Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1-2 sheets of JusRol Vegan + Gluten-free Puff Pastry
Cream Cheese Filling
- 130g dairy-free cream cheese
- 15g gluten-free or plain flour
- 15g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
Topping & Finish
- 4 tablespoons dairy-free milk
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Trays: Preheat your oven to 180°C fan setting and line two large baking trays with greaseproof paper to ensure the pastries do not stick during baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet with the baking paper still underneath to prevent sticking. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any wrinkles. Lightly dust flour over the pastry if it feels sticky.
- Shape Pastries: Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out large heart shapes and place them on the prepared baking trays. Take a smaller heart cutter and gently press into the center of the larger hearts to create an indentation, but do not cut through the pastry. Set aside for filling.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the dairy-free cream cheese, flour, and caster sugar. Stir until you get a thick, creamy consistency. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and snip off the tip, or use a spoon if you don’t have a piping bag.
- Fill Pastries: Pipe or spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center indentation of each pastry heart.
- Add Strawberries: Wash and slice fresh strawberries. Arrange a few slices neatly over the cream cheese filling on each pastry.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the edges of the pastry hearts with dairy-free milk to aid browning. Sprinkle caster sugar over the edges for added crunch and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the baking tray in the middle of the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the pastries are golden and flaky. Remove the tray and bake the second batch if necessary.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pastries to cool slightly on the tray, then dust with icing sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use vegan and gluten-free puff pastry to keep the recipe suitable for vegans and those avoiding gluten.
- You can substitute caster sugar with a granulated or alternative sweetener if preferred.
- Keep an eye on the pastries while baking to prevent over-browning, as oven temperatures may vary.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, brush the base with a thin layer of strawberry jam before adding the cream cheese filling.
- These can be served warm or at room temperature, ideal for brunch or afternoon tea.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegan
