Vegan love letter pastries are adorable, heartwarming treats perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion where you want to spread love. These flaky, golden pastries are filled with a sweet, fruity filling and folded to resemble little love letters. Simple to make and entirely plant-based, they’re as fun to create as they are to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creative and Charming: The love letter design is both unique and festive.
- 100% Vegan: Perfect for anyone following a plant-based lifestyle.
- Easy and Quick: Uses pre-made puff pastry for convenience.
- Customizable: Change the filling to suit your taste or the occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Vegan puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Strawberry or raspberry jam (or your favorite fruit filling)
- Plant-based milk (for brushing)
- Optional: powdered sugar (for dusting) or vegan icing
Optional Fillings:
- Vegan chocolate spread
- Apple compote
- Mixed berry jam
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rectangles approximately 4×6 inches (adjust size as desired).
Step 2: Add the Filling
- Spoon the Filling: Place about 1 teaspoon of jam or filling in the center of each rectangle. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
Step 3: Fold the Pastries
- Shape the Love Letters: Fold the two shorter sides of the rectangle inward, slightly overlapping the filling. Then fold the longer edges toward the center to create an envelope shape. Gently press the edges to seal.
- Brush with Milk: Lightly brush the tops of the pastries with plant-based milk for a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the Pastries: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the pastries to cool slightly on a wire rack before decorating.
Step 5: Decorate (Optional)
- Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant finish.
- Icing Details: Use vegan icing to draw a heart or “seal” on the folded part of each pastry.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 8-10 pastries
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Savory Love Letters: Fill with vegan cheese and spinach for a savory twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Use vegan chocolate spread or a mixture of cocoa powder and maple syrup.
- Nutty Surprise: Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, to the filling.
- Cinnamon Apple: Fill with diced apples tossed in cinnamon and sugar for a cozy option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade vegan puff pastry works beautifully but will require extra time to prepare.
2. How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Avoid overfilling and seal the edges tightly with a bit of plant-based milk.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free vegan puff pastry to accommodate dietary needs.
4. Are these pastries kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids will love the sweet filling and fun envelope shape.
5. Can I use fresh fruit instead of jam?
Yes, chop fresh fruit finely and mix with a bit of sugar or cornstarch to thicken the filling.
6. How do I achieve a golden color?
Brush the pastries generously with plant-based milk before baking.
7. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pastries and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking.
8. How do I create even shapes?
Use a ruler or pastry cutter to ensure the rectangles are uniform in size.
9. Can I add a flavor to the icing?
Yes, mix a small amount of vanilla, almond, or citrus extract into the icing for added flavor.
10. What pairs well with these pastries?
Serve with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of sparkling water for a delightful treat.
Conclusion
Vegan love letter pastries are the perfect way to show affection through baking. Their adorable design, flaky pastry, and sweet filling make them an irresistible treat for loved ones of all ages. Customize the fillings and decorations to create a dessert that’s as unique as your message of love. Bake a batch today and spread the joy!
PrintVegan Love Letter Pastries
These Vegan Love Letter Pastries are charming, flaky, and filled with sweet jam or chocolate spread. Shaped like adorable envelopes, they make a perfect Valentine’s Day treat or a fun dessert to show your love. They’re easy to make and customizable with your favorite fillings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 pastries 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan, Festive
Ingredients
For the Pastries:
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry, thawed (ensure it’s labeled vegan)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) strawberry or raspberry jam (or vegan chocolate spread)
- 1 tablespoon plant-based milk (for brushing)
For Decoration (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Vegan sprinkles or sanding sugar
- Thin slices of strawberries or raspberries
Instructions
Prepare the Pastries:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth it out. Cut it into 6 equal rectangles (about 3×5 inches each).
Assemble the Love Letters:
- Add Filling:
- Place 1–2 teaspoons of jam or chocolate spread in the center of each rectangle. Be careful not to overfill, as it might leak out during baking.
- Fold the Pastry:
- Fold the two long edges of the rectangle toward the center, overlapping slightly to form the “envelope.” Fold up the bottom edge to meet the middle, then fold the top edge down slightly to resemble the top flap of an envelope.
- Seal the Pastries:
- Gently press the edges to seal, using a little water if necessary.
Bake the Pastries:
- Brush and Bake:
- Brush the tops of the pastries lightly with plant-based milk. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Decorate and Serve:
- Cool and Decorate:
- Let the pastries cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar or decorating with sprinkles and fruit slices.
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Filling Variations: Use any vegan spread, such as apricot jam, blueberry preserves, or vegan Nutella.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the pastries and freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.