The Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish is a sweet treat that combines flaky, buttery pastry with juicy strawberries and a smooth, creamy filling—all made without any animal products. The freshness of the strawberries pairs so nicely with the light creaminess, making it a perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to show some love with food.
I love making this dessert because it feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to put together. The vegan cream filling has just the right touch of sweetness and silkiness, while the strawberry topping adds a bright, fresh flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy something a little special without too much fuss in the kitchen.
My favorite way to serve the Danish is fresh from the oven with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. It’s perfect for sharing with someone you care about, or just treating yourself to a lovely moment with a cup of tea or coffee. Every bite is a little reminder that sweet things don’t have to be complicated to taste wonderful.
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegan Puff Pastry: This is your base, providing that classic flaky texture. If you can’t find vegan puff pastry, try making your own with vegan butter, or use a vegan pie crust for a sturdier option.
Strawberries and Jam: Fresh strawberries give a bright, juicy flavor, while the jam adds sweetness and thickens the topping. If strawberries aren’t in season, blueberries or raspberries work well too.
Vegan Cream Cheese: This adds a smooth and tangy layer. You can use store-bought or make homemade with soaked cashews blended with lemon juice and coconut cream. Adjust sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar.
Powdered Sugar & Non-Dairy Milk (for glaze): Powdered sugar makes the glaze smooth and sweet. Almond, soy, or oat milk are great for thinning the glaze. Adjust milk little by little to get a drizzle-friendly texture.
How Do You Keep Puff Pastry Flaky and Prevent It From Getting Soggy?
Making puff pastry stay crisp and flaky is key to this dessert. Here’s how to do it:
- Prick the inner area of the pastry lightly with a fork to stop it from puffing up too much, but keep the border puffed for texture.
- Fold the edges to create a barrier. This keeps the cream cheese and strawberry filling from spreading and sogging the whole pastry.
- Don’t overload with wet filling—combine strawberries with jam to thicken it up before adding.
- Bake at a high temperature (around 400°F) so the pastry cooks quickly, sealing in the layers before it can get soggy.
- Serve warm or at room temp, as the pastry will soften if left too long.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for baking the Danish evenly and catching any drips.
- Parchment paper – keeps the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup quick.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a couple for mixing the cream cheese filling and strawberry topping separately.
- Fork – great for pricking the puff pastry to control the rise inside the border.
- Whisk or spoon – to blend the glaze ingredients smoothly for drizzling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try fresh blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different berry twist.
- Swap vegan cream cheese for coconut yogurt to lighten the filling with a mild tropical flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom in the cream cheese for a warm spice note.
- Top with sliced almonds or chopped pistachios after baking for a crunchy texture contrast.
How to Make Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Danish:
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Dusting and Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 tablespoons non-dairy milk (e.g., almond, soy) for glaze
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes for baking. Including a short cooling time and final touches with glaze, you’ll have a delicious vegan strawberry Danish ready in about 30-35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Puff Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Fold the edges inward about 1 inch all around to create a border. Use a fork to prick the inner area lightly to prevent it from puffing up too much during baking.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the vegan cream cheese, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly inside the folded border of the puff pastry.
3. Preparing and Adding the Strawberry Topping:
In another bowl, mix the sliced fresh strawberries with the strawberry jam or preserves to create a chunky, sweet topping. Spoon this strawberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer on the pastry.
4. Baking the Danish:
Place the prepared Danish on the lined baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and fully cooked.
5. Making the Glaze and Finishing Touches:
While the Danish bakes, in a small bowl combine the powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk. Stir until smooth but thick enough to drizzle. After baking, remove the Danish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Lightly dust with powdered sugar and drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern over the top.
6. Serving:
Serve the Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, add fresh strawberries on the side. Enjoy your delightful, flaky, and sweet vegan dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well first to avoid extra moisture that can make the pastry soggy. Pat them dry gently with a paper towel before mixing with the jam.
Can I Make the Danish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the strawberry topping and cream cheese filling in advance and store separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving to keep the pastry flaky and fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to help crisp the puff pastry back up.
What Can I Use as a Substitute for Vegan Cream Cheese?
You can substitute with coconut yogurt or a thick cashew cream if you prefer a lighter or different flavor. Just make sure the consistency is creamy enough to spread evenly on the pastry.
