Perfect French Crullers with Maple Glaze Recipe

Name: French Crullers
Prep time: PT-974690H40M44S
Cook time: PT-487345H20M22S
Total time: PT-487345H20M22S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: – ½ cup whole milk or 1 ⅔ cups whole milk Provides liquid solidity and helps form a smooth base for the dough; – ½ cup water Adds to the moisture balance, ensuring the dough mixes evenly for light French Crullers; – ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed or ¾ cup unsalted butter Brings richness and creates flakiness, key for the texture; – 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or 1 tablespoon granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar Sweetens the dough and aids in browning during frying; – 1 teaspoon salt or ¾ teaspoon kosher salt Seasons the dough, enhancing the overall flavor profile; – 1 cup all-purpose flour or 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour Forms the structure, allowing the dough to puff up properly; – 4 large eggs at room temperature or 3 large eggs plus 1 ½ large egg whites Incorporates air and moisture, making dough airy and tender; – Zest from 1 lemon Adds bright, citrusy notes that elevate the taste; – ½ cup powdered sugar for the glaze Creates a smooth base for the sweet topping; – 1 tablespoon maple syrup or more to taste for the glaze Infuses natural sweetness and depth into the glaze; – ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt for the glaze Balances the glaze’s sweetness, perfecting the flavor; – 1 tablespoon whole milk or more as needed for the glaze Thins the glaze for easy coating on warm dough; – 6 cups vegetable oil or at least 2 inches of canola or preferred frying oil Used for frying to achieve the crispy exterior

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Why You’ll Love This French Crullers Recipe

If you’re a baking fan or new to French Crullers, this recipe brings the joy of homemade pastries to your kitchen with its simple appeal and tasty results. It’s all about creating light, airy treats that feel special yet achievable, perfect for family breakfasts or sweet snacking. Discover how French Crullers can add a fun, flaky element to your routine without overwhelming effort.

Here are the top benefits that make this French Crullers homamade recipe stand out:

Eash of preparation: This French Crullers recipe streamlines the process with just 20-30 minutes of hands-on work, including mixing and chilling, before a quick 20-35 minute fry. The pâte à choux dough comes together easily in one pot, making it ideal for busy bakers or beginners without needing advanced skills. Its straightforward steps keep French Crullers a go-to option for quick treats.
Health benefits: While French Crullers are indulgent, they offer advantages like moderate calories at 231 per cruller and protein from eggs to support energy levels, plus fiber and vitamins from lemon zest for a wellness boost. The lighter texture from steam-leavened dough makes them less heavy than typical pastries, fitting into balanced diets for those watching intake. This aspect of French Crullers helps enjoy sweets mindfully.
Versatility: This French Crullers recipe adapts seamlessly to different dietary needs, such as using egg whites or plant-based swaps for vegan versions, and gluten-free flour to accommodate sensitivities. It’s flexible for various occasions, from scaling for small families to tweaking flavors for events, making French Crullers a reliable choice for everyone from students to seniors.
Distinctive flavor: What makes French Crullers unique is the crispy, airy dough paired with a maple glaze that adds a sweet, rich twist for an irresistible finish. The lemon zest brightens the taste, creating a balance of light pastry and zesty notes that sets it apart from regular donuts. This homemade French Crullers charm makes every bite memorable and worth the effort.

In essence, French Crullers bring simplicity and delight to your baking, perfect for creating enjoyable moments.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This French Crullers Recipe
2. Essential Ingredients for French Crullers
3. How to Prepare the Perfect French Crullers: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your French Crullers
5. Mastering French Crullers: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store French Crullers: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About French Crullers
8. French Crullers

Essential Ingredients for French Crullers

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing French Crullers, and this list draws from the recipe details for full accuracy. Each item is listed with its precise measurement and explanation, ensuring you understand its role in the dough or glaze. I’ve compiled everything into a structured format for clarity, pulling from both provided summaries to cover all needs.

Main Ingredients

½ cup whole milk (or 1 ⅔ cups whole milk as an alternative) – Provides liquid solidity and helps form a smooth base for the dough in French Crullers.
½ cup water – Adds to the moisture balance, ensuring the dough mixes evenly for light French Crullers.
½ cup unsalted butter, cubed (or ¾ cup unsalted butter) – Brings richness and creates flakiness, key for the texture of French Crullers.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or 1 tablespoon granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar) – Sweetens the dough and aids in browning during frying of French Crullers.
1 teaspoon salt (or ¾ teaspoon kosher salt) – Seasons the dough, enhancing the overall flavor profile of French Crullers.
1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour) – Forms the structure, allowing the dough to puff up properly for French Crullers.
4 large eggs at room temperature (or 3 large eggs plus 1 ½ large egg whites) – Incorporates air and moisture, making French Crullers airy and tender.
Zest from 1 lemon – Adds bright, citrusy notes that elevate the taste of French Crullers.
½ cup powdered sugar (for the glaze) – Creates a smooth base for the sweet topping on finished French Crullers.
1 tablespoon maple syrup or more to taste (for the glaze) – Infuses natural sweetness and depth into the glaze for French Crullers.
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt (for the glaze) – Balances the glaze’s sweetness, perfecting the flavor of French Crullers.
1 tablespoon whole milk or more as needed (for the glaze) – Thins the glaze for easy coating on warm French Crullers.
6 cups vegetable oil (or at least 2 inches of canola or preferred frying oil) – Used for frying to achieve the crispy exterior of French Crullers.

Special Dietary Options

Vegan: Substitute eggs with a flaxseed mix (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk to keep French Crullers dairy-free and light.
Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in the same quantity to maintain the dough’s lift for French Crullers.
Low-calorie: Reduce sugar amounts in the dough and glaze, or opt for air-frying at 350°F to lower oil content in French Crullers.

How to Prepare the Perfect French Crullers: Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting French Crullers at home is a rewarding baking adventure, blending tradition with ease in about 55 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes total. This guide breaks it down into simple, actionable steps, perfect for home bakers looking to create fluffy, glazed treats. You’ll need basic tools like a saucepan and piping bag, and I’ll sprinkle in tips for adapting to dietary needs, like vegan swaps, along the way.

First Step: Mix the Dough Base

Start by heating your ingredients in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan: ½ cup whole milk (or 1 ⅔ cups if using the variant), ½ cup water, ½ cup cubed unsalted butter (or ¾ cup), 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (plus 1 tablespoon light brown sugar if opting for extra depth), and 1 teaspoon salt (or ¾ teaspoon kosher salt). Bring to a boil over medium heat, making sure the butter melts before it fully boils to preserve moisture this takes about 5 minutes. For gluten-free French Crullers, have your flour substitute ready now to keep the dough smooth and adaptable.

Second Step: Add Flour and Stir

Once boiling, remove from heat and add 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1 ⅓ cups) all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a thick dough. Return to medium heat and stir for 2-3 minutes until the dough pulls away from the pan sides and begins to brown slightly, helping evaporate extra liquid for better rise. This step, taking 3-5 minutes, is crucial for the light texture in French Crullers, and if you’re vegan, a flaxseed egg replacement can be prepped alongside to ensure success.

Third Step: Cool and Add Eggs

Take the pan off the heat and transfer the dough to a bowl to cool for about 15 minutes; stir occasionally to speed it up. Once warm, beat in 4 large eggs at room temperature (or 3 eggs plus 1 ½ egg whites) one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated this gives the dough its airy quality and takes 4-6 minutes. Stir in zest from 1 lemon for flavor, and for low-calorie tweaks, consider a sugar reduction here to lighten up your French Crullers while keeping them tasty.

Fourth Step: Chill and Pipe the Dough

Cover the dough with cling wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to firm up; alternatively, pipe into rings and freeze for easier handling, as this helps maintain shape during frying. After chilling, cut parchment into eighteen 3-inch squares, Fill a piping bag with a large star tip, and pipe 3-inch rings on each square (or use 2 ½ to 3-inch sizes if freezing first) this takes 10-15 minutes. For vegan adaptations, the chilled dough can be adjusted with plant-based alternatives to ensure French Crullers hold their form.

Fifth Step: Heat Oil and Fry

Heat 6 cups vegetable oil (or at least 2 inches of canola oil) to 350°F, using a thermometer for precision, and fry 2-3 crullers at a time to keep the temperature steady this process takes 20-35 minutes total. Lower each cruller on its parchment into the oil, remove the paper after 1 minute, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. If frozen, use 335°F for frying to preserve texture, and for low-calorie options, explore baking as a substitute method for French Crullers.

Final Step: Glaze and Serve

Once fried, lift out the crullers and dip in the glaze made from ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon milk (thin with more milk Driedif needed). Let them cool on a rack for 10 minutes to set the glaze before serving French Crullers taste best fresh, served 1-2 per person with coffee. For dietary adjustments, a thinner glaze can be used in vegan versions to keep them light and enjoyable.

This guide makes preparing French Crullers straightforward, with tips for customization along the way.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your French Crullers

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

For protein adjustments in French Crullers, swap eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed per egg mixed with water) to suit vegan diets, ensuring the dough rise remains intact. If flour is limited, use a gluten-free blend in the same quantity as specified, which helps maintain the light structure for French Crullers without major changes.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Enhance French Crullers with zest alternatives like orange for seasonal twists, or experiment with glazes using fruit juices in place of milk for vegan options. Seasonings can be varied with extracts or herbs to reduce sweetness, making French Crullers adaptable for low-calorie preferences or different flavor profiles.

Mastering French Crullers: Advanced Tips and Variations

Elevating your French Crullers involves clever techniques and creative ideas to make the recipe even more enjoyable. From perfecting the dough to adding personal flair, these tips help you master French Crullers for any occasion.

Pro Cooking Techniques

Use a stand mixer for beating eggs into the dough to ensure even incorporation, leading to better puff in French Crullers. Monitor oil temp carefully and fry in batches for consistent results, enhancing the homemade French Crullers texture.

Flavor Variations

Try adding vanilla or coffee extracts to the glaze for new twists, or incorporate fruits like berries into the dough for fresh French Crullers variations. These changes keep the recipe versatile and exciting for different tastes.

Presentation Tips

Dust with powdered sugar or arrange with fresh fruits to make French Crullers visually appealing, turning them into a standout dessert display. Simple plating ideas elevate the overall experience of homemade French Crullers.

Make-Ahead Options

Prepare dough in advance and freeze piped shapes for quick frying later great for busy schedules, and pair with (like) easy cinnamon rolls for a full breakfast spread. This strategy makes French Crullers convenient without losing quality.

How to Store French Crullers: Best Practices

Storing French Crullers the right way keeps them fresh and tasty, Whether for short-term or long-term use. Follow these tips to preserve their light texture and flavor.

Refrigeration: Store cooled French Crullers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain crispness, ideal for quick treats.
Freezing: Freeze piped dough or baked crullers for up to two months, thawing as needed for fresh French Crullers on demand.
Reheating: Warm in a low oven at 250°F for 10-15 minutes to restore texture, keeping French Crullers enjoyable without sogginess.
Meal Prep Considerations: Prep dough ahead for batch cooking, making French Crullers perfect for pre-planned breakfasts or events.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About French Crullers

What is a French cruller donut made of?

A French cruller is made from pâte à choux dough, which combines ingredients like water, butter, flour, and eggs. This dough is unique compared to regular yeasted donut dough because it puffs up as steam escapes during frying, creating a light and airy interior with a crisp outer shell. French crullers are typically shaped with ridges and coated with a sweet glaze, often vanilla-flavored, that adds to their delicate texture and taste.

How should I store French crullers to keep them fresh?

French crullers are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made for optimal crispness. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If making in advance, you can freeze piped but unfried cruller dough on parchment paper for up to two months; fry them directly from frozen and glaze while warm. After frying and glazing, crullers can stay fresh for about three days if stored properly.

Can I make French crullers ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can freeze French cruller dough before frying. Pipe the dough onto parchment-lined trays and freeze until solid. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, fry the frozen crullers straight from the freezer until golden and puffed, then dip them in glaze. This method preserves their texture and flavor, making it convenient to prepare in advance.

What’s the difference between French crullers and regular donuts?

The main difference lies in the dough and texture. French crullers use choux pastry dough, which puffs up and forms a light, airy, and hollow interior after frying. Regular donuts typically use yeasted or cake dough, which is denser and breadier. This gives French crullers a crisp outer shell with a delicate inside, distinguishing them from the chewy or cakey texture of standard donuts.

What are some popular ways to serve French crullers?

French crullers are traditionally served at room temperature with a simple vanilla glaze that highlights their light texture. They also pair well with dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or fruit compotes. For breakfast or dessert, you can serve them alongside coffee or tea. Their delicate flavor makes them versatile, so feel free to experiment with spice-infused glazes or fresh fruit toppings.

French Crullers Recipe with Maple Glaze Twist