The Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic hybrid treat that combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the irresistible shape and indulgence of a donut. Each bite offers a perfect balance of buttery puff pastry fried to golden perfection, coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, and filled generously with luscious strawberry jam and whipped vanilla bean cream. It’s a dessert that feels both classic and inventive, making it an absolute showstopper for brunch, special occasions, or any time you want to impress with bakery-quality homemade indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing the airy, crispy, and creamy textures that make this recipe shine. Each component plays a key role in delivering those luscious layers, the rich sweetness, and the subtle hints of vanilla and strawberry that truly elevate the experience.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): The foundation of the cronut’s delicate, flaky layers; be sure to thaw it fully for easier rolling and cutting.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral-flavored oil heats evenly to achieve that irresistible golden-brown crust.
- Granulated sugar: Coats the cronuts for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that perfectly complements the sugary coating.
- Strawberry jam: Brings fresh, fruity sweetness as the filling’s star.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, giving the filling a luxurious, airy texture.
- Vanilla bean seeds or vanilla bean paste: Infuses the cream with fragrant, natural vanilla flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream gently without weighing it down.
- Fresh strawberries (optional): For a beautiful, fresh garnish that adds color and a juicy bite.
How to Make Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by lightly flouring your surface and unfolding the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it out slightly to smooth any seams from packaging, then fold it into thirds like a letter to build extra layers. Roll it out again until it’s about half an inch thick—this thickness ensures a perfect puff without being too doughy.
Step 2: Cut Out the Cronut Shapes
Using a round cutter, cut out circles from the rolled dough. Then, use a smaller cutter to remove the centers, creating the signature donut shape. Don’t toss those scraps! Gather them up, re-roll gently, and cut more cronuts until you’ve used all the dough.
Step 3: Fry the Cronuts to Golden Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, making sure the oil is hot enough to puff and crisp the dough quickly. Fry the cronuts in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, keeping an eye on the color—they should be puffed up and a gorgeous golden brown when they’re ready to come out.
Step 4: Coat With Cinnamon Sugar
Drain the fried cronuts on paper towels briefly to remove excess oil, then toss them in a shallow bowl filled with a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This sweet, spiced layer adds both flavor and a bit of crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the scraped vanilla bean seeds or vanilla bean paste and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This whipped cream is dreamy and lightly sweet, with just enough vanilla to complement the strawberry filling perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble the Cronuts
Slice each cronut horizontally, then spoon or pipe a generous amount of strawberry jam on the bottom half. Add a fluffy dollop of the vanilla bean whipped cream on top of the jam before sandwiching it with the cronut’s other half. For an extra pop of freshness, garnish with sliced fresh strawberries if you like. These cronuts are best enjoyed immediately to savor the crisp edges and creamy filling at their prime!
How to Serve Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishing can add both beauty and flavor. A few slices of fresh strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar will not only brighten the presentation but also add a subtle freshness to each bite. For a little extra flair, a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprig of mint complements the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cronuts pack a lot of flavor and richness on their own, but pairing them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a vibrant fruit salad creates a well-rounded brunch or breakfast experience. A lightly brewed green or herbal tea can also balance the sweetness perfectly without overpowering the delicate vanilla and strawberry notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, stack the filled cronuts on a tiered serving tray alongside bowls of extra whipped cream and strawberry jam for guests to customize. Alternatively, assemble mini versions by cutting the cronuts into smaller circles before frying, turning individual bites into delightful party treats that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these luscious cronuts left, storing them properly is key. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the freshness of the whipped cream and strawberry filling. However, because the pastry crust is best enjoyed crispy, it’s recommended to eat leftovers within one day to retain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing fully assembled cronuts is not ideal due to the whipped cream and jam fillings, which could become watery when thawed. However, you can freeze the fried and sugared cronut bases before assembling. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw and fill with fresh cream and jam.
Reheating
For reheating, avoid the microwave as it can make the pastry soggy. Instead, warm the cronut bases gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to regain some crispness before adding fresh whipped cream and jam. This method helps restore the lovely flakiness without melting your beautiful filling.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vanilla bean paste with vanilla extract?
Absolutely! While vanilla bean paste offers those lovely flecks and a more intense flavor, pure vanilla extract will still provide a delicious vanilla note to your whipped cream. Use about half the amount of extract because it’s more concentrated.
Is it possible to bake the cronuts instead of frying them?
While frying is traditional and gives the best texture with a flaky, crispy crust, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15 minutes or until puffed and golden. Keep in mind baking may produce a lighter, less crunchy texture than frying.
How do I prevent the cream from becoming too runny when filled inside?
Whip your cream to soft peaks, not overwhipped, and ensure your strawberry jam isn’t too watery—using a thicker, more set jam helps keep the filling stable. Also, assemble the cronuts shortly before eating for the best texture.
Can I use other fruit jams instead of strawberry?
Definitely. Blueberry, raspberry, or apricot jam all make excellent alternatives that pair wonderfully with vanilla bean whipped cream. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors to keep this recipe fresh and exciting.
What’s the best way to get the puff pastry to puff up nicely?
Rolling out the pastry evenly and not rolling it too thin helps ensure good puffing. Also, maintaining the oil temperature around 350°F allows the dough to cook quickly, creating steam pockets that make the layers flakey and airy.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite beats the joy of making and sharing homemade pastries that feel like a special treat, and this Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Recipe is a perfect example. The harmony of the crispy, flaky dough with sweet, fruity, and creamy fillings is a melody for your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this fun and rewarding creation—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronut Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 cronuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful French-American dessert with these homemade Strawberry Vanilla Bean Cronuts. Flaky puff pastry is fried to golden perfection, coated with a cinnamon-sugar blend, and filled with luscious strawberry jam and whipped vanilla bean cream. This recipe combines crispy texture with creamy sweetness for a decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough and Frying
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Coating
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 vanilla bean (seeds scraped) or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out to smooth the seams. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter to create layers, then roll it out again to approximately 1/2 inch thickness for ideal flakiness.
- Cut the Cronuts: Using a round cutter, cut out circles from the rolled pastry. Then, use a smaller cutter to remove the centers, forming classic donut shapes. Collect any scraps, re-roll, and cut additional cronuts as needed.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying without burning.
- Fry the Cronuts: Carefully place the cronuts in the hot oil in batches, frying each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove the cronuts with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss the warm cronuts gently in this mixture, allowing the sugar to stick while the cronuts are still slightly oily and warm.
- Make the Vanilla Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla bean seeds or vanilla bean paste and powdered sugar until soft peaks form, creating a smooth, fragrant filling.
- Assemble the Cronuts: Carefully slice each cronut horizontally in half. Spoon or pipe a generous layer of strawberry jam onto the bottom half, then add a dollop of the vanilla whipped cream on top. Place the top half of the cronut back on to complete the sandwich.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberries for an added fresh burst of flavor and vibrant presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and freshness.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use store-bought whipped cream and mix with a teaspoon of vanilla extract to replicate the vanilla bean flavor.
- These cronuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet when frying to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F for crisp and evenly cooked cronuts.
