These Vegan Love Letter Pastries are the perfect way to express your love without saying a word. With flaky, golden puff pastry and a luscious fruit filling, these pastries are both delicious and visually stunning, shaped like love letters to add a sweet, personal touch to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply want to show someone you care, these pastries are a wonderful way to share your heart.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Vegan Love Letter Pastries are a combination of crispy puff pastry and a sweet, fruity filling, making them a delightful treat that anyone will enjoy. They’re light and airy, with just the right amount of sweetness, and they’re entirely plant-based, so you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or fun. Plus, the heart-shaped design is sure to melt anyone’s heart!
Ingredients
- For the Pastry:
- vegan puff pastry
- raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar
- For the Almond Cream Filling:
- almond flour
- powdered sugar
- coconut oil (melted)
- vanilla extract
- almond milk
Full list of ingredients is below.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your pastries don’t stick during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the vegan puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into 4 equal rectangles or squares, depending on the size you want for each pastry.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Place a small spoonful of your favorite fruit jam in the center of each pastry rectangle. Be sure not to overfill, as the jam may spill out while baking.
Step 4: Shape the Pastries
Carefully fold each pastry rectangle into a love letter shape by bringing the two sides in to meet in the middle, forming a pocket. Pinch the edges together to seal them. Use a fork to press down around the edges to further seal them and give them a nice, decorative look.
Step 5: Brush with Plant-Based Milk
Brush the tops of the pastries with a little plant-based milk to help them turn golden and crispy as they bake.
Step 6: Bake the Pastries
Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once the pastries are out of the oven and slightly cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch. If you like, garnish with a few fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these Vegan Love Letter Pastries warm with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy the delicious, flaky layers paired with the sweet fruit filling.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Jam flavors: Feel free to get creative with the flavor of fruit jam you use. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot are all fantastic choices, but you can experiment with your favorites, like blueberry or cherry.
- Make them extra special: Add a few chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon inside the pastries for a flavor boost.
- Vegan puff pastry: Not all puff pastry is vegan, so be sure to check the ingredients before using. Many grocery stores offer plant-based puff pastry options in the freezer section.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Fruit filling alternatives: If you don’t have fruit jam on hand, you can use a fresh fruit filling by cooking down some berries or apples with a little sugar to create a thicker, sweet mixture.
- Nutty touch: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, to the jam for a crunchy texture.
- Spiced version: Spice things up with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom in the jam or as a topping after baking.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Vegan Love Letter Pastries are perfect for:
- Pairing with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy, afternoon treat.
- Serving at a romantic breakfast or brunch alongside fresh fruit, or with a glass of freshly squeezed juice.
- Bringing to a picnic or as a special gift for a loved one.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to enjoy them warm again, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until they’re crispy again.
FAQs
Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pastries up to the point of baking, cover them, and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven.
Can I freeze the pastries?
Definitely! You can freeze the unbaked pastries. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What other fillings can I use besides jam?
You can use a variety of fillings like chocolate spread, coconut cream, or even vegan cream cheese mixed with a little sugar and vanilla for a sweet, creamy option.
How do I get the love letter shape just right?
To get a perfect love letter shape, simply fold the pastry over the filling and pinch the edges tightly together. Pressing down the edges with a fork not only seals them but adds a nice decorative touch.
Conclusion
Vegan Love Letter Pastries are a delightful, heartfelt treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their flaky, golden layers paired with a sweet fruit filling make them a wonderful vegan dessert that’s just as delicious as it is charming. Whether you’re sharing them with your loved one or enjoying them on your own, these pastries are a great way to show you care. So go ahead, bake up some love and enjoy!
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Vegan Love Letter Pastries: A Sweet Treat for Your Special Someone
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–8 pastries (Increase to 10–12 for larger servings) 1x
- Category: Vegan Baking, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, European
Description
These adorable vegan love letter pastries are not only visually stunning but also delicious! Made with flaky puff pastry, a rich almond cream filling, and a sweet raspberry jam “seal,” these pastries are the perfect way to express your affection. Whether you’re baking for your significant other or your friends, these pastries are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 package vegan puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam (or any fruit jam of your choice)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
For the Almond Cream Filling:
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out the Pastry
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into rectangles (about 4×6 inches).
- Prepare the Almond Cream Filling
- In a bowl, mix the almond flour, powdered sugar, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and almond milk together. Stir until you achieve a smooth, thick paste.
- Assemble the Love Letter Pastries
- Spoon a small amount of almond cream into the center of each pastry rectangle, spreading it out slightly. Add a teaspoon of raspberry jam in the middle of the almond cream. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, then pinch the corners to seal the pastry into a letter-like envelope shape.
- Bake the Pastries
- Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve
- Allow the pastries to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar for a delicate finish. Serve them warm or at room temperature for the best experience.
Notes
- You can make the almond cream filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before using.
- If you prefer a different flavor, you can use a variety of jams such as strawberry, blueberry, or apricot.
- For a richer filling, add a bit of coconut cream or vegan butter to the almond cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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