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Flaky, buttery layers of pastry cradle a silky dairy-free cream cheese filling, crowned with fresh strawberries in these elegant Danish pastries. These heart-shaped treats combine the delicate crunch of puff pastry with a luxuriously smooth center, creating a bakery-worthy masterpiece that happens to be completely vegan.
I've served these at countless brunches, and guests are always amazed when I reveal they're vegan. The way the pastry puffs up around the creamy filling creates such beautiful layers that no one misses the dairy.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Vegan puff pastry: Look for brands that specifically state "vegan" as some contain butter
- Dairy-free cream cheese: Choose full-fat varieties for the richest texture
- Fresh strawberries: Select firm, bright red berries with no soft spots
- Caster sugar: Its fine texture blends seamlessly into the filling
- Dairy-free milk: Use an unsweetened variety to control the overall sweetness
Detailed Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
- Bring your puff pastry to room temperature, about 5 minutes, to prevent cracking when unrolled. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.
- Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry
- Unroll the pastry carefully on a lightly floured surface. Use gentle pressure with a rolling pin to smooth wrinkles. The pastry should remain cool but pliable.
- Step 3: Cut Heart Shapes
- Using large heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut out as many hearts as possible. Place them on prepared trays with space between.
- Step 4: Create Indented Borders
- Press lightly with a smaller heart cutter to create indented borders for the filling, without cutting through.
- Step 5: Prepare the Filling
- Mix dairy-free cream cheese, flour, and sugar in a bowl until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag with a round tip or prepare a spoon for filling.
- Step 6: Slice the Strawberries
- Wash and thinly slice strawberries for quick assembly before the pastry warms too much.
- Step 7: Assemble the Pastries
- Fill the indented hearts with the cream cheese mixture, leaving a small border. Arrange strawberry slices decoratively on top.
- Step 8: Finish for Baking
- Brush pastry edges with dairy-free milk and sprinkle with caster sugar for a caramelized finish during baking.
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Growing up in my grandmother's bakery, I learned that temperature control is crucial for perfect pastries. These vegan versions maintain that same professional quality.
Art of Assembly
Arranging strawberries in a fan pattern creates an elegant presentation. Work quickly to keep the pastry cool, which ensures better puffing during baking.
Timing Secrets
Plan ahead - let cream cheese soften slightly while keeping pastry chilled. This balance creates the perfect texture contrast.
Serving Suggestions
These Danishes pair beautifully with morning coffee or afternoon tea. Consider serving them slightly warm for the best texture experience.
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After years of perfecting vegan pastries, these Danishes represent the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. They prove that plant-based baking can achieve the same delicate, layered results as traditional methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Best served day of making but can be stored in fridge for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- → Where can I find vegan puff pastry?
- JusRol brand is available at major supermarkets like Sainsbury's, Tesco, and ASDA.
- → Can I use different fruit?
- Yes, raspberries, blueberries, or other berries work well as alternatives to strawberries.
- → How do I store leftover pastries?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge and allow to come to room temperature before eating.
- → Can I make these without being vegan?
- Yes, regular cream cheese and dairy milk can be used instead of plant-based alternatives.