Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts

These Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts are a delightful fusion of flaky pastry and rich flavors, perfect for any occasion—from brunch parties to sweet indulgences after dinner. The combination of layers, creamy vanilla pastry, and fresh strawberry jam makes these cronuts a gourmet treat that stands out. Their crispy exterior and soft interior will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of strawberry and vanilla creates a deliciously unique taste that is sure to please.
• Gourmet Experience: Enjoy the luxury of a bakery-quality treat made right at home.
• Versatile Delight: Perfect for any occasion—birthday parties, brunches, or just as a sweet snack.
• Fun to Make: The process of making cronuts is enjoyable and rewarding for bakers of all levels.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve these beautiful treats to wow your friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts, having the right tools is essential. Make sure you gather everything you need before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Dough cutter
• Silicone mat
• Frying pot
• Pastry bags with Bismarck tips

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures even mixing and kneading of the dough without straining your arms.
• Frying pot: A deep pot allows for safe frying with ample oil, preventing splatter while achieving that perfect golden crust.

Ingredients

These Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts combine flaky layers with rich vanilla pastry cream and homemade strawberry jam for an irresistible gourmet treat.

• 250g bread flour
• 250g all-purpose flour
• 15g instant yeast (or active yeast)
• 12g kosher salt
• 40g granulated sugar
• 65g egg whites (approximately 2)
• 190g water or milk
• 100g unsalted butter, cubed, softened at room temperature
• 125g unsalted butter, softened
• 1 recipe for homemade strawberry jam
• 250g whole milk
• 50g granulated sugar
• 20g egg yolk (approximately 1)
• 50g whole egg (approximately 1)
• 3g vanilla paste (or extract)
• 15g all-purpose flour
• 15g corn starch
• 50g freeze dried strawberries, crushed into a fine powder
• 67g granulated sugar
• Canola oil, palm oil, or grapeseed oil (for frying)

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flours, sugar, salt, and instant yeast (keeping salt away from yeast). Add water or milk. Mix on low speed until combined. Then add butter cubes one at a time. Mix for 5–10 minutes until the dough pulls cleanly from the sides. Perform the gluten window test by stretching the dough until thin without tearing. The dough temperature should be between 75°F / 25°C and 80°F / 27°C.

Step 2: First Rise

Form the dough into a tight ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover with a wet towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm area for about 90 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Punch down the dough to remove air. Press it into a long oval shape, fold top and bottom edges toward the center, then roll into a log with the seam facing down. Flatten it slightly, cover again, and place it on a small tray. Freeze for 15 minutes on each side before refrigerating for up to an hour or up to 12 hours before lamination.

Step 4: Laminate the Dough

Roll chilled dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 7”x22”. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Fold into thirds like a letter and seal edges. Chill for another 30 minutes. Turn it 90 degrees; roll out again to the same size and repeat folding into thirds once more. Chill again for another 30 minutes. Complete three single turns in total before chilling it for one hour after the last turn.

Step 5: Final Chill Overnight

Roll the dough into an even rectangle measuring about 16 L x 8.5 W x 0.5 H. Cover this rectangle with plastic wrap and chill overnight.

Step 6: Make Strawberry Jam

Combine sliced strawberries with sugar in a saucepan; let rest for about 15 minutes to macerate. Pour out excess water but keep only about two tablespoons in the pan. Heat on medium-low heat while stirring occasionally until bubbling occurs. Mash strawberries while simmering for about 5–7 minutes until thickened. Cool down before straining out seeds; refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 7: Prepare Vanilla Pastry Cream

Beat together egg yolks, sugar, flour, and cornstarch in a bowl. Heat milk mixed with vanilla extract until lightly boiling. Temper egg mixture by adding one-fourth of hot milk; then pour back into remaining milk while whisking constantly. Return this mixture to medium-low heat; cook for two minutes until thickened. Transfer to a bowl covered with plastic wrap touching its surface; chill until ready to use.

Step 8: Cut Out Cronuts

Cut out eight circles using a cutter approximately three-and-a-half inches wide; create center holes using another cutter roughly one-and-two-tenths inches wide. Arrange them on silicone mat-lined trays; cover loosely with plastic wrap and proof them for around ninety minutes until they reach about one-and-fourth inches tall before chilling them again for thirty minutes prior to frying.

Step 9: Prepare Strawberry Sugar Coating

Combine crushed freeze-dried strawberries with granulated sugar in a bowl; mix well.

Step 10: Whip Pastry Cream

Whip chilled pastry cream until stiff peaks form; fill one pastry bag fitted with a Bismarck tip while filling another bag with strawberry jam also fitted with Bismarck tip.

Step 11: Fry Cronuts

Heat oil in your pot up to approximately375°F/190°C; fry cronuts one at a time for several minutes per side until they turn golden brown before removing them using slotted spoons onto paper towel-lined trays.

Step 12: Garnish & Serve

While still warm, roll cronuts in strawberry sugar mixture generously coating them all over their surfaces! Inject pastry cream at four points along their bodies topping each injection point generously using strawberry jam allowing it pool slightly inside these treats! Finally add extra dollops of pastry cream atop alongside fresh strawberry slices! Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts

Serving your Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts can elevate the experience into a gourmet treat. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy them.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Berries Medley – Serve cronuts alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Bananas – Add some sliced bananas to bring out the sweetness in the strawberry jam.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• Dark Chocolate Drizzle – A rich dark chocolate sauce adds an indulgent touch that pairs well with the vanilla pastry cream.
• White Chocolate Shavings – For a sweeter option, top with shavings of white chocolate to enhance the dessert’s creamy flavors.

Serve with Coffee or Tea

• Espresso – The bold flavor of espresso complements the sweet cronuts perfectly, creating a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Herbal Tea – A light herbal tea can balance the rich flavors and provide a soothing experience.

How to Perfect Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts

Perfecting your Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh strawberries and high-quality butter to ensure superior flavor and texture.
• Monitor Dough Temperature – Keeping your dough at 75-80°F ensures optimal yeast performance and flaky layers.
• Don’t Rush Proofing – Allow enough time for your cronuts to rise properly; this step is crucial for achieving that airy, light texture.
• Heat Oil Correctly – Make sure your oil reaches 375°F before frying; this ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
• Roll Evenly – When rolling out your dough, aim for an even thickness throughout to ensure consistent cooking.
• Fill Generously – Don’t be shy when injecting pastry cream and strawberry jam; generous fillings make each bite irresistible.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts

To create a complete meal or treat experience, consider pairing your cronuts with these delightful side dishes.

1. Fruit Salad – A vibrant fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cronuts.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and fruits makes a nutritious complement to the rich dessert.
3. Savory Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can contrast nicely with the sweet flavors of the cronuts.
4. Chocolate Mousse – Indulge further by serving alongside creamy chocolate mousse for a decadent dessert spread.
5. Pancakes – Fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup create a brunch delight when served together.
6. Whipped Cream Dip – A light whipped cream dip enhances the flavors while providing a fun interactive element.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can hinder your success. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect yeast measurement: Using too much or too little yeast can affect dough rising. Always measure precisely and check the expiration date of your yeast.

• Skipping the gluten window test: Not performing this test may lead to underdeveloped dough. Ensure your dough stretches thin without tearing before proceeding.

• Not chilling the dough adequately: Failing to chill the dough between turns can result in greasy cronuts. Be patient and follow the chilling instructions carefully for the best results.

• Overfilling with cream and jam: Injecting too much filling can cause a mess. Use a light hand when filling each cronut to avoid spills.

• Frying at incorrect temperatures: Frying cronuts at temperatures that are too low will make them greasy, while too high will burn them. Invest in a thermometer to monitor oil temperature closely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cronuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts

• Freeze cronuts in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for several minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts from scratch?

To make these cronuts from scratch, follow the detailed recipe provided above, ensuring you prepare both the pastry dough and fillings as directed.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the jam?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well for making the homemade strawberry jam. Just thaw them before use and proceed with the recipe as usual.

How long does it take to prepare Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts?

The total time is approximately 135 minutes, including prep and cooking time. Keep in mind that chilling times are essential for perfect results.

What is the best way to customize my Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts?

Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as chocolate ganache or flavored creams. You can also add various toppings like nuts or sprinkles for extra flair.

Can I store leftover cronuts?

Yes, you can store leftover cronuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to one month.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cronuts are an irresistible blend of flaky pastry and rich fillings that elevate any dessert table. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors according to your preferences. Don’t hesitate—give this delectable recipe a try!