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Crispy, melt-in-your-mouth pastry layers wrap around a creamy plant-based cheese center, topped with juicy strawberries in these stunning Danish treats. These cute heart-shaped goodies mix the satisfying snap of puffy dough with an unbelievably soft middle, making a fancy-looking treat that's totally vegan.
I've brought these to so many morning get-togethers, and everyone's shocked when they find out there's no dairy. The way the dough rises around the filling makes such pretty patterns that nobody ever misses the butter.
Key Ingredients and Shopping Advice
- Plant-based puff pastry: Check for ones clearly marked "vegan" since many have dairy butter
- Plant-based cream cheese: Go for the full-fat kind to get the creamiest result
- Ripe strawberries: Look for bright, firm ones without mushy parts
- Fine sugar: It mixes perfectly into the smooth filling
- Plant milk: Grab an unsweetened type so you can manage how sweet things get
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Get the Dough Ready
- Let puff pastry sit out about 5 minutes so it won't crack when you open it. Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and put baking paper on two trays.
- Step 2: Flatten the Pastry
- Open the pastry on a surface with just a bit of flour. Lightly use a rolling pin to smooth it out. Keep it cool but workable.
- Step 3: Make Heart Cutouts
- With big heart cookie cutters, cut as many shapes as you can. Put them on your trays with room between each one.
- Step 4: Make Inner Borders
- Push a smaller heart cutter into each pastry to make borders for filling, but don't cut all the way through.
- Step 5: Mix the Filling
- Stir together plant cream cheese, flour, and sugar until it's all smooth. Put it in a piping bag with round tip or just grab a spoon.
- Step 6: Cut Up Strawberries
- Clean and slice strawberries thinly so they're ready before the dough gets too warm.
- Step 7: Put Everything Together
- Add cream cheese mix into the heart centers, leaving space around edges. Put strawberry slices on top in a pretty pattern.
- Step 8: Final Touch Before Baking
- Brush the edges with plant milk and sprinkle with fine sugar to get a nice golden crust.
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I spent my childhood in my grandma's bakery, where I learned that watching temperatures is key for awesome pastries. These vegan ones turn out just as good as the traditional kind.
Beautiful Presentation
Putting strawberries in a pretty spread-out pattern makes them look fancy. Work fast to keep the dough cool, which helps it rise better in the oven.
Perfect Timing
Think ahead - let your cream cheese soften a bit while your dough stays cold. This gives you that amazing contrast between crisp and creamy.
Ways to Enjoy
These treats go great with your morning coffee or afternoon tea break. Try eating them when they're still a bit warm for the best experience.
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After trying countless vegan pastry recipes, these Danishes hit the sweet spot between easy and impressive. They show that plant-based baking can be just as flaky, delicate and amazing as the old-school dairy versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
- They're best fresh but can be kept in the fridge for a couple of days. Let them warm up before eating.
- → Where do I get vegan puff pastry?
- You can find JusRol puff pastry at popular stores like Tesco, ASDA, or Sainsbury's.
- → Can I swap out the strawberries?
- Sure! Blueberries, raspberries, or other berries work great here.
- → What should I do with leftovers?
- Keep them refrigerated in a sealed container and let them lose the chill before serving.
- → Do I have to stick to vegan ingredients?
- Nope, feel free to use regular cream cheese and milk if you'd like.