Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut
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
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
- 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