Strawberry Bagels with Creamy Strawberry Spread Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten up your breakfast or brunch table, you absolutely must try this Strawberry Bagels with Creamy Strawberry Spread Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic bagel that dazzles with its inviting pink hue and naturally sweet strawberry flavors. The dough is wonderfully fluffy yet chewy, infused with hints of fresh strawberries and a splash of beetroot juice to enhance its gorgeous color. And then there’s that luscious creamy strawberry spread that melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and fresh strawberries, making every bite an unforgettable celebration of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, fresh, and thoughtfully chosen to deliver the perfect harmony of texture, color, and taste. Each one plays a vital role in creating the magic of this recipe, from giving the bagels their signature pink blush to crafting that irresistibly creamy spread.

• Fresh Strawberries (2 cups): This brings natural sweetness and bright flavor, key to the strawberry essence throughout the recipe.
• Small Beetroot (1): Used purely for its rich, coloring power, it gives the bagels a vibrant pink shade without changing the flavor.
• Bread Flour (4 cups): Provides the perfect chewy texture essential for great bagels; all-purpose flour can work if you want a softer bite.
• Active Dry Yeast (2 teaspoons): A fresh batch is crucial to help your dough rise beautifully and develop that classic bagel chew.
• Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle molasses depth and sweetness, both in the dough and the poaching water for that golden brown color.
• Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Lifts and brightens flavors, enhancing the freshness of the strawberries.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing sweetness and strengthening the dough’s gluten structure.
• Large Egg (1): Used for the egg wash, it creates a glossy, bronzed finish on the bagels.
• Cream Cheese (8 ounces): Full-fat cream cheese delivers luscious creaminess to the spread; it’s a must.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Optional but highly recommended for adding a comforting aroma and depth to the creamy spread.
• Chopped Strawberries (1 cup): Adds fresh, fruity texture and bursts of flavor to the creamy spread.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the spread perfectly; adjust to your taste for a sweeter or lighter finish.

How to Make Strawberry Bagels with Creamy Strawberry Spread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Mixture

Start by chopping fresh strawberries and combining them with lemon juice and brown sugar in a saucepan. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the strawberries soften and release their juices. Then, mash lightly to preserve a bit of texture and let this strawberry syrup cool completely. This sweetened mixture will infuse the dough with natural strawberry flavor and moisture.

Step 2: Extract the Beetroot Color

Blend a small beetroot with a splash of water and a teaspoon of sugar until smooth. Strain to collect the vibrant juice, which will give your bagels their stunning pink color—an eye-catching touch without adding any earthy beet flavor.

Step 3: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine one cup of warm water with the active dry yeast and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the surface becomes frothy, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on the dough.

Step 4: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together bread flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and the cooled strawberry-beetroot liquid, stirring gently until a rough, shaggy dough starts to come together. This step sets the foundation for your tender yet chewy bagels.

Step 5: Knead for Perfection

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking, but be careful not to overdo it—you want a dough that’s soft and springy for that perfect chew.

Step 6: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This rise helps build flavor and texture.

Step 7: Shape the Bagels

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball. Let these balls rest under a towel for 30 minutes to relax the dough and make shaping easier.

Step 8: Form and Proof Bagels

Poke a hole through the center of each dough ball with your finger, gently stretching it to form the classic bagel ring shape. Place them on a baking sheet and cover again to let them rise for another 30 minutes, allowing a lighter texture to develop.

Step 9: Poach the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in brown sugar. Poach each bagel in the simmering water for one minute on each side. This step creates the chewy exterior and gives your bagels a shiny crust.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Delight

Preheat your oven to 415°F (210°C). Transfer the poached bagels back to the baking sheet, brush each with a beaten egg wash for that irresistible sheen, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re deeply golden brown and utterly inviting.

Step 11: Make the Creamy Strawberry Spread

While the bagels bake, soften the cream cheese to room temperature. Mix it thoroughly with chopped strawberries, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness to your liking—it should be luscious and bursting with strawberry goodness.

Step 12: Enjoy Your Creation

Let the bagels cool slightly once they’re out of the oven. Slice each in half and generously slather on that dreamy creamy strawberry spread. Serve warm for the best experience, and get ready to savor every delightful bite.

How to Serve Strawberry Bagels with Creamy Strawberry Spread Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Strawberry Bagels with Creamy Strawberry Spread Recipe with toppings like fresh mint leaves or a scattering of toasted sliced almonds for a lovely crunch. A few thin slices of fresh strawberries on top add a vibrant and fresh final touch that makes this treat even more special.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the bagels and spread, or perhaps a bowl of mixed fresh berries to complement the strawberry theme. A cup of your favorite tea or freshly brewed coffee is a perfect beverage pairing to start your day bright.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bagels into smaller rounds for a pretty appetizer platter, topped with dollops of the creamy strawberry spread and garnishes like edible flowers or fresh herbs. You can also transform these into mini sandwiches with smoked salmon or cucumber slices for a delightful savory twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftover Strawberry Bagels with Creamy Strawberry Spread Recipe by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, or you can refrigerate the spread separately for up to three days.

Freezing

To keep your bagels longer, freeze them in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. The creamy strawberry spread is best made fresh but can be frozen in small portions if needed, though you might want to stir it again before serving to restore its smooth texture.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated bagels by toasting or heating in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long to maintain the bagel’s chewy texture. Add your creamy strawberry spread after warming for the freshest taste experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well and are a great alternative when fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before use to avoid altering the dough’s consistency.

What if I don’t have beetroot—can I skip it?

Yes, you can omit the beetroot if you prefer. The bagels will still taste fantastic, but you’ll lose that lovely natural pink color. You could substitute with a couple of tablespoons of natural pink fruit juice for color, but it’s optional.

Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt in the spread?

Greek yogurt will add tang and creaminess but won’t have the same rich texture as cream cheese. For the classic creamy strawberry spread, full-fat cream cheese is best, but Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative if desired.

Can I make these bagels gluten-free?

Traditional bagels rely on gluten for their chewy texture, so making them gluten-free requires specialty flours and additional binders. There are gluten-free bagel recipes out there, but this specific recipe wouldn’t work well without modification.

How long does it take to make these bagels from start to finish?

This recipe takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes including rising, poaching, baking, and prepping the spread. It’s a bit of a labor of love, but the result is an unforgettable treat that’s well worth the time.

Final Thoughts

Nothing feels quite as special as starting your morning with homemade treats, and this Strawberry Bagels with Creamy Strawberry Spread Recipe is a true showstopper. It’s bursting with flavor, full of texture, and vibrant in appearance—perfect for impressing loved ones or simply treating yourself. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into the lovely process of making these delightful bagels. I promise they’ll become a radiant new favorite in your recipe collection!

Print