Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe

If you’re craving a flaky, fruity treat that’s totally plant-based and utterly irresistible, this Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe is just what you need in your life. I absolutely love how these come out – soft, buttery layers of puff pastry cradling a luscious, dairy-free cream cheese filling with fresh strawberries on top. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it’s easier than you think and perfect for weekend brunches, teatime, or anytime you want a little homemade indulgence.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully to create that classic Danish vibe, all without dairy or eggs. When I shop for this, I always pick cold puff pastry to keep it manageable, and fresh, ripe strawberries make a world of difference.

• Puff pastry sheets: I love using Jus-Rol Vegan + Gluten-free Puff Pastry — it’s super flaky and comes ready to go.
• Dairy-free cream cheese: This gives you the rich, tangy creaminess without any dairy; look for brands like Kite Hill or Violife.
• Gluten-free/plain flour: Just a little helps thicken the cream cheese filling for that perfect texture.
• Caster sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness; sprinkle some extra on the pastry for a slight crunch and golden color.
• Dairy-free milk: I use almond or oat milk to brush the pastry edges for a beautiful finish.
• Fresh strawberries: Bright, flavorful strawberries make the topping pop—pick the juiciest ones.

Variations

This vegan strawberry cream Danish recipe is really versatile, and I encourage you to make it your own. I often tweak things depending on the season or what’s in my fridge, and you’ll find these little twists make the recipe even more fun.

• Berry Mix: Sometimes I swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches for a quick seasonal twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: My family loves a drizzle of melted vegan dark chocolate over the baked danishes for an extra indulgent touch.
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted sliced almonds or crushed pistachios sprinkled on top add a lovely texture contrast.
• Gluten-Free Option: Using gluten-free puff pastry and flour works beautifully if you’re avoiding gluten, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How to Make Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Hearts

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C fan and lining two baking trays with greaseproof paper. Roll out your puff pastry sheet right on the original baking paper—this helps prevent sticking and tearing. If the pastry feels sticky, lightly dust it with flour to make it easier to work with. Using a large heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out your base shapes and place them carefully on the tray. Then, take a smaller heart cutter and gently press it into the center of each large heart to create an indentation—not cutting through fully; this is where the filling will sit.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine your dairy-free cream cheese, flour, and caster sugar. Stir it well until it becomes thick and creamy. If you have a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped), fill it with the cream cheese mixture – this makes applying it neat and easy. No piping bag? Don’t worry, you can use a spoon to dollop it right onto the pastry hearts.

Step 3: Add Strawberries and Prepare for Baking

Wash and slice your fresh strawberries thinly. Place a few strawberry slices on top of the cream cheese filling on each pastry heart. This fresh fruit topping adds brightness and a pop of natural sweetness. Next, brush the edges of each pastry with your dairy-free milk—this golden touch helps the danishes puff up beautifully and get that mouthwatering color. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little sugar over the edges; it boosts that lovely caramelized finish.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake the trays in the middle of the oven for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the pastries should be golden and flaky when they’re ready. Once finished, carefully remove the tray and swap in the other if you’ve sliced more pastry shapes. I like to let them cool for a few minutes before serving, and a light dusting of icing sugar is the final pretty flourish.

How to Serve Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a simple dusting of icing sugar for a pretty, sweet touch right before serving. Sometimes I’ll toss on a few fresh mint leaves for color and a light fresh aroma. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted vegan dark chocolate gives a lovely contrast.

Side Dishes

These danishes go perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, I often serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a big bowl of coconut yogurt topped with granola to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these pastries on a pretty tiered cake stand with some edible flowers scattered around for an elegant look. They’re also gorgeous served warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I store leftover danishes in a sealed container in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before eating—the pastry softens slightly but still holds its flakiness nicely. Ideally, enjoy them within 2 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

I sometimes freeze the unbaked shaped pastries (before adding filling) wrapped tightly in plastic, then bake straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to bake time. Freezing after baking can make them a bit soggy, so this method keeps them tasting fresh.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, I pop the danishes in a moderate oven (around 160°C/320°F) for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crispiness. The microwave tends to make puff pastry soggy, so I avoid that if I want to keep the flaky texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want something special but fuss-free. It hits the perfect balance of flaky pastry and creamy fruit topping every single time, and honestly, seeing everyone’s faces light up when they take that first bite makes it so worth it. I hope you’ll give this recipe a go and maybe even share it around—that’s the best way these kind of treats should be enjoyed, right? Happy baking, friend!

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