Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe
If you’re craving a delightful treat that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish will absolutely charm your taste buds. Combining flaky, golden puff pastry with a luscious dairy-free cream cheese filling and the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries, this recipe is a perfect pick for any special breakfast or brunch. The Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish offers an irresistible balance of creamy texture, fruity brightness, and buttery flakiness that’s guaranteed to brighten up your day with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish starts with simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a key role in creating that dreamy texture and flavor combination you’ll love.
- Puff pastry sheets: Choose vegan puff pastry (I recommend JusRol Vegan + Gluten-free Puff Pastry) for that classic flaky base.
- Dairy-free cream cheese: This gives the filling its rich and creamy texture without using any animal products.
- Gluten-free or plain flour: Just a splash to help thicken the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- Caster sugar: Adds the right touch of sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- Dairy-free milk: Helps with brushing the pastry edges to achieve a beautiful golden finish.
- Fresh strawberries: The star of the show for natural sweetness, vibrant color, and that fresh fruity punch.
How to Make Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish
Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry
First, preheat your oven to 180°C fan and line two large baking trays with greaseproof paper to prevent sticking. Unroll your vegan puff pastry sheet right on the baking paper to keep things neat. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any wrinkles, and if the dough feels sticky, lightly dust with flour. Then, grab a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out large hearts for the base of your danish.
Step 2: Creating the Indentation for Filling
After placing the large hearts on the baking trays, use a smaller heart-shaped cookie cutter to gently press an indentation inside each pastry heart. Be careful not to cut all the way through; this little well is where the creamy filling will nestle perfectly later.
Step 3: Mixing the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, blend your dairy-free cream cheese with flour and caster sugar until you get a thick, creamy mixture. This is the luscious center of your Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish. Transfer the filling to a piping bag for neat application, or simply use a spoon for a more rustic touch.
Step 4: Adding Strawberries and Assembling
Wash and slice fresh strawberries thinly. Carefully pipe or spoon the cream cheese filling into the heart indentations on the puff pastry, then arrange a few strawberry slices on top of the creamy filling. This layering ensures that each bite delivers a balanced mix of creaminess and fruitiness.
Step 5: Finishing Touches Before Baking
Brush the edges of the pastry with dairy-free milk to encourage a golden browning. Sprinkle a little extra caster sugar over the pastry edges to add a delightful crunch after baking. Place the trays into the oven one at a time, baking the danishes for 10 to 15 minutes until they turn golden and flakey.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let your Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish cool slightly before transferring to a serving plate. For a final flourish, dust lightly with icing sugar to add a pretty, sweet finish that elevates presentation and taste.
How to Serve Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish
Garnishes
Enhance your Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of pure maple syrup for a sophisticated touch. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or crushed pistachios also adds wonderful texture and a pop of color that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Side Dishes
Serve these danishes alongside a fresh green salad or a bowl of mixed berries to maintain a light and refreshing meal balance. For a cozy breakfast, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea complements their sweet, flaky goodness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by arranging your danishes on a rustic wooden board with extra bowls of fresh strawberries and dairy-free whipped cream. You can also layer them on a tiered dessert stand for brunch parties, making the Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish the star attraction that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to enjoy again, allow them to come to room temperature to regain some of their softness and flavor vibrancy. They’re best eaten within two days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes by placing them on a baking tray in the freezer until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them straight into the oven with a few extra minutes added to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat your danishes in a preheated oven at 160°C for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will restore their flakiness and bring back that fresh-baked feeling much better than using a microwave, which can make pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in the Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry well to avoid soggy pastry.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free puff pastry and substitute the plain flour in the filling with gluten-free flour. Just check that all other ingredients you use are also labeled gluten-free.
Can I make the filling without dairy-free cream cheese?
The cream cheese gives the danish its signature texture, but you could try using a thick coconut cream or a blended cashew cream as alternatives, though the flavor and texture will slightly differ.
How long does this Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish last?
For best taste and texture, enjoy within two days of baking. Beyond that, the pastry may lose its flakiness, and the strawberries can become watery.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Absolutely! The ingredients scale up easily, just make sure you have enough baking trays and oven space to accommodate the larger quantity for even baking.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, making this Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish feels like gifting yourself a little moment of bliss. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim but impressive enough to brighten any morning or gathering. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and see just how wonderfully delicious plant-based baking can be. Your loved ones will thank you for it!
