INTRODUCTION
Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a rich, creamy filling, all wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry. These danishes are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. They are not only vegan but also simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that looks impressive and tastes wonderful. The best part is that you do not need to be a pastry chef to make these delicious danishes at home!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe is fantastic for many reasons. First, it is vegan, which means it uses no animal products. Anyone following a vegan diet can enjoy these danishes. Second, the fresh strawberries add a bright, fruity flavor that complements the creamy filling. The combination of flavors makes each bite flavorful and satisfying. Third, these danishes are quick to prepare. You can whip them up in less than 30 minutes!
Lastly, they are highly versatile. You can adjust the sweetness and even add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. This means you can customize the recipe based on your favorite flavors or the fruits you have on hand. Making Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes can become a fun activity to share with family or friends, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.
HOW TO MAKE Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes
Making Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes is a straightforward process. Following the steps carefully will ensure that you get perfect danishes that are both flaky and delicious. Below, you will find everything you need to know to create this treat, including the equipment needed, the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and more.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes, you will need:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon for filling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of vegan puff pastry
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Aquafaba (chickpea brine) for egg wash
- Optional: Additional powdered sugar for dusting
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Start by getting your oven ready. Preheating helps your danishes bake evenly. -
Roll out the vegan puff pastry on a floured surface, then cut it into squares.
Place the puff pastry on a clean, floured surface and roll it out gently. Then, cut it into equal squares, usually about 4×4 inches. -
In a bowl, mix the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
Take your mixing bowl and add the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is creamy and smooth. -
Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
Using a spoon, drop a generous amount of the cream cheese mix right in the middle of each pastry square. -
Top with sliced strawberries.
Add sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture. This will bring freshness and flavor to your danish. -
Fold the corners of the pastry squares towards the center to form a danish shape.
Take each corner of the pastry square and fold it towards the center, creating a lovely shape that holds in the filling. -
Brush the tops with aquafaba.
Use a brush or your fingers to apply a little aquafaba on top of each folded pastry. This step gives your danishes a nice golden finish when baked. -
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Place the danishes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the preheated oven. Bake until they are nice and golden, usually around 15 to 20 minutes. -
Let cool slightly, then dust with additional powdered sugar if desired and serve.
After baking, allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes. If you like, you can dust them with more powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch before serving.
HOW TO SERVE Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes
Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes are best served fresh out of the oven, allowing everyone to enjoy their flaky texture and sweet filling. You can serve them as a delightful breakfast with coffee or tea. They are also great for brunch gatherings with friends and family. For a special touch, consider serving danishes with a side of fresh fruit or a vegan yogurt dip. This adds color and makes your serving presentation even more attractive.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes
If you have leftovers, you can store Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for best results. Place them on a baking sheet and warm them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the danishes before baking them. Place the unbaked danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you are ready to bake, there is no need to thaw; just pop them in the oven for an extra few minutes.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes are delicious on their own, but there are many ways to enjoy them. Here are some ideas:
- Serve with dairy-free ice cream or non-dairy whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with a fruit salad or mixed berries to enhance the fruity flavor.
- Add a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Create a brunch platter with coffee, tea, fresh fruits, and danishes for a beautiful spread.
VARIATIONS
You can easily switch up the flavors of your Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Mixed Berries: Add a mix of chopped berries, like blueberries or raspberries, instead of just strawberries.
- Chocolate Chip: Mix in some vegan chocolate chips with the cream cheese filling for a chocolatey twist.
- Peach or Apricot: Try using sliced peaches or apricots in place of strawberries for a seasonal variation.
- Nutty Flavor: Add a spoonful of almond or hazelnut paste to the cream cheese mixture for a richer flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, using store-bought vegan puff pastry is a great shortcut. Just make sure to check that it is vegan.
2. Can I make these danishes gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry if you have a gluten allergy or preference.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They taste best when reheated.
4. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but it’s best to thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes
To save time, you can prepare some parts of the danishes in advance. You can mix the cream cheese filling the night before and store it in the fridge. You can also cut the puff pastry squares ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready to bake, the assembly will go quickly. You’ll have fresh, warm danishes ready in no time!
Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the vegan puff pastry on a floured surface, then cut it into squares, about 4x4 inches.
- In a bowl, mix the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Top with sliced strawberries.
- Fold the corners of the pastry squares towards the center to form a danish shape.
- Brush the tops with aquafaba.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then dust with additional powdered sugar if desired and serve.