Mini Brown Butter Popovers with Jammy Strawberries
Introduction
These Mini Brown Butter Popovers with Jammy Strawberries are airy, golden bites coated in nutty browned butter and lemon sugar, then crowned with juicy strawberries. They’re elegant yet playful — perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or a sweet finish to any meal. The combination of crisp popovers, citrusy sugar, and jammy fruit makes them irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Popovers
14 tsp + 4 tbsp salted butter (divided)
1½ cups whole milk, at room temperature
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tbsp salted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups all‑purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2–3 tsp lemon zest
¼ tsp vanilla bean powder (optional)
For the Jammy Strawberries
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp strawberry jam
1 tbsp St. Germain (elderflower liqueur, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan
Position oven rack in lower third and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
Place 1 tsp butter in each cup of a 12‑cup muffin pan.
Heat pan in oven 3–5 minutes until butter melts.
Step 2: Make Batter
Whisk milk and eggs vigorously until frothy (about 1 minute).
Add melted butter, vanilla, flour, and salt. Whisk until just combined — small lumps are fine.
Step 3: Bake Popovers
Remove hot pan, swirl butter to coat cups.
Divide batter evenly, filling each cup ¾ full.
Bake 15–18 minutes until puffed, golden, and crisp.
Step 4: Brown the Butter
Melt 4 tbsp butter in skillet over medium heat.
Cook until golden brown with nutty aroma (3–4 minutes). Remove from heat.
Step 5: Prepare Lemon Sugar
In shallow bowl, mix sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla powder (if using).
Step 6: Make Jammy Strawberries
Toss strawberries with sugar, jam, and St. Germain.
Let sit 5–10 minutes to macerate.
Step 7: Assemble
Brush warm popovers with browned butter.
Roll in lemon sugar to coat.
Top with jammy strawberries and serve immediately.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Yield: 12 mini popovers
Tips & Tricks
Keep ingredients at room temperature for best rise.
Don’t open oven door while baking — popovers need steady heat.
Serve immediately for maximum crispness.
Try flavored sugars (lavender, orange zest) for variety.
Variations
Berry Mix: Use raspberries or blueberries with jam.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted dark chocolate over strawberries.
Holiday Twist: Sprinkle powdered sugar and garnish with mint leaves.
Savory Version: Skip sugar and fill with herbed cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for Easter brunch or Christmas breakfast.
Serve with whipped cream or mascarpone.
Pair with sparkling wine or herbal tea.
FAQs
Q: Can I make popovers ahead of time?
A: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat in oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Q: Can I use unsalted butter?
A: Yes, just add a pinch more salt to the batter.
Q: Do I need a popover pan?
A: No, a standard muffin pan works perfectly.
Conclusion
These Mini Brown Butter Popovers with Jammy Strawberries are light, crisp, and bursting with flavor. With their lemon sugar coating and juicy fruit topping, they’re a festive treat that feels both elegant and comforting.