Description
This Easy Vegan Strawberry Danish recipe delivers a flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with a luscious strawberry compote, topped with a smooth vegan icing. Perfect for a quick breakfast or an indulgent snack, these danishes combine simple ingredients with straightforward steps to produce an impressive bakery-style treat without any animal products.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry and Topping
- 1 sheet puff pastry (ensure it’s vegan)
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter (for brushing)
Strawberry Filling
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegan Icing (Optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. This creates a thick, glossy filling.
- Cool Filling: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool to room temperature while preparing the pastry.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll and Cut Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth any folds. Cut into 4 equal squares or rectangles depending on the size you prefer.
- Brush Puff Pastry Edges: Brush the edges of each pastry square lightly with melted coconut oil or vegan butter to help with browning and to seal the corners later.
- Assemble Danishes: Spoon a generous amount of the cooled strawberry filling into the center of each pastry square for an even distribution of fruit and flavor.
- Fold Pastry Corners: Gently fold the corners of each puff pastry square towards the center forming a pocket around the filling. The center can remain open or enclosed depending on your preferred style.
- Brush Folded Pastry: Brush the folded parts of the pastries again with melted coconut oil or vegan butter to achieve a golden, crisp finish after baking.
- Bake Danishes: Place the assembled pastries onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Prepare Vegan Icing (Optional): While the danishes bake, whisk together powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if needed for a drizzle consistency.
- Cool and Drizzle Icing: Once baked, remove danishes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the prepared vegan icing over the tops to add a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Enjoy your warm or room-temperature vegan strawberry danishes as a delightful breakfast, brunch item, or sweet snack.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry you select is labeled vegan; many brands use butter or other dairy in their dough.
- The strawberry filling can be customized with other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the filling and icing to taste.
- The puff pastry should be kept cold until just before use for best puffing results.
- The vegan icing is optional but adds a lovely balance of sweetness and moisture.
