Delicious Vanilla Strawberry Donuts

Craving a delightful treat that blends the sweetness of strawberries with the warmth of vanilla? Look no further than these scrumptious vanilla-strawberry-donuts, a fusion of flaky croissant layers and crispy fried donuts that will leave your taste buds singing with joy. Picture tender, buttery pastry filled with luscious vanilla bean cream and zesty homemade strawberry jam – a heavenly combination of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.

I stumbled upon this divine recipe while searching for a show-stopping dessert to impress my weekend guests, and let me tell you, these vanilla-strawberry-donuts did not disappoint. With just the right balance of buttery goodness and fruity sweetness, they quickly became a household favorite, earning rave reviews from friends and family alike. The secret ingredient? A hint of chicken or mushroom powder that elevates the flavors to a whole new level, giving these cronuts that irresistible umami kick we all crave.

Learning from past mistakes, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of temperature control when making these delectable treats. Keeping the butter firm yet pliable is key to achieving those perfect, flaky layers that make these vanilla-strawberry-donuts truly exceptional. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, follow along as we embark on a culinary journey to create a batch of these heavenly cronuts that are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Quick Benefits

• Textural Delight: The Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut offers a delightful mix of tender, layered pastry, crispy exterior, rich vanilla bean cream, and tangy strawberry jam.
• Flavorful Layers: The cronuts are infused with deep flavors enhanced by a touch of chicken or mushroom powder, creating a savory depth that elevates the overall taste.
• Temperature Control: Maintaining the right temperature is key to achieving perfectly flaky layers – keep the butter firm yet malleable during folding and fry at the ideal oil temperature for that golden finish.
• Versatile Fillings: Experiment with different fillings to suit the season or dietary preferences, such as blueberry and lavender, apple and cinnamon, chocolate and orange, or lemon and raspberry.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Vanilla Strawberry Donuts Recipe

• Innovative Fusion: The recipe combines the flakiness of croissant dough with the indulgence of fried donuts, creating a unique and delightful treat that marries textures and flavors in every bite.
• Decadent Filling: The rich vanilla bean cream and tangy homemade strawberry jam create a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, elevating the overall taste of the donuts to a whole new level.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Impress your guests with these cronuts that have received rave reviews, even surpassing store-bought options. They are sure to become a favorite among family and friends.
• Umami Secret: The addition of chicken or mushroom powder enhances the depth of flavors, providing a subtle savory note that complements the sweetness of the pastry, making it even more irresistible.
• Temperature Control Tips: The recipe offers valuable insights on managing temperatures throughout the process to ensure the butter stays firm but pliable, resulting in those coveted flaky layers that make these cronuts exceptional.
• Filling Technique: The Bismarck tip method for filling ensures that the creamy vanilla and fruity jam are evenly distributed inside the cronuts without compromising the delicate layers, enhancing the eating experience.
• Versatile Options: With suggestions for seasonal variations and dietary modifications like vegan or gluten-free alternatives, this recipe allows for endless customization, catering to different preferences and dietary needs.
• Strategic Planning: The recipe’s three-day timeline and detailed instructions help you organize and prepare in advance, making the process manageable and allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cronuts on a lazy Sunday morning.

Ingredients for Delicious Vanilla Strawberry Donuts

Cronut dough

• 190g milk or water
• 100g butter, cubed, at room temperature
• 250g bread flour
• 250g all-purpose flour
• 65g egg whites (roughly 2)
• 15g instant or active yeast
• 12g kosher salt
• 40g white sugar

Tourage step (butter layers)

• 125g salted or unsalted butter, softened

Strawberry jam mixture

• A batch of strawberry jam made at home

Vanilla pastry cream

• 20g (1) egg yolk
• 15g regular flour
• 50g sugar (granulated)
• 50g (1) whole large egg
• 250g whole milk
• 3g vanilla flavor extract or paste
• 15g cornstarch

Strawberry sugar coat

• 50g freeze-dried strawberries, crushed finely
• 67g white sugar

Frying step

• Oil for frying (choose grapeseed, canola, or palm oil)

Pro Tips for Delicious Vanilla Strawberry Donuts

Pro Tip 1: Keeping an eye on temperatures is key to achieving perfect cronuts. Make sure your butter stays firm but pliable during folding, and maintain your dough at around 60°F to prevent melting or cracking. Also, pay attention to oil temperature while frying to ensure a golden exterior and puffed-up layers.

Pro Tip 2: Use the Bismarck tip method for filling your cronuts without compromising on the layers. Start with the thicker vanilla cream followed by the jam, using two spoonfuls of cream and one of jam per cronut. Distribute the filling evenly by poking three spots around the edge of each cronut.

Pro Tip 3: Get creative with fillings based on the seasons or preferences. Experiment with flavors like blueberry and lavender for summer, apple and cinnamon for fall, chocolate and orange for winter, or lemon and raspberry for spring. You can also customize by using plant-based butter for a vegan option or gluten-free flours if needed.

How to Make Delicious Vanilla Strawberry Donuts

Step 1: Make dough

Combine yeast, flours, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer bowl, ensuring salt and yeast are not in direct contact. Slowly pour in milk or water and mix. Add soft butter cubes one at a time and knead for 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Test a small piece for elasticity. Maintain dough temperature between 75-80°F (25-27°C).

Step 2: Proof the dough

Shape the dough into a ball, coat with oil, cover tightly, and allow to rest in a warm place for approximately 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Prep for lamination

Gently press dough to deflate. Shape into a rectangle, fold edges to the middle, and roll into a log. Place on a tray, cover, and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes on each side. Transfer to the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour (or store for up to 12 hours).

Step 4: Laminate and fold

Roll out the chilled dough into a 7” by 22” rectangle. Spread butter evenly, then fold into thirds. Chill for 30 minutes. Repeat rolling and folding twice more, chilling for 30 minutes between each turn. Let dough rest in the fridge for an hour after the third turn.

Step 5: Final rollout for dough

Shape the dough into a 16×8.5-inch rectangle that is 0.5 inches thick. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 6: Cook jam

Combine sliced strawberries and sugar in a small saucepan. Let them sit for 15 minutes to release liquid. Drain excess liquid. Heat on medium-low, stir until bubbling, then mash fruit and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Cool and strain if desired to remove seeds.

Step 7: Make cream

In a bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, whole egg, flour, and cornstarch until smooth. In a separate pot, heat milk and vanilla until almost boiling. Gradually whisk a small amount of hot milk into the egg mixture, then pour everything back into the pot. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cover with plastic wrap on the surface and let cool.

Step 8: Cut dough and proof

Cut 8 rounds of dough using a 3.5-inch circular cutter, creating smaller holes in the center with a 1.2-inch cutter. Allow the dough to proof on mats for approximately 90 minutes until they reach a height of about 1.4 inches. Chill for 30 minutes before frying.

Step 9: Mix strawberry sugar

Combine crushed strawberries and granulated sugar in a large bowl, stirring until well mixed.

Step 10: Prep fillings

Whisk chilled pastry cream until stiff. Transfer into a piping bag fitted with a long Bismarck tip. Fill another bag with jam using a separate tip.

Step 11: Cook in oil

Heat frying oil in a pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry dough pieces individually until golden on each side, then cool on paper towel-lined tray.

Step 12: Decorate and serve

After frying, let the cronuts cool slightly before rolling them in the strawberry sugar. Pipe the filling in four spots, top each with strawberry jam, and optionally add pastry cream or sliced berries. Enjoy while still fresh!

Storage Tips

To store your delicious Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispy exterior and flaky layers, avoid refrigerating as the moisture can make them soggy. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze the cronuts in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.

For optimal freshness and flavor, it’s recommended to store any leftover homemade strawberry jam in a clean, sterilized jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to use a clean spoon each time you scoop out the jam to prevent any contamination. Additionally, homemade vanilla cream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Before using again, give it a good stir to redistribute any separated ingredients. By following these storage tips, you can enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of your cronuts for longer periods.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to make a vegan version of these delicious vanilla-strawberry cronuts, you can easily swap out the butter and milk ingredients for plant-based alternatives. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter, and opt for a non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. These substitutions will maintain the rich flavor and creamy texture of the cronuts while making them suitable for a vegan diet.

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences that require gluten-free options, you can substitute the all-purpose and bread flours with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a gluten-free flour that is suitable for baking and has a similar texture to regular flour. Additionally, you can replace the cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch, which will serve as effective thickening agents for the vanilla cream filling. By making these simple ingredient swaps, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of these delectable vanilla-strawberry cronuts without compromising on taste or texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion, try serving these Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts with a side of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture and cold temperature of the whipped cream or ice cream will complement the crispy and flaky layers of the cronut, while adding a touch of sweetness to the tangy strawberry jam and rich vanilla bean cream filling.

To take these cronuts to the next level, consider drizzling a warm strawberry or vanilla glaze on top just before serving. The glaze will add a glossy finish and an extra burst of flavor that will enhance the overall taste experience. Sprinkle some crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for a pop of color and an added fruity crunch. Enjoy these decadent cronuts as a special treat for brunch, dessert, or a delightful afternoon snack.

FAQs for Delicious Vanilla Strawberry Donuts

Can I use plant-based butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use plant-based butter as a substitute in this recipe to make a vegan version of the cronuts.

What can I use as a substitute for chicken powder in the recipe?

If you can’t find chicken powder, you can use mushroom powder as an alternative. It will provide a similar depth of flavor without changing the overall taste of the cronuts.

How do I prevent the butter from melting into the dough while making the cronuts?

To prevent the butter from melting into the dough and losing the flaky layers, it’s essential to maintain the right temperature. Keep the dough around 60°F – firm enough for folding but not too cold to crack, nor too warm to melt. Watch the temperature carefully throughout the process.

What is the best way to fill the cronuts without disrupting the layers?

Using a Bismarck tip is recommended for filling the cronuts efficiently without disturbing the layers. Start by piping the thicker vanilla cream first, followed by the jam. Aim to add two spoonfuls of cream and one spoonful of jam, poking them in three spots evenly around the edge for even filling coverage.

Conclusion

These vanilla-strawberry-donuts are truly a labor of love – from the buttery layers to the sweet strawberry filling, each bite is a delightful experience. It’s amazing how a little patience and attention to detail can result in such a decadent treat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors to make these cronuts your own!

Remember, baking is as much about the process as it is about the end result. Embrace the journey of creating these vanilla-strawberry-donuts, savoring each step along the way. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these cronuts are sure to impress and satisfy. So put on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor with these delectable vanilla-strawberry-donuts!