texture complements the crispiness, making each bite a heavenly experience.
Sweet Summer Flavor: The homemade strawberry glaze adds a burst of freshness that captures seasonal happiness, perfect for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Serve them at brunch, and watch everyone indulge – they’re sure to disappear fast! Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate experience, just like my Roasted Strawberry Whipped toast!
Endless Customization: Whether you use fresh strawberries or freeze-dried ones for a twist, these crullers offer fun variations to keep your baking exciting!

Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry

Water – Provides moisture to create the perfect choux pastry.
Whole Milk – Adds richness and enhances the flavor of your crullers.
Unsalted Butter – Offers a buttery taste that significantly impacts texture.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crullers, balancing all the flavors.
Salt – Helps balance the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Bread Flour – Creates structure; its higher protein content is crucial for the desired airy texture.
Large Eggs – Essential for leavening and structure; they contribute to the lightness!
Vegetable or Canola Oil – Ideal for frying; feel free to substitute with your favorite neutral oil.

For the Strawberry Glaze

Powdered Sugar – Serves as the base for the delicious strawberry glaze.
Fresh Strawberries – Provides fresh flavor; can also be pureed or mashed for different textures.
Whole Milk (for glaze) – Adjusts the glaze’s consistency to perfection.

For the Strawberry Sugar

Freeze Dried Strawberries – Offers intense strawberry flavor without extra moisture, perfect for a sweet sprinkle.
Granulated Sugar (for strawberry sugar) – Sweetens and enhances that delightful strawberry flavor in your garnish.

Get ready to treat your taste buds with these Strawberry Glazed French Crullers that blend sweetness with airy goodness!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Step 1: Prepare Parchment Squares
Begin by cutting eighteen 4” x 4” squares of parchment paper. If desired, use a pen to lightly trace circles on each square to guide your piping. This will help you create uniform crullers, ensuring they fry evenly and look delightful.

Step 2: Cook Choux Pastry
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of whole milk, ½ cup of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium-high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Immediately add 1 ¼ cups of bread flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until it forms a thick paste that pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Step 3: Steam Out Moisture
Transfer the thick paste to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the steam to escape and the temperature to decrease slightly. This step is crucial for achieving the desired airy texture of your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers, so make sure the mixture is cool to the touch before proceeding.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs
Once the choux pastry has cooled, add four large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue beating until the batter becomes smooth and glossy, about 2-3 minutes. The texture should be thick yet pipeable, ready for shaping.

Step 5: Pipe Dough
Spoon the batter into a large piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Pipe the dough onto the prepared parchment squares, creating circular rings approximately 3 inches in diameter. Ensure the rings are even and well-defined, as this will help them maintain their shape during frying.

Step 6: Fry Crullers
In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable or canola oil to 370°F (188°C). Carefully lower the cruller rings into the hot oil, starting with just a few at a time. Fry each cruller for 2-3 minutes per side, using tongs to remove the parchment paper after about 45 seconds. The crullers should be golden brown and puffed, giving a perfect crispy exterior.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Once fried, transfer the crullers to a wire rack to drain excess oil for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the strawberry glaze by whisking powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, and a splash of whole milk until smooth. Dip the cooled crullers into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. For a delightful finish, sprinkle with strawberry sugar while the glaze is still wet.

Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and enhance these delightful crullers with personal touches!

Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a lighter glaze that still tastes divine.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the crullers instead of glaze for a rich twist that’s utterly indulgent.
Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the glaze for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens each bite.
Spiced Sugar: Dust the crullers with cinnamon sugar instead of strawberry sugar for a warm, cozy touch on chilly mornings.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like almonds or pistachios, into the glaze for added texture and flavor. Their crunch adds an exciting contrast to the soft pastry!
Seasonal Variations: Swap fresh strawberries for other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, to celebrate different seasons beautifully.
Savory Spin: Infuse the choux pastry with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique savory version, perfect for pairing with cheeses at brunch.
Fruity Glaze: Use pureed peaches or mangos in place of strawberries for a tropical spin that transports you to a sun-soaked getaway.

If you’re looking for more fruity inspiration, don’t miss my delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad or the indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. Let’s make those crullers special together!

Storage Tips for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Room Temperature: Enjoy these crullers fresh for the best taste and texture, ideally within a few hours of making them.

Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day to maintain their softness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unglazed crullers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Reheating: To enjoy your crullers later, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until warm and crispy. Best to glaze just before serving to preserve the fresh flavor of strawberry!

Expert Tips for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Organize Your Workspace: Keep all ingredients and tools within arm’s reach to streamline your cooking process and avoid any last-minute scrambles.
Perfect Piping Technique: Ensure your dough rings are evenly piped for uniform cooking. Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to try a few test rounds!
Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the frying oil at 370°F. Too cold will make oily crullers, while too hot can lead to burnt exteriors.
Cool Before Glazing: Allow your crullers to cool slightly on a wire rack before dipping them in glaze to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful finish.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a touch of vanilla or almond extract to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor, focusing on complementing the strawberries in your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers.

Make Ahead Options

These Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time without sacrificing quality! You can prepare the choux pastry up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain that light, airy texture, simply scoop the pastry into your piping bag and pipe the rings on parchment squares before frying. You can also make the strawberry glaze ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days; just give it a good stir before using. When you’re ready to serve, fry the crullers and glaze them for a fresh, delightful treat that tastes just as delicious as if they were made fresh that day!

What to Serve with Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Let your creativity soar as you design the perfect spread to accompany these delightful, airy treats.

Rich Coffee: A bold coffee enhances the sweet flavors and provides a comforting contrast to the light crullers.
Fresh Berries: Juicy mixed berries add a refreshing burst, enhancing the fruity notes of the strawberry glaze.
Light Whipped Cream: Smooth and airy, it offers an indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with the crullers’ texture.
Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy and slightly tangy, it balances sweetness while adding a nutritious element to your afternoon snack.

Imagine serving the crullers with a side of fresh berries, allowing your guests to create their own delicious combinations. Each bite becomes a delightful exploration of flavors that play off the cruller’s sweetness!

Sparkling Lemonade: Light and fizzy, this drink brings a zesty brightness that elevates the entire tasting experience.
Homemade Lemon Curd: A tangy twist that complements the sweetness of the crullers while offering an elegant touch to your dessert spread.
Chocolate Drizzle: A quick drizzle of melted chocolate can add a luxurious element, turning your crullers into a decadent indulgence.
Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits enhances the fresh strawberry notes and adds a healthy crunch to the experience.

Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe strawberries for the glaze?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are vibrant red, firm to the touch, and free of dark spots. Ideally, they should have a sweet fragrance, indicating ripeness. If you can find organic strawberries, they tend to pack more flavor, making your glaze even more delightful.

What’s the best way to store leftover crullers?
Very! Store your unglazed crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for the best texture, but they should be enjoyed fresh within a few hours. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in the same container for up to 1 day. This method helps retain their airy texture while keeping them safe from moisture.

Can I freeze Strawberry Glazed French Crullers?
Yes! To freeze the crullers, first cool them completely, and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid (about 1-2 hours), transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes before glazing, which helps to restore their original texture.

What should I do if my dough is too runny?
Don’t worry if this happens! If your batter seems too runny after adding the eggs, it might need more flour. Start by adding an additional tablespoon of bread flour, mixing well. If it still doesn’t hold its shape, give it a few more minutes in the mixer; the batter should achieve a thick, pipeable consistency. It’s essential for the crullers to have structure while frying, so patience is key here.

Are Strawberry Glazed French Crullers safe for pets?
No, it’s best to keep these delectable treats away from pets. The sugar and butter can be harmful, and many pets are sensitive to the ingredients used in baked goods. If you’re looking to share some love with your furry friends, consider making them a pet-friendly treat instead!

Can I substitute ingredients if I have allergies?
Certainly! If you’re avoiding eggs, you can try using flax eggs as a substitute (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). Additionally, vegetable oil can be replaced with coconut oil for frying. Always be sure to check for any other allergies with your additional ingredients like sugar or flavorings, and feel free to experiment with different fruits in the glaze too!