Description
Vegan Love Letter Pastries are adorable, heart-shaped puff pastry treats filled with sweet fruit preserves, making them perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just to show someone you care. These flaky, golden pastries are easy to make with store-bought vegan puff pastry, and their customizable fillings make them versatile for any occasion. The light, buttery layers of the pastry combined with the luscious fruit filling are a delightful way to express your love—without any dairy or eggs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry (thawed according to package instructions)
- 1/3 cup fruit preserves (strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening preserves)
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar (for brushing, optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Vegan Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry you’re using is vegan—many brands are naturally dairy-free, but check the label to be sure.
- Fruit Preserves: Choose a high-quality fruit preserve or jam for the filling. Strawberry and raspberry are classic choices, but any flavor works.
- Plant-Based Milk: A light brush of plant-based milk helps the pastries achieve a beautiful golden color.
- Maple Syrup (Optional): Adds a subtle sheen to the pastries while enhancing their sweetness.
Instructions
Prepare the Pastries
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out an even number of hearts (12-16, depending on the size of your cutter).
- Prepare the Filling: If your fruit preserves are too runny, mix them with cornstarch to thicken slightly. Set aside.
- Fill the Pastries: Place a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of fruit preserves in the center of half the heart-shaped cutouts. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may spill out during baking.
- Seal the Pastries: Brush the edges of the filled hearts with a little plant-based milk. Place another heart-shaped cutout on top, pressing gently around the edges to seal. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Bake the Pastries
- Brush with Milk: Lightly brush the tops of the pastries with plant-based milk (mixed with maple syrup, if desired) for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake: Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool: Allow the pastries to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180-200 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g