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Crispy, melt-in-your-mouth pastry surrounds a velvety plant-based cream cheese mixture, topped with juicy strawberries in these stunning Danish treats. These adorable heart-shaped goodies mix the satisfying snap of puffy layers with an incredibly smooth inside, making a bakery-quality creation 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 gorgeous textures that nobody ever misses the animal products.
Key Components and Shopping Advice
- Plant-based puff pastry: Search for ones marked "vegan" since many have dairy butter
- Non-dairy cream cheese: Go for the higher fat options to get the creamiest results
- Ripe strawberries: Pick ones that are deep red and firm without mushy parts
- Fine sugar: This dissolves perfectly into your filling mixture
- Plant milk: Grab one without added sweeteners so you can manage the sugar level
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
- Step 1: Get the Dough Ready
- Let puff pastry sit out about 5 minutes until it won't crack when you open it. Heat up your oven to 180°C (350°F) and put baking paper on two trays.
- Step 2: Smooth Out the Dough
- Open the pastry on a lightly floured counter. Use a rolling pin with light touch to smooth any wrinkles. Keep the dough cool but workable.
- Step 3: Shape into Hearts
- Take big heart-shaped cookie cutters and cut out as many hearts as you can. Put them on your lined trays with room between each one.
- Step 4: Make Borders
- Use a smaller heart cutter to press gently and create inner borders for your filling, but don't cut all the way through.
- Step 5: Mix Your Filling
- Stir together plant-based cream cheese, flour, and sugar until it's all smooth. Put it in a piping bag with round tip or grab a spoon for adding it later.
- Step 6: Get Strawberries Ready
- Clean and slice strawberries thinly so they're ready to use before your dough gets too warm.
- Step 7: Put It All Together
- Add cream cheese mix inside the heart borders, leaving room around the edges. Place strawberry slices on top in a pretty pattern.
- Step 8: Final Touches
- Brush the edges with plant milk and sprinkle with fine sugar to get a nice brown look when baked.
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I spent my childhood in my grandma's bakery, where I learned that watching temperatures makes or breaks pastry. These vegan ones turn out just as good as the old-school versions.
Creative Arrangement
Putting strawberries in a pretty fan shape makes them look extra fancy. Don't dawdle though - keep that dough cool for better rising while it bakes.
Perfect Timing
Get organized - soften your cream cheese a bit while keeping the pastry cold. This gives you that awesome contrast between crisp and creamy.
How to Enjoy
These goodies go great with your morning joe or afternoon cuppa. Try them when they're still a tiny bit warm for the tastiest experience.
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I've spent tons of time getting vegan pastries just right, and these Danishes hit the sweet spot between easy and impressive. They show that plant-based baking can nail those delicate, multiple layers just like the classic stuff does.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare them in advance?
- They’re best freshly served, but leftovers can chill in the fridge for 2 days. Let them warm to room temperature for the best flavor.
- → Where do I buy vegan puff pastry?
- You can find JusRol brand at popular UK stores like Tesco, Sainsbury's, or ASDA.
- → Can I swap out strawberries for something else?
- Sure! You can use blueberries, raspberries, or other fruits you like instead.
- → How do I store any extras?
- Pop them in a sealed container in the fridge. Let them warm up at room temperature before enjoying.
- → Do they work with regular dairy options?
- Yes! Feel free to swap in traditional cream cheese and regular milk.