Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

Introduction

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut are a heavenly blend of crispy, flaky layers and luscious filling, combining the best parts of a croissant and a donut. With a fragrant vanilla bean pastry cream and fresh strawberry glaze, these cronuts are a gourmet treat that will delight your senses. Perfectly golden and layered on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, they make an impressive dessert or a sweet indulgence for any time of the day.

The first time I made these, I remember being captivated by how beautifully they puffed up and turned golden in the oven. The kitchen smelled like a pastry shop, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a bite before adding the glaze. The combination of the smooth vanilla bean cream and the bright, slightly tart strawberry glaze creates a perfect harmony of flavors that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

What’s great about cronuts is how customizable they are. You can switch up the glaze with different fruit flavors or even drizzle them with chocolate for a rich twist. While they may seem fancy, with a bit of planning and patience, you can recreate these bakery-level treats right in your own kitchen. Serve them fresh and watch them disappear in no time!

Perfect for:

• Special brunches
• Elegant desserts
• Afternoon tea
• Celebrations and parties
• Pastry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

Here’s why Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts will become your new favorite treat:

• Flaky and Buttery Layers: A perfect combination of croissant-style layers with the tender texture of a donut.
• Vanilla Bean Flavor: The filling is infused with real vanilla bean for an aromatic, creamy touch.
• Fresh Strawberry Glaze: A bright strawberry glaze adds a pop of fruity sweetness and a gorgeous pink color.
• Impressive Yet Achievable: While they may look fancy, these cronuts are simpler to make than you think!
• Customizable: Change the glaze or filling to suit your mood or occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (including proofing time)
• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 cronuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts:

Dough

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• ¾ cup whole milk, warmed
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into thin slices

Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Strawberry Glaze

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for thinning the glaze)

Topping

• Fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm milk and egg, then mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Laminate the Dough: Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Place the cold butter slices evenly over two-thirds of the dough. Fold the unbuttered third over the center, then fold the remaining third on top (like folding a letter). Turn the dough 90 degrees and roll it out again. Repeat this folding process 3 more times, chilling the dough for 20 minutes between each fold.
3. Shape and Proof: Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness and use a round cutter to cut out donut shapes. Use a smaller cutter to create the center hole. Place the cronuts on a baking sheet, cover, and let them proof for 45 minutes until puffy.

Make the Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream:

4. Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean seeds over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
5. Whisk the Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
6. Cook the Pastry Cream: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Cover and chill.

Fry the Cronuts:

7. Heat the Oil: Heat 3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
8. Fry the Cronuts: Fry the cronuts in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.

Assemble the Cronuts:

9. Fill with Pastry Cream: Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to fill each cronut with vanilla bean pastry cream.
10. Glaze and Garnish: Dip the top of each cronut into the strawberry glaze. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries and whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
• For Brunch: Pair them with mimosas and coffee for a decadent brunch spread.
• As a Dessert: These cronuts make a stunning dessert centerpiece for any gathering.
• With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

• Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers. Work quickly and chill the dough frequently.
• Don’t Overproof: Overproofing can cause the cronuts to lose their shape. They should be puffy but not doubled in size.
• Control the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for even frying.
• Customize the Filling: Try different fillings like chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or raspberry jam.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared the night before and chilled until ready to roll and shape.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts:

1. Chocolate-Filled Cronuts: Fill with chocolate pastry cream and drizzle with chocolate glaze.
2. Lemon Blueberry Cronuts: Swap the filling for lemon curd and top with blueberry glaze.
3. Almond Cream Cronuts: Fill with almond pastry cream and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
4. Salted Caramel Cronuts: Fill with salted caramel pastry cream and top with caramel glaze.
5. Raspberry Rose Cronuts: Use raspberry glaze with a hint of rosewater.
6. Matcha Cronuts: Add a matcha glaze and fill with vanilla bean pastry cream.
7. Peach and Cream Cronuts: Fill with peach compote and cream.
8. Coconut Lime Cronuts: Use lime glaze and coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
9. Pumpkin Spice Cronuts: Fill with pumpkin spice pastry cream and top with cinnamon glaze.
10. Coffee Glazed Cronuts: Glaze with coffee icing and fill with espresso pastry cream.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

• Freezing: Cronuts are best eaten fresh, but you can freeze unglazed cronuts. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes before glazing and filling.
• Storage: Store leftover cronuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

• Stand Mixer: Helpful for mixing and kneading the dough.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling and laminating the dough.
• Pastry Cutter: For shaping the cronuts.
• Candy Thermometer: Ensures the oil is at the perfect frying temperature.
• Piping Bag and Tip: For filling the cronuts with pastry cream.
• Microplane or Zester: If you want to add citrus zest to the filling or glaze.
• Cooling Rack: To drain and cool the cronuts evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut

1. Can I bake cronuts instead of frying them?
   Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, but they won’t be as crispy as fried cronuts.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
   Yes, puff pastry can be used for a quicker version, but homemade dough gives better results.
3. How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
   Use a thermometer to check for 350°F or test with a small piece of dough—it should sizzle and float to the top.
4. Can I freeze filled cronuts?
   It’s better to freeze them unfilled, as the filling may become watery when thawed.
5. How do I prevent soggy cronuts?
   Drain them well on a wire rack after frying and avoid overfilling with cream.

Print

Conclusion

Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts are a mouthwatering fusion of croissants and donuts, delivering the perfect balance of buttery, flaky layers and indulgent sweetness. Filled with a smooth vanilla bean cream and topped with a vibrant strawberry glaze, these cronuts are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ideal for brunches, celebrations, or simply treating yourself, they’re sure to leave a lasting impression. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an irresistible experience that’s hard to beat!

Let me know how your Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts turn out! Share your photos on social media and tag me—I can’t wait to see your stunning creations. Happy baking!