Create Irresistible Strawberry Bagels with This Easy Recipe

Get ready to elevate your morning routine with the irresistible and vibrant Strawberry Bagels! These homemade beauties combine the classic chewy texture of a bagel with the sweet and tangy taste of fresh strawberries. Whether you’re a bagel lover or simply craving something new, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Strawberry Bagels

• ⅔ cup warm water
• 2 tsp dry active yeast
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar or honey
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 lb fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ beet, chopped + 1 tbsp water
• 8–10 cups water (for poaching)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (for poaching)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup chopped strawberries
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

How to Make Strawberry Bagels

Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar or honey. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes nice and foamy.

Prepare the Strawberry Mixture

In a saucepan, cook the strawberries with lemon juice and brown sugar over medium heat until they’re softened and thickened. Once cooled slightly, mash or blend the mixture.

Make the Beet Color

Blend the chopped beet with 1 tbsp of water until smooth, then strain the mixture to collect the vibrant liquid.

Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, strawberry mixture, and a touch of the beet liquid for a beautiful pink hue. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into equal portions, shape them into balls, then poke a hole in the center and gently stretch them into bagel shapes. Let the shaped bagels rest for 15–20 minutes.

Poach the Bagels

Bring 8–10 cups of water and ⅓ cup of brown sugar to a boil. Carefully add the bagels and boil them for 30–60 seconds per side. Remove them from the water and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk an egg with 1 tbsp of water and brush the mixture over the bagels. Bake the bagels at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes until they’re golden brown. Let them cool completely before serving.

Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the chopped strawberries, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until well combined.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the Strawberry Bagels and spread the delicious strawberry cream cheese on top. Savor the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite!

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Bagels

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Strawberry Bagels turn out perfectly every time:

• Knead with Confidence: Take your time kneading the dough to develop the gluten and achieve that signature chewy texture.
• Poach with Precision: Boiling the bagels before baking is crucial for getting that classic bagel shape and crust. Be sure to adjust the time based on the size of your bagels.
• Embrace the Beet: The beet juice adds a beautiful pink hue to the dough, but you can use a touch of food coloring if you prefer a more vibrant color.
• Storage Solutions: Leftover Strawberry Bagels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Pair Perfectly: The strawberry cream cheese is a natural match, but you can also enjoy these bagels with your favorite spreads, jams, or even savory toppings like smoked salmon or diced avocado.

Nutritional Information

Each Strawberry Bagel (without cream cheese) contains approximately 240 calories, 45g of carbs, 6g of protein, and 2g of fat. The fresh strawberries provide a boost of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making these bagels a delightful and wholesome breakfast option. Swap out the all-purpose flour for a whole grain variety to increase the fiber and nutrient content even further.

Variations on Strawberry Bagels

While Strawberry Bagels are a delectable treat, you can also try other fruit-infused variations to mix things up. Blueberry, raspberry, or even a combination of berries would be equally delicious. For a savory twist, consider adding herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough. The possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing your bagel creations!

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Strawberry Shortcake Fluff Salad
• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Tacos
• Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
• Strawberry Shortcake Sushi Roll Dessert

FAQs About Strawberry Bagels

What ingredients are needed to make Strawberry Bagels from scratch?

The key ingredients for Strawberry Bagels include warm water, dry active yeast, sugar or honey, all-purpose flour, salt, fresh or frozen strawberries, lemon juice, brown sugar, beet, and cream cheese for the topping.

Can you use fresh or frozen strawberries in Strawberry Bagels?

Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen strawberries in this recipe. Frozen strawberries will work just as well and can be a convenient option year-round.

How do you achieve a soft and chewy texture in Strawberry Bagels?

The secret to a soft and chewy texture is in the kneading and boiling process. Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, and be sure to boil the shaped bagels before baking to get that classic bagel texture.

What spreads or toppings pair best with Strawberry Bagels?

The homemade strawberry cream cheese is a natural pairing, but you can also enjoy these bagels with your favorite jams, nut butters, or even savory toppings like smoked salmon or avocado.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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