Vegan Strawberry Cream Cheese Danishes
Delicious danishes with flaky puff pastry filled with vegan cream cheese and topped with fresh macerated strawberries, balancing rich and bright flavors perfectly.
Ingredients
For the pastry and filling
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought, thawed) Keep the pastry cold until ready to roll.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped Use ripe but firm strawberries.
- 1/4 cup sugar Adjust based on strawberry sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Thickens the strawberry mixture.
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese Full-fat for best texture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens the sauce.
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the center.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to even thickness (about 10–12 inches square). Cut into 4–6 squares.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. Stir until the fruit releases some juice and the cornstarch is evenly mixed. Set aside to macerate.
- In another bowl, beat the vegan cream cheese with the lemon juice until smooth and slightly loose. If it’s too stiff, add a teaspoon of non-dairy milk to reach a spreadable consistency.
Assembly and Baking
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each pastry square, spreading it slightly but leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Add a spoonful of the strawberry mixture on top of the cream cheese. Don’t overfill.
- Fold the corners or edges over the filling to create a loose danish shape. Press seams gently to seal.
- Place the danishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optional: brush edges with a mix of non-dairy milk and a drop of oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Allow to cool slightly on the sheet for 5–8 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Store cooled danishes in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispness. Can freeze assembled but unbaked danishes for up to 1 month.