Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a charming treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, the Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, golden pastries, filled with luscious vegan strawberry jam and sealed with a kiss of sweetness, are simply irresistible. The delicate envelope shape adds a touch of romance and whimsy that makes them perfect for sharing with loved ones, or savoring on your own for a cozy moment of joy. Each bite offers a flaky, buttery texture from the dairy-free butter and a burst of fruity sweetness inside, leaving you with a lingering smile and a warm heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect vegan pastry. From the foundation of plain flour to the luscious strawberry jam, every component brings its own magic to the table, guaranteeing delicious taste, beautiful texture, and that stunning golden hue.

• 240g of plain flour: This is the essential base that gives structure to your pastries, making them light and flaky.
• 2 tablespoons of caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling): Adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely crunch when sprinkled on top before baking.
• 220g of dairy-free block butter (cold and cut into small cubes): The cold butter creates those flaky layers everyone dreams of in a pastry, without any dairy involved.
• Ice-water: Keeps the dough cool as you mix, helping to bind the ingredients without making the pastry tough.
• 1 jar of vegan friendly strawberry jam: The heart of this recipe—sweet, fruity, and perfectly sticky to fill the pastries.
• Dairy-free milk (optional): For brushing over the tops to achieve that golden, appetizing finish.
• Icing sugar (dusting, optional): For that final touch of sweetness and visual appeal once the pastries are baked and cooled.

How to Make Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Begin by sifting together the plain flour and caster sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Adding the cold, cubed dairy-free butter, work it in until your mixture resembles sandy crumbs. You can do this by hand or use a food processor for convenience. This step is key to creating the flaky texture that makes these pastries so special.

Step 2: Bring It All Together

Slowly add ice-cold water, half a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until your dough just comes together. It usually takes about one to two tablespoons. You want your dough smooth and slightly sticky, not too wet or dry—this balance ensures easy rolling and that perfect tender crumb after baking.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough tightly in greaseproof paper and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it much easier to roll out and preventing sticking, which helps maintain those neat edges and crisp layers in the finished pastries.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 170°C fan, and line two baking trays with greaseproof paper. Dust your work surface lightly with flour, then roll out your chilled dough between two sheets of floured greaseproof paper into a large rectangle. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into diamond shapes roughly 10cm on each side. Arrange these onto your prepared trays. Any leftover dough is perfect for using a mini heart-shaped cookie cutter to add charming little accents to your pastries.

Step 5: Add Jam and Fold

Spoon a teaspoon or two of strawberry jam onto the center of each diamond. Then, fold three corners of each diamond—bottom and sides—toward the center, creating a lovely envelope shape. Be sure to press the corners firmly together to seal the jam inside, which helps prevent leaks during baking.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

Brush each pastry lightly with dairy-free milk to enhance browning and add shine. Place your mini heart shapes right into the center of the folded pastries for that extra touch of love. Finally, sprinkle caster sugar over the tops to achieve a delightful, crisp finish.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your trays into the oven’s middle rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want to see the pastries turn a beautiful, even golden brown. Once baked, take them out and allow them to cool slightly; they will firm up and crisp beautifully as they come to room temperature.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once cooled, a gentle dusting of icing sugar adds a delicate, sweet finish that looks like sugar snow on your love letters. While a simple glaze is an option, these pastries truly shine all on their own.

How to Serve Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe

Garnishes

For a lovely finishing touch, dust your pastries with icing sugar or add a drizzle of vegan glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of plant-based milk. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers can also add natural color and a breath of freshness when you’re looking to impress on special occasions.

Side Dishes

These pastries are fantastic paired with a cup of your favorite vegan tea or coffee. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a vegan yogurt parfait to complement the sweet strawberry center without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing your Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe on a charming wooden board or vintage china plates for a nostalgic vibe. Tuck paper doilies beneath for elegance, or arrange them in a basket lined with gingham cloth for a cozy picnic feel. These little touches make the experience feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them crisp outside with their soft, jammy centers intact. Avoid refrigeration as it tends to make pastries soggy.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe on hand for longer, freeze them before baking. Arrange the uncooked pastries on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month, so you have a sweet treat ready whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your pastries into a preheated oven at 160°C fan for 5–8 minutes. This revives their golden, crispy texture and warms the jam inside, creating that just-baked feeling all over again. Avoid microwaving to keep them flaky and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use another type of jam?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam is classic for this recipe, feel free to experiment with raspberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam to customize your Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe to your taste.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting plain flour with a trusted gluten-free blend suitable for baking, you can still enjoy these pastries. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly, and adjust the water quantity as gluten-free flours absorb liquids differently.

What can I use instead of caster sugar?

If you don’t have caster sugar on hand, you can gently blitz granulated sugar in a food processor until fine, or use superfine sugar as a substitute for similar results.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking during baking?

Sealing the corners firmly when folding is crucial, and using only a small amount of jam helps prevent spills. Chilling the dough well before assembling also helps keep the pastries intact in the oven.

Can I make the dough by hand without a food processor?

Definitely! Mixing by hand gives you great control over the texture and helps you gently incorporate the butter to achieve that perfect sandy consistency necessary for flakiness.

Final Thoughts

Making the Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe is an absolute joy from start to finish—simple ingredients come together to create a pastry that feels special, heartfelt, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re treating friends, celebrating a holiday, or just spoiling yourself, these pastries bring a warm, homemade touch to any occasion. Give this recipe a try and discover how delightful and easy vegan baking can be. Get ready to fall in love bite after bite!

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