If you’ve ever dreamed of a pastry that combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the playful shape and texture of a doughnut, then the Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut is exactly what your taste buds have been waiting for. This delightful treat marries the sweet and creamy notes of fresh strawberry and fragrant vanilla bean with a perfectly golden, flaky shell that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast indulgence, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or simply a new favorite pastry, the Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut delivers a unique and irresistible flavor that’s impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Flavor Harmony: The sweet strawberries and aromatic vanilla bean blend seamlessly with the buttery, flaky dough for a balanced taste experience.
Flaky Yet Soft Texture: The cronut combines the best of both worlds with layers that are light and crisp on the outside, tender and airy inside.
Eye-Catching Appearance: Its golden, twisted shape and vibrant strawberry glaze make it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Customizable and Versatile: Easily adapt the recipe with different fillings or toppings to suit your mood or occasion.
Fun and Impressive to Make: It feels like a bakery treat, but you get the joy of crafting it yourself at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut starts with simple yet high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving the ideal flavor, texture, and appearance. From the richness of the butter to the freshness of the strawberries, every element counts.

All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure while keeping the dough tender yet sturdy enough for layering.
Unsalted butter: Essential for those classic flaky layers that make the cronut special, best if chilled for proper lamination.
Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that works well with the natural fruit flavors.
Active dry yeast: To give your dough the perfect rise and lightness expected in a cronut.
Whole milk: Helps create a soft dough and adds richness.
Fresh strawberries: For the unmistakable fresh and fruity flavor that shines in the glaze and filling.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: Provides the warm, aromatic vanilla notes that blend beautifully with strawberry.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance overall taste.
Powdered sugar: Perfect for making the silky strawberry vanilla glaze that tops the cronut.
Vegetable oil: For frying so that the cronut cooks evenly with a crispy exterior.

Variations for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

One of the most exciting things about making this recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a twist or keep it classic, these variations show just how versatile the cronut can be.

Berry Medley: Swap out strawberries for mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries to create a fruitier cronut.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of dark or white chocolate on top for an indulgent finish.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives to suit vegan diets without sacrificing flavor.
Almond Cream Filling: Replace the strawberry filling with a smooth almond cream for a nutty, rich experience.
Spiced Vanilla: Add a hint of cinnamon or cardamom to the vanilla bean glaze for added warmth.

Why Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Is a Must-Try Treat

How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar to activate the yeast. Once bubbly, mix in flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter to form a soft, smooth dough. Let it rise until doubled in size to get that airy foundation for your layers.

Step 2: Laminate with Butter

Roll your dough into a rectangle, then layer it with chilled cubes of unsalted butter. Fold and roll the dough multiple times, chilling between folds, to create delicate flaky layers that are the signature of a cronut.

Step 3: Cut and Shape Your Cronuts

Once rested, cut the laminated dough into rounds with a smaller circle cut out of the center to form the classic doughnut shape. Lay them on parchment paper to proof briefly before frying.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat vegetable oil to the right temperature and fry the cronuts in batches, turning occasionally, until they’re puffed and golden brown all over. Drain on paper towels to keep them crisp.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Vanilla Glaze

While the cronuts cool slightly, whisk fresh strawberry puree with powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste to create a shiny, luscious glaze. This blend infuses the cronut with that irresistible fruity and creamy flavor.

Step 6: Glaze and Fill

Dip the top of each warm cronut into the glaze, allowing it to set for a minute before piping in extra strawberry filling or enjoying it just as is. Watch as each bite melts with satisfying flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

Chill Properly: Keep your butter and dough cold during laminating to create crisp, flaky layers.
Oil Temperature: Maintain frying oil around 350°F to ensure even cooking without greasy cronuts.
Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh fruit makes all the difference in the glaze and filling for vibrant flavor.
Don’t Overproof: Watch your dough closely during the final proof to avoid over-expansion and tough texture.
Serve Fresh: Enjoy cronuts the same day they are made for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

Garnishes

Top your cronut with powdered sugar dusting, sliced fresh strawberries, or a sprig of mint to add a fresh visual and flavor boost. A light drizzle of extra vanilla glaze elevates the presentation even more.

Side Dishes

Pair with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a cold vanilla milkshake to complement the sweet, creamy layers of the cronut perfectly. Fresh fruit salad also works beautifully for a balanced breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve cronuts stack-style on a decorative platter for parties, or present each on small plates with edible flowers and berry coulis for an upscale vibe. Wrapping individually in parchment and twine makes them perfect for gifting or take-along treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cronuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours to preserve softness and flavor without sogginess.

Freezing

Wrap cronuts tightly in plastic wrap and store inside a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before glazing or serving.

Reheating

Warm cronuts briefly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive their flaky texture and soften the filling without drying them out.

FAQs

What is a cronut exactly?

A cronut is a hybrid pastry combining the flaky, layered texture of a croissant with the shape and frying method of a doughnut, resulting in a light, crispy, and indulgent treat.

Can I make the dough from scratch?

Yes! Making the dough from scratch using quality ingredients ensures the best flavor and texture for your cronut, and this recipe guides you through the process step-by-step.

Do I have to fry cronuts, or can I bake them?

Traditionally, cronuts are fried to achieve their signature crispy exterior, but you can bake them at high heat for a lighter version—though the texture will be slightly different.

How fresh should my strawberries be?

The fresher the strawberries, the better the flavor and color in both the glaze and filling. Opt for ripe, fragrant berries for the best results.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the strawberry vanilla bean glaze a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator, but be sure to stir it before using to maintain that perfect smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut isn’t just a pastry; it’s an experience that brings joy with every bite. Its delicate layers, vibrant flavors, and charming presentation make it a must-try for anyone who loves wonderful desserts. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself to this unforgettable sweet delight—you deserve it!

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

Print Recipe

The Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut is a delectable hybrid pastry combining the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant with the classic doughnut shape and texture. Infused with fresh strawberry and aromatic vanilla bean flavors, this golden, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making it an irresistible indulgence for breakfast or dessert.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10 cronuts 1x
Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Pastry
Method: Frying
Cuisine: French-American Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup whole milk, warm
1/2 teaspoon salt

Frying

Vegetable oil (for frying, enough to fill deep fryer or large pot)

Filling and Glaze

1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Start by combining warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of granulated sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and activated. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, softened butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft, smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Laminate with Butter: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Place chilled, cubed unsalted butter evenly on two-thirds of the dough. Fold the dough over the butter like a letter, then roll it out again. Repeat this folding and rolling process multiple times (usually 3 to 4 turns), chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes between each to create flaky layers.
Cut and Shape Your Cronuts: Once laminated and rested, roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Using a large round cutter, cut out circles from the dough, then use a smaller cutter to punch out the center holes to form doughnut shapes. Place the rounds on parchment paper and let them proof briefly until slightly puffed, about 30 minutes.
Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot. Fry the cronuts in batches, turning occasionally, until they are evenly golden brown and puffed up, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil and keep them crisp.
Prepare the Strawberry Vanilla Glaze: While the cronuts cool slightly, whisk fresh strawberry puree with powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste or extract until smooth and glossy, forming a luscious glaze.
Glaze and Fill: Dip the top of each warm cronut into the strawberry vanilla glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Set aside to let the glaze set for a minute. Optionally, pipe some extra strawberry filling inside the cronut before serving for an added fruity burst.

Notes

Keep butter and dough well chilled during lamination for crisp, flaky layers.
Maintain frying oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy cronuts and ensure even cooking.
Always use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor and vibrant glaze color.
Do not overproof the dough during the final rise to prevent tough textures.
Serve cronuts fresh on the day they are made to enjoy optimal taste and texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cronut
Calories: 350
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cronut, strawberry cronut, vanilla bean glaze, layered pastry, fried doughnut pastry, hybrid pastry