Strawberry Bagels Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Naturally Sweet
Strawberry Bagels are a delicious, fruity twist on classic homemade bagels. They are soft on the inside, perfectly chewy on the outside, and made with real strawberries for natural flavor and color. These bagels are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or meal prep and are surprisingly easy to make at home.
Unlike overly sweet store-bought versions, these homemade strawberry bagels strike the perfect balance between mild sweetness and traditional bagel texture, making them perfect for both sweet and neutral toppings.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Bagels
These strawberry bagels are:
- 🍓 Made with real strawberries
- 🥯 Chewy and bakery-style
- ❌ Free from artificial flavors and colors
- 🧈 Perfect with cream cheese or butter
- 🧊 Easy to store and freezer-friendly
They’re ideal if you want:
- A lightly sweet bagel (not dessert-like)
- A colorful, kid-friendly breakfast
- A unique homemade bagel flavor
What Makes Bagels Different from Regular Bread?
Bagels are unique because of their two-step cooking process.
They are:
- Boiled before baking
- Made with high-gluten dough
- Baked at a higher temperature
This creates:
- A shiny crust
- Dense but tender crumb
- Signature chewiness
Strawberry bagels follow the same method, with strawberries carefully incorporated so they don’t weaken the dough structure.
Ingredients for Strawberry Bagels (And Why They Matter)
Main Ingredients
- Bread flour
- Provides structure and chew
- Active dry yeast or instant yeast
- Leavens the dough
- Sugar or honey
- Adds mild sweetness and feeds yeast
- Salt
- Balances flavor
- Warm water or milk
- Hydrates the dough
- Strawberries
- Flavor and natural color
- Oil or melted butter
- Slightly softens the crumb
Choosing the Right Strawberries
You have two great options:
Fresh Strawberries
- Natural flavor
- Softer crumb
- Must be puréed and reduced
Freeze-Dried Strawberries
- Stronger strawberry flavor
- Brighter pink color
- No extra moisture
✅ Best option: Use both for balanced flavor and texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl or stand mixer
- Dough hook (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large pot (for boiling)
- Slotted spoon
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Strawberry Bagels Recipe
1. Prepare the Strawberry Base
If using fresh strawberries:
- Wash and hull
- Blend into a smooth purée
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes to reduce moisture
- Cool completely
This prevents soggy dough.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl:
- Mix warm liquid, yeast, and sugar
- Rest 5–10 minutes until foamy
Add:
- Strawberry purée or powder
- Oil or melted butter
- Salt
- Bread flour (gradually)
Mix until a firm, slightly tacky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
- By hand: 10–12 minutes
- Mixer: 8–10 minutes
The dough should be:
- Smooth
- Elastic
- Firm (stiffer than sandwich bread)
4. First Rise
- Place dough in an oiled bowl
- Cover and rise 60–90 minutes
- Dough should double in size
5. Shape the Bagels
- Divide dough into 8 equal pieces
- Roll into balls
- Poke a hole in the center
- Stretch gently
Rest for 15–20 minutes.
6. Boil the Bagels
- Bring water to a boil
- Add 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
Boil each bagel:
- 30 seconds per side
This step creates the classic bagel chew.
7. Bake
- Preheat oven to 220°C / 425°F
- Bake for 20–25 minutes
- Rotate tray halfway
Cool before slicing.
Optional Toppings
Before baking, you can add:
- Coarse sugar
- Freeze-dried strawberry crumbs
- Cinnamon sugar
- Leave plain for spreads
Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Bagels
These strawberry bagels pair well with:
- Cream cheese (plain or strawberry)
- Butter or honey butter
- Nut butter
- Chocolate spread
- Fresh fruit
Perfect for:
- Breakfast
- Brunch boards
- Lunchboxes
Strawberry Bagel Variations
Flavor Variations
- Strawberry chocolate chip
- Strawberry vanilla
- Strawberry lemon
Dietary Variations
- Dairy-free (water + oil)
- Reduced sugar
- Mini bagels for kids
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Bagels Too Soft
- Dough too wet
- Not boiled long enough
✔️ Use firm dough and boil properly.
Pale Color
- Not enough strawberry
- Overbaking
✔️ Add freeze-dried strawberry powder.
Poor Rise
- Inactive yeast
- Water too hot
✔️ Use warm (not hot) liquid.
Storage and Freezing
Storage
- Room temperature: up to 2 days
- Airtight container recommended
Freezing
- Slice before freezing
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Toast directly from frozen
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain well before puréeing.
Are strawberry bagels very sweet?
No, they are lightly sweet and balanced.
Can I make them pink naturally?
Yes, freeze-dried strawberries add natural color.
Can I make the dough overnight?
Yes, refrigerate after the first rise for up to 12 hours.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Bagels are a beautiful way to elevate homemade baking. With their chewy texture, natural strawberry flavor, and soft crumb, they’re perfect for everyday breakfasts or special occasions.
Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a household favorite.