Vegan Danish Pastry with Almond Cream and Mixed Berries

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup almond milk (warm)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter (cold and cubed)

For the Almond Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut cream
  • 1 tablespoon almond extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

Begin by making the Danish pastry dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm almond milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour along with melted coconut oil and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, prepare the almond cream filling. In a bowl, combine almond flour, powdered sugar, coconut cream, almond extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into squares (about 4 inches by 4 inches).

Place a tablespoon of almond cream filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the square towards the center to create a pocket and pinch to seal. Arrange the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cover the pastries with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Before baking, toss the mixed berries with maple syrup and spoon them over the top of the filled pastries.

Bake the Danish pastries in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy the delightful combination of flaky pastry, creamy almond filling, and fresh berries!