If you’ve been dreaming of a decadent treat that combines the buttery flakiness of a croissant with the fun shape of a donut, then you’re in for a real delight with this Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Recipe. This recipe brings together the light, airy layers of puff pastry fried to golden perfection, filled with luscious homemade vanilla bean cream and a burst of fresh strawberry jam, creating a perfect balance of sweet and creamy in every bite. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy brunch or a special dessert, these cronuts will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each one brings something unique: from the flaky texture of puff pastry to the rich sweetness of strawberry jam and the smooth creaminess of vanilla bean cream.
- Puff pastry sheet: The foundation for flaky, layered cronuts; thawed for easy handling.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Perfect for frying to achieve that crispy golden crust without overpowering flavors.
- Strawberry jam (1/2 cup): Adds a fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with vanilla and cream.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Whipped into a light vanilla bean cream to fill and balance the dessert’s richness.
- Vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste (1/2 bean or 1 tsp paste): Bursting with natural flavor for a luxurious cream filling.
- Powdered sugar (1 tablespoon, plus extra for dusting): Sweetens the cream and adds a pretty finishing touch.
- Diced fresh strawberries (1/4 cup): For an added pop of fresh texture and vibrancy inside the cronuts.
How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Shape the Dough
Start by rolling out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Folding the dough in thirds like a letter and rolling it out again creates those irresistible layers that puff up beautifully when fried. Next, use a round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes and a smaller cutter for the centers. This sets the stage for your cronuts’ signature look and perfect texture.
Step 2: Fry the Cronuts
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet until it reaches 350°F. Fry the cronuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they are a stunning golden hue and delightfully puffed. The hot oil seals in the layers, making the outside crisp while keeping the inside incredibly light. Remember to drain them on paper towels to keep them crisp and not greasy.
Step 3: Whip the Vanilla Bean Cream
While the cronuts cool just enough to handle, whisk together the heavy cream, scraped vanilla bean seeds or paste, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This luxurious cream filling adds a smooth, rich contrast to the crispy pastry and jam’s fruity zing.
Step 4: Assemble Your Cronuts
Carefully slice each cronut horizontally and fill with a generous spoonful of strawberry jam, a dollop of the vanilla bean cream, and a sprinkle of diced fresh strawberries. Put the tops back on and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar. This layering creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for more.
How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic and elegant, but you can also add a few whole fresh strawberries or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for added visual appeal and a flavor boost. Mint leaves can add a refreshing contrast and a splash of green.
Side Dishes
Serve your cronuts alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of sparkling rosé to complement the sweet and creamy flavors perfectly. A small bowl of mixed berries can also amplify the fresh fruit notes in the pastry.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cronuts on a cake stand for a dazzling dessert display at your next gathering. You can even turn them into a layered trifle by cutting them into pieces and alternating layers with whipped cream and strawberries in a clear glass bowl. These ideas make the experience of enjoying the Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Recipe even more special and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any cronuts left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Because they are best enjoyed fresh to retain their flakiness and crispness, try to enjoy them as soon as possible.
Freezing
Freezing fully assembled cronuts isn’t recommended as the cream filling and jam can affect the texture upon thawing. However, if you need to prepare in advance, you can freeze the plain fried cronuts (without filling) in a sealed bag for up to 2 weeks. Thaw and fill just before serving for the best experience.
Reheating
To bring back some of that fresh-from-the-fryer magic, gently reheat unfrozen plain cronuts in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes before filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and lose its signature layers.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will elevate your cronuts with extra buttery layers, but it does require more time and effort. If you have the patience, it’s definitely worth the extra care for that flaky texture.
What if I don’t have a deep-frying thermometer?
You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; if it bubbles and rises to the surface quickly without browning immediately, the oil is ready. Keep the heat medium to avoid burning.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While you can bake puff pastry donuts, frying gives the cronut its signature crispness and puff. Baking will result in a lighter texture but won’t have the same golden, crispy crust.
How do I store filled cronuts if I want to prepare ahead?
It’s best to assemble the cronuts just before serving to keep the pastry crisp. If you must fill them earlier, store them in a single layer in the fridge and consume within a few hours to maintain freshness.
Are there flavor variations for the filling?
Definitely! You can swap strawberry jam for raspberry, apricot, or lemon curd and try infusing the cream with different flavors like almond or citrus zest for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Recipe is pure joy on a plate, blending layers of flaky pastry with sweet, fresh fillings that surprise and satisfy every time. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, making these cronuts is a wonderful way to bring a bit of French-American pastry magic into your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how quickly these little treats disappear from the table!
Print
Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 cronuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful French-American fusion dessert with these Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts. Featuring flaky, golden puff pastry fried to perfection, filled with luscious strawberry jam, creamy vanilla bean whipped cream, and fresh diced strawberries, these homemade cronuts are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Frying
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 vanilla bean (seeds scraped) or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup diced fresh strawberries
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and fold it in thirds like a letter to layer it further. Roll it out again to flatten the dough evenly to the desired thickness.
- Cut the Donut Shapes: Using a round cookie cutter, cut out 6 to 8 donut shapes from the pastry. Then, use a smaller cutter to cut out the centers, creating the classic donut hole shape.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying the cronuts to a golden crisp.
- Fry the Cronuts: Fry the cut puff pastry cronuts in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they puff up and turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn them gently for even cooking.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the fried cronuts from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Let them cool slightly so they can be handled safely.
- Prepare the Vanilla Bean Cream: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, scraped vanilla bean seeds or vanilla bean paste, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form, creating a light and fragrant whipped cream.
- Assemble the Cronuts: Carefully slice each cronut in half horizontally. Spread a spoonful of strawberry jam on the bottom half, add a generous dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream, and sprinkle with diced fresh strawberries.
- Finish and Serve: Replace the top halves of the cronuts, then dust the assembled cronuts with additional powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, but chilling and layering your own puff pastry dough can enhance flakiness.
- Substitute strawberry jam with raspberry jam or any fruit compote for variety.
- Serve these cronuts fresh to enjoy their perfect crispy and creamy texture.
