Easy Vegan Strawberry Danish

Looking for a sweet and flaky pastry that’s not only delicious but also vegan? This Easy Vegan Strawberry Danish is the answer! Bursting with a sweet strawberry filling, wrapped in layers of buttery, flaky dough, and topped with a light glaze, this pastry is the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-day snack.

This recipe takes all the goodness of a traditional Danish pastry but swaps out the dairy and eggs for plant-based ingredients, without sacrificing any of the taste or texture. With store-bought vegan puff pastry, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a great option for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Whether you’re a vegan or simply looking to try something new, this strawberry Danish is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Pair this decadent treat with a cup of coffee or tea, and you have a perfect snack or dessert to enjoy. With its flaky layers and sweet strawberry filling, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple to Make

With the help of store-bought vegan puff pastry, this recipe is quick and easy to put together, requiring minimal ingredients and effort.

2. Vegan-Friendly

This recipe is completely plant-based, making it the perfect option for those following a vegan diet, but it’s delicious enough for everyone to enjoy.

3. Flaky and Buttery Texture

Thanks to the puff pastry, these Danishes have a perfectly flaky and buttery texture, despite being dairy-free.

4. Delicious Strawberry Filling

The sweet, tangy strawberry filling adds a fruity flavor that perfectly complements the crispy pastry.

5. Customizable

While this recipe calls for strawberry, you can easily swap out the filling with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.

Ingredients

For the Danish:

• Vegan puff pastry (store-bought)
• Fresh or frozen strawberries
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• Non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk)

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Non-dairy milk
• Vanilla extract

Variations

• Mixed Berry Danish: Replace the strawberries with a combination of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry Danish.
• Peach or Apricot Filling: Swap the strawberry filling with fresh peaches or apricots for a sweet, seasonal twist.
• Cinnamon Sugar Danish: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on the puff pastry before adding the fruit filling for a spiced version.
• Almond Cream Filling: For a richer flavor, add a layer of almond cream or vegan cream cheese beneath the fruit filling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices (about 5 minutes). Mix the cornstarch with a little bit of water to create a slurry, then add this to the strawberry mixture to thicken the filling. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the filling has thickened to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool while you prepare the puff pastry.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the vegan puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a knife to cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Danishes

Place a spoonful of the strawberry filling in the center of each pastry square. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create a pocket or fold in the corners to create a triangle. You can also leave the edges open for a more rustic look.

Step 4: Bake the Danishes

Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the edges of the pastry with a little non-dairy milk to help them brown and become golden. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the Danishes are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Once the Danishes have finished baking, allow them to cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the flaky, fruity, and sweet goodness of your vegan strawberry Danish!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Cold Puff Pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is chilled when working with it to ensure it puffs up properly when baked.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pastries with the strawberry mixture, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
• Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastry from sticking and to ensure an even bake.
• Flaky Layers: If you want extra flaky layers, be gentle when handling the puff pastry and avoid pressing it down too much.
• Customize the Filling: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen strawberries or even fruit preserves as an alternative.

How to Serve

Serve these Easy Vegan Strawberry Danishes as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, and they’re perfect for brunch or holiday gatherings. For a more indulgent experience, serve with a side of whipped coconut cream or vegan ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

If you want to make these Danishes ahead of time, you can freeze them before baking. After assembling the pastries, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake from frozen for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Reheating

To reheat leftover Danishes, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries?

Yes, you can substitute strawberry jam for the homemade filling. Just heat the jam slightly and add cornstarch to thicken it if necessary.

2. Can I make these without puff pastry?

You can use vegan croissant dough, crescent rolls, or even phyllo dough as a substitute for puff pastry.

3. How do I get the puff pastry to be extra flaky?

Make sure the puff pastry is cold before baking and avoid pressing it down too much while assembling.

4. Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Yes, you can use a variety of fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries in place of or in combination with the strawberries.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

To make these Danishes gluten-free, use a gluten-free puff pastry or pastry dough. Check for a high-quality gluten-free puff pastry in your local store.

6. How do I make the glaze thicker?

If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

7. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the Danishes the night before and bake them in the morning for a fresh, warm breakfast.

8. Can I freeze these after baking?

Yes, you can freeze baked Danishes in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

9. How can I make this recipe sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add more sugar to the strawberry mixture or glaze.

10. How do I know when the Danishes are done?

The Danishes are done when they are golden brown and puffed up, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

These Easy Vegan Strawberry Danishes are the perfect treat for any time you’re craving something sweet and flaky. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation process, you can enjoy a delicious, plant-based pastry that will rival any bakery version. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these Danishes will be a hit. Customize the filling with your favorite fruits, and top them with a sweet glaze for the ultimate indulgence. They’re the perfect way to enjoy a vegan-friendly version of a classic pastry.

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