If you’re in the mood for a delightful treat that feels fancy but is actually pretty straightforward, this Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how this recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy dairy-free filling and fresh strawberries – it’s like a little festival of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about plant-based baking, this Danish is about to wow your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Yet Impressive: You don’t need to be a baking pro to make these look and taste bakery-worthy.
- Vegan and Delightful: Totally plant-based but rich and creamy enough to satisfy any dessert craving.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
- Fresh and Fruity: The fresh strawberries add the perfect pop of color and flavor to this treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe was chosen to create that delicate balance between flakey pastry, creamy filling, and fresh fruit goodness. I always love using the best quality puff pastry I can find, and the cream cheese alternative brings that luscious texture without any dairy.
- Puff pastry sheets: I usually grab Jus-Rol Vegan + Gluten-free Puff Pastry – it’s reliable and super flaky every time. Keep it cold before using for the best results.
- Dairy-free cream cheese: This is the heart of the creamy filling; make sure it’s soft and smooth to get that perfect spreadable texture.
- Gluten-free/plain flour: Adding a bit of flour helps thicken the cream cheese filling so it doesn’t spread all over the pastry while baking.
- Caster sugar: Just a touch adds sweetness without overpowering the natural berry flavor.
- Dairy-free milk: You’ll use this to brush on the pastry edges, helping them brown up beautifully in the oven.
- Fresh strawberries: The fresher, the better – they not only taste amazing but also make your Danish visually irresistible.
Variations
I love making this Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe my own by swapping a few ingredients or adding personal touches – it’s really flexible. Feel free to play around and see what speaks to your sweet tooth!
- Gluten-free version: Using gluten-free puff pastry and flour works beautifully – just double-check your labels to avoid any hidden gluten.
- Other fruits: Sometimes I swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even peach slices for a seasonal twist.
- Nutty twist: Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped almonds or pistachios on top before baking gives a wonderful crunch and flavor contrast.
- Flavored cream filling: Mix in a hint of vanilla or lemon zest to the dairy-free cream cheese to elevate the flavor even more.
How to Make Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Hearts
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C fan and lining two large baking trays with greaseproof paper. Unroll your puff pastry sheet right on its baking paper – this prevents any frustrating sticking. I like to gently roll out any wrinkles with a rolling pin, dusting a bit of flour if the pastry feels tacky. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out large hearts and place them on your trays. Then take a smaller heart cutter and press gently in the center of each large heart—don’t cut all the way through; just make an indentation. This little detail helps the cream cheese filling stay nicely nestled without overflowing.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix together your dairy-free cream cheese, flour, and caster sugar until you have a thick, creamy mixture. The consistency should be firm enough to pipe but soft enough to spread easily. Transferring the filling into a piping bag is my favorite method because it’s neat and controlled, but if you don’t have one, a spoon works just fine. Just dollop the filling right into those heart indentations you created on the pastry.
Step 3: Add Fresh Strawberries and Finish Up
Wash and slice fresh strawberries – about 3-4 medium ones should do for each batch. Place a few slices over the cream cheese filling. Then brush the exposed pastry edges with dairy-free milk to help them brown up during baking. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra sugar over the top for that perfect golden, slightly caramelized finish.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Pop your tray into the center of the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the Danish are golden and the pastry looks flaky. Keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark—ovens can be sneaky! Once they’re done, remove from the oven and let cool just enough to handle. If you have more dough, repeat this process with the next tray. For the finishing touch, I love dusting mine with a sprinkle of icing sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe
- Keep Puff Pastry Cold: I learned the hard way that warming up the pastry makes it tricky to cut shapes cleanly and it won’t rise as nicely.
- Don’t Overfill the Cream: Too much filling can leak out and make the danishes soggy – a little goes a long way here.
- Use Fresh, Firm Strawberries: Softer berries release water and can make the pastry less crisp after baking.
- Watch Your Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking around 10 minutes to prevent burning or undercooking.
How to Serve Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish these danishes with a light dusting of icing sugar – it adds a lovely, delicate sweetness and makes them look extra inviting. Sometimes a drizzle of melted dark vegan chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint leaves can give them a fun twist and a splash of color.
Side Dishes
These danishes go perfectly with a warm cup of black coffee or a creamy oat milk latte. On weekends, I like serving them alongside a fresh fruit salad or some tangy plant-based yogurt to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special brunch, I’ve laid them out on a pretty platter with edible flowers and tiny bowls of homemade vegan whipped cream and berry compote. They also make fantastic individual gifts when placed in a cute bakery box with a personalized note – my friends always go crazy for that!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These danishes are best eaten the day you make them, fresh and flakey. But if you have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Before eating, I like to let them come to room temperature to bring back some of that softness and flavor.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these individually wrapped in parchment paper inside a freezer bag – they freeze well for up to a month. When I want one, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it slightly before serving.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat these is to pop them in a preheated oven at 160°C (fan) for about 5-7 minutes. This helps to restore that flakiness and keeps the creamy filling smooth without drying out the strawberries.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the puff pastry you buy is vegan-friendly (some contain butter). Jus-Rol Vegan Puff Pastry is my favorite because it’s easy to find and works like a charm. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it so it stays flaky.
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Is the cream cheese filling difficult to make?
Not at all! Mixing dairy-free cream cheese with a little flour and sugar is quick and straightforward. The main trick is getting the right consistency — thick enough to hold its shape but still creamy. Using a piping bag helps with neat application but isn’t mandatory.
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Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free puff pastry and gluten-free flour in the filling to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets. The texture will still be light and flakey, and my family can’t even tell the difference!
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What other fruits work well in this recipe?
Strawberries are classic here, but I’ve had great results with blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or even thin apple slices. Just be sure to choose fruits that won’t release too much liquid to keep the pastry crisp.
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How long does the baking take?
Baking usually takes between 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on your oven starting at 10 minutes to catch that perfect golden-brown color without overbaking.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it balances simplicity with that wow-factor every single time. It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or just treating yourself to something a little bit special. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as my family and I do — once you try it, I bet it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen too!
Print
Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in this Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish recipe featuring flaky, golden puff pastry filled with luscious dairy-free cream cheese and fresh strawberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these charming heart-shaped pastries are easy to make and beautifully presented, making them a lovable treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1–2 sheets of JusRol Vegan + Gluten-free Puff Pastry
Cream Cheese Filling
- 130g dairy-free cream cheese
- 15g gluten-free or plain flour (depending on preference)
- 15g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 4 tablespoons dairy-free milk
Topping
- Fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking trays: Set your oven to 180°C fan and line two large baking trays with greaseproof paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet on top of its baking paper. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any wrinkles, dusting with some flour if the pastry feels sticky.
- Cut out the heart shapes: Using a large heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the shapes and place them carefully on the lined trays. Then, gently press a smaller heart-shaped cutter into the center of each larger heart to create an indentation without cutting through.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a bowl, combine the dairy-free cream cheese, flour, and sugar until the mixture is thick and creamy. Transfer this to a piping bag and snip the tip off; alternatively, you can spoon the filling onto the pastry.
- Assemble the danishes: Pipe or spoon the cream cheese filling into the indentation of each heart-shaped pastry. Top with a few slices of fresh strawberries.
- Glaze and sprinkle: Brush the edges of the pastries with dairy-free milk and sprinkle extra caster sugar over the tops to encourage a golden, sweet finish.
- Bake the pastries: Place the tray in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and flaky. Repeat with the second tray if necessary.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, allow the pastries to cool slightly on the tray, then dust with icing sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Store these pastries in a sealed container in the fridge. For best taste and texture, allow them to come to room temperature before eating.
- These danishes are best enjoyed on the day they’re made but can be eaten up to two days later.
- Jus-Roll Vegan + Gluten-free Puff Pastry can be found in most supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Ocado, and ASDA.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
