Strawberry glazed French crullers are a delicious, light, and fluffy pastry that combines the richness of fried dough with the sweetness of a strawberry glaze. These crullers are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Once the butter has melted and the mixture is boiling, add the flour all at once, stirring vigorously until a dough forms.
3. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to dry out the dough. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
7. Pipe the dough into the hot oil in 3-4 inch long strips, making a spiral shape. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove the crullers from the oil and drain on paper towels.
9. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
10. Dip each cruller into the strawberry glaze and allow the glaze to set before serving.

Nutritional Information 

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 3g

History of French Crullers

The French cruller is a timeless pastry with a rich history that dates back centuries. Originally from France, the cruller is believed to have been inspired by the French word “croissant,” which refers to the crescent shape that many pastries were first molded into. The French cruller evolved into the fried dough dessert that we enjoy today, becoming popular in various countries with regional variations. While the cruller originally appeared in French bakeries, its popularity spread across Europe and eventually into the United States, where it became a favorite for its light, airy texture and ability to pair beautifully with coffee.

What Makes a French Cruller Different?

French crullers stand out from other fried dough pastries due to their light, airy texture. Unlike doughnuts, which are typically made with a yeast-based dough, French crullers are made with pâte à choux, a type of dough that is cooked on the stovetop before being piped into the desired shape. This cooking technique creates a pastry that is crispy on the outside while remaining tender and hollow on the inside. The signature twisty or spiral shape of French crullers also differentiates them from other fried doughs, adding to their unique appeal.

Why Choose Strawberry Glazed French Crullers?

Strawberry glazed French crullers offer a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The fresh, tangy sweetness of the strawberry glaze complements the delicate, airy texture of the cruller, creating a perfect balance between crispy and creamy. The vibrant pink hue of the glaze not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fruity kick that elevates the traditional cruller. This variation is especially popular during the warmer months when strawberries are in season, offering a refreshing and seasonal twist on a classic treat.

The Appeal of Glazed Pastries

The glazing on pastries such as crullers plays an important role in both flavor and presentation. Glazes not only add sweetness and shine but also help to seal in moisture, keeping the cruller fresh for longer periods. The strawberry glaze is particularly appealing because it provides a natural sweetness and a fruity taste that pairs wonderfully with the fried dough. The glaze also adds a touch of luxury to the pastry, making it feel more like a special treat for any occasion.

Pâte à Choux: The Secret to Perfect Crullers

The key to a perfect French cruller lies in the pâte à choux dough. This versatile dough is used for a variety of pastries, including éclairs, profiteroles, and, of course, crullers. Pâte à choux is unique because it is cooked on the stove before being baked or fried, which helps to create the light, airy texture that is characteristic of crullers. The dough is made by combining butter, water, flour, and eggs, then vigorously stirring until it forms a smooth mixture. Once the eggs are added, the dough becomes rich and stretchy, allowing it to hold its shape when piped into spirals.

Perfecting the Frying Technique

Frying French crullers requires attention to detail to ensure that the crullers are crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. The oil must be at the right temperature—around 350°F (175°C)—for optimal results. If the oil is too hot, the crullers will burn on the outside before cooking through on the inside; if it’s too cold, the crullers will absorb excess oil, becoming greasy and heavy. Using a deep fryer or a large pot with a thermometer can help maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring that each cruller fries evenly.

The Importance of Piping the Dough

Piping the pâte à choux dough into the cruller shape is an important step that requires some practice. The dough should be piped into long, spiral shapes, which will expand and puff up as they fry. The key to getting the perfect shape is to apply even pressure on the piping bag, making sure the dough is distributed in a continuous spiral. The use of a large star tip creates the cruller’s signature ridged texture, adding to its visual appeal and allowing the glaze to adhere better to the surface.

The Role of the Strawberry Glaze

The strawberry glaze is what takes these crullers from ordinary to extraordinary. Made with powdered sugar, strawberry puree, milk, and vanilla extract, the glaze is smooth and glossy, giving the crullers a beautiful finish. The natural sweetness and flavor of the strawberries shine through, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery dough. Additionally, the glaze adds a layer of moisture that keeps the crullers soft and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.

How to Customize Your Crullers

While strawberry glaze is a delicious option, French crullers are incredibly versatile and can be customized with a variety of glazes and toppings. Some popular variations include chocolate glaze, maple glaze, and even lemon glaze. You can also top your crullers with sprinkles, nuts, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. For those who enjoy a more decadent dessert, adding a filling such as whipped cream or custard can take these pastries to the next level.

Pairing French Crullers with Beverages

French crullers are a delightful treat to enjoy with a variety of beverages. Their light texture and sweet glaze make them a perfect accompaniment to coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For a more indulgent pairing, a glass of milk or a frothy cappuccino complements the rich, fried pastry. The subtle sweetness of the strawberry glaze enhances the flavors of the drink, creating a harmonious balance of taste.

Serving and Storing French Crullers

French crullers are best served fresh and warm, right after being glazed. However, if you have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. To store crullers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. While they can be kept for a day or two, they are best enjoyed within 24 hours to retain their light and crispy texture. If you want to enjoy them later, consider reheating them in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

French Crullers in Popular Culture

French crullers have made their mark in popular culture, often being featured in bakeries and restaurants across the world. They have become a symbol of indulgence, appearing in everything from food blogs to social media platforms, where people share their love for these delightful pastries. Their popularity in North America, particularly in donut shops, has helped cement them as a beloved pastry in both traditional and modern forms.

Health Considerations When Enjoying French Crullers

While French crullers are undeniably delicious, they are considered a treat best enjoyed in moderation. They are deep-fried and contain sugar and fat, making them high in calories. For those looking to indulge guilt-free, there are some ways to make healthier versions of French crullers, such as baking them instead of frying, using less sugar in the glaze, or incorporating whole-grain flour into the dough. These adjustments can help reduce the calorie count and fat content while still delivering a delicious result.

Tips for the Best French Crullers

To ensure that your French crullers turn out perfectly every time, there are a few tips you can follow. First, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately to get the right dough consistency. Second, always cook the pâte à choux dough for a few minutes on the stovetop to eliminate excess moisture, which helps create a lighter texture. Finally, maintain a consistent oil temperature during frying and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure that each cruller cooks evenly.

Making French Crullers for Special Occasions

French crullers can be a great addition to any special occasion. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday gathering, or brunch with friends, these pastries bring a touch of elegance to the table. You can even customize the glaze to match the theme of the event. For a Valentine’s Day treat, for example, a pink strawberry glaze or heart-shaped crullers can add a festive touch.

French Crullers in the Modern Kitchen

In today’s kitchen, making French crullers has become more accessible thanks to the availability of kitchen tools like deep fryers, thermometers, and piping bags. These tools help ensure that the crullers are perfectly fried and piped. Additionally, the popularity of homemade pastries has surged with the rise of baking shows and online recipe sharing, making it easier for anyone to try their hand at creating these delightful treats.

Why French Crullers Are a Favorite Among Pastry Lovers

French crullers are a favorite among pastry lovers because of their light, airy texture and their versatility. They are not overly sweet, which makes them perfect for pairing with a variety of beverages. Whether you’re enjoying them with coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack, French crullers satisfy without overwhelming the palate. The strawberry glaze adds a fresh twist that makes them even more enjoyable, and the possibility of customizing them ensures they appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, strawberry glazed French crullers are an indulgent and delightful treat that combines the best elements of French pastry with a modern, fruity twist. Their history, versatility, and flavor make them a beloved pastry, whether served as a special occasion treat or enjoyed as an everyday snack. By following the right techniques, you can easily master the art of making French crullers at home. With the addition of a vibrant strawberry glaze, these pastries take on a new dimension, offering both visual appeal and delicious flavor.