Flaky Vegan Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish

This Flaky Vegan Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and buttery—all without any dairy or eggs. With golden puff pastry, a luscious dairy-free cream filling, and juicy strawberries on top, each bite is light, crisp, and full of flavor. Whether I serve it for brunch, dessert, or a weekend treat, this danish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and elegant this vegan danish is. The store-bought puff pastry keeps things simple, while the homemade vegan cream cheese filling adds richness without being too heavy. The fresh strawberries bring just the right amount of brightness and color, making this pastry taste as good as it looks. It’s a great plant-based option that no one will guess is dairy-free!

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Vegan puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
• Vegan cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Plant-based milk (for brushing)
• Optional: turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
• Optional: powdered sugar glaze (for drizzling)

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. I cut the puff pastry into rectangles or squares, depending on the style I want—classic braided or open-faced.

3. In a bowl, I mix the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.

4. I spoon or pipe the cream mixture into the center of each pastry piece.

5. I top with sliced strawberries, pressing them lightly into the cream.

6. I fold or shape the pastry edges if needed and brush the exposed dough with plant-based milk.

7. I optionally sprinkle turbinado sugar around the edges for crunch and shine.

8. I bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

9. Once cooled slightly, I drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant milk if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6–8 danishes, depending on how I cut the pastry.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Berry mix: I swap in blueberries, raspberries, or a combo for a mixed berry danish.

• Chocolate swirl: I add dairy-free chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate over the top.

• Almond flavor: I replace vanilla with almond extract and top with slivered almonds before baking.

• Savory twist: I skip the sugar and make a savory vegan cheese and tomato version.

• Mini versions: I cut the pastry smaller for bite-sized danish pastries—great for parties and brunch spreads.

storage/reheating

I store leftover danishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped. I avoid microwaving, as it makes the pastry soft. If I plan to freeze them, I do so before baking—then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes, I can! If I have the time, homemade vegan puff pastry works beautifully and gives even flakier results.

What vegan cream cheese brand works best?

I like using smooth, tangy cream cheese alternatives like Kite Hill or Tofutti—they hold up well and taste great in the filling.

Do I have to cook the strawberries before baking?

No, I use fresh strawberries and let them bake with the danish—they soften slightly and release their juices without becoming soggy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble the danishes and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. I bake them fresh for the best texture.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

I make sure the filling isn’t too wet and avoid overloading with strawberries. Brushing the edges with milk also helps them bake up crisp.

Conclusion

This Flaky Vegan Strawberry Cream Cheese Danish is a plant-based pastry that feels bakery-worthy without the fuss. With crisp layers, creamy filling, and juicy fruit, it’s a simple yet elegant treat I love to make for any occasion. Whether I enjoy it warm out of the oven or serve it chilled with a glaze, this danish always satisfies my sweet tooth—dairy-free and delicious.