Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe

Dreamy Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe: Bake with Heart

Sweet whispers of butter-free pastry magic weave through this vegan love letter recipe that melts hearts instantly.

Delicate layers of compassionate baking create a romantic dessert perfect for special moments.

Passionate bakers can craft these tender treats with simple ingredients and pure intention.

Flour, plant-based milk, and gentle folding techniques transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary expressions of culinary affection.

Each pastry becomes a soft, flaky message of kindness and connection.

Crisp edges and tender centers promise a delightful surprise with every bite.

You will fall in love with these elegant, plant-based confections that speak volumes without saying a word.

Quick Answers For Vegan Love Letter Pastries

  • Can I use another type of jam instead of strawberry?

Yes, you can swap strawberry jam with raspberry, apricot, or any fruit preserve you like. Choose a jam that complements the pastry’s delicate flavor.

  • How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?

Keep the dough cold and don’t overmix it. Use very cold butter and handle the dough minimally to maintain its flaky texture. Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent sogginess.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward and requires basic baking skills. Take your time with each step, especially when handling the dough, and you’ll create beautiful love letter pastries.

What Makes Vegan Love Letter Pastries So Special

  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe welcomes beginners and delights experienced pastry makers with its simple, straightforward steps.
  • Versatile Vegan Treat: Designed for plant-based diners, these pastries prove that dairy-free desserts can be just as delicious and indulgent as traditional baked goods.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in under an hour, these love letter pastries are ideal for spontaneous gatherings, afternoon tea, or a sweet weekend surprise that everyone will adore.
  • Customizable Comfort: Swap strawberry jam for your favorite fruit preserves, experiment with different sugars, or add a personal touch to make these pastries uniquely yours.

What Goes Into Vegan Love Letter Pastries

Base Ingredients:
  • Plain Flour: A key component that provides structure for the delicate pastry.
  • Caster Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the pastry dough.
  • Cold Dairy-Free Butter: Creates flaky, tender layers in the pastry.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Strawberry Jam: Provides a sweet and fruity center for the love letter pastries.
  • Dairy-Free Milk: Optional ingredient to create a golden, glossy finish on the pastry surface.
  • Icing Sugar: Adds a delicate, sweet dusting to the finished pastries.
  • Caster Sugar: Optional topping for extra sweetness and decoration.
Liquid Ingredient:
  • Ice-Cold Water: Helps bind the pastry dough together without developing too much gluten.

Simple Steps For Vegan Love Letter Pastries

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 200C (400F) and get ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Create Flour Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine plain flour and caster sugar, creating a soft, powdery base for your pastry adventure.

Step 3: Work in Dairy-Free Butter

Add cold, cubed dairy-free butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to massage the butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles crumbly breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Form Tender Dough

Slowly introduce ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Gently mix until the dough begins to come together. Be delicate and avoid overworking the mixture.

Step 5: Rest and Chill Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead softly until smooth, then wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten.

Step 6: Roll Out the Pastry

After chilling, roll the dough on a floured surface until it’s approximately 5mm thick.

Step 7: Cut Pastry Squares

Slice the dough into neat squares, each about 8cm x 8cm.

Step 8: Add Sweet Filling

Place a teaspoon of strawberry jam right in the center of each pastry square.

Step 9: Shape Love Letters

Fold the corners of each square towards the center, creating a charming love letter shape. Press the edges firmly to seal the delicious surprise inside.

Step 10: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optional: Brush the tops with dairy-free milk for a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastries turn golden and beautifully puffed.

Step 12: Final Touches

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with a delicate layer of icing sugar and sprinkle with caster sugar for extra sweetness.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these romantic pastries warm or at room temperature, ready to melt hearts.

Smart Notes For Vegan Love Letter Pastries

  • Experiment with different fruit jams like raspberry, blueberry, or apricot to create unique flavor variations that'll surprise your taste buds. Homemade jam works wonderfully for an extra special touch.
  • Keep the pastry edges sealed tightly to prevent jam from leaking during baking. Gently press the corners with a fork or fingertips to create a secure seal that looks beautiful and professional.
  • Don't overwork the dough while kneading – this can make the pastries tough instead of delicate and flaky. Handle the dough minimally to maintain its light, crisp texture.
  • Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter for clean, precise edges when cutting the dough squares.

Fun Takes On Vegan Love Letter Pastries

  • Chocolate Hazelnut Hearts: Replace strawberry jam with chocolate hazelnut spread for a rich, decadent filling that melts smoothly inside the pastry.
  • Raspberry Almond Pockets: Swap strawberry jam with raspberry preserves and sprinkle crushed almonds on top before baking for added crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Savory Spinach Feta Parcels: Transform the sweet recipe into a savory version by using crumbled feta and sautéed spinach as the filling, perfect for brunch or appetizers.
  • Apple Cinnamon Envelopes: Fill pastry squares with diced apples mixed with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar for a warm, comforting autumn-inspired treat.

What To Enjoy With Vegan Love Letter Pastries

  • Pair Sweet Sparkling Rosé: Complement the delicate strawberry flavor with a light, bubbly rosé wine that enhances the pastry's sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast.
  • Serve Lavender Earl Grey Tea: Create a sophisticated pairing with fragrant lavender Earl Grey tea, which echoes the pastry's delicate floral notes and cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Match Fresh Berry Compote: Elevate the dessert experience by serving a small side of mixed berry compote, amplifying the strawberry jam's fruity essence and adding extra layers of flavor complexity.
  • Garnish with Fresh Mint: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves alongside the pastries to introduce a bright, aromatic element that cuts through the sweetness and adds a vibrant visual appeal.

Keeping Vegan Love Letter Pastries Fresh And Tasty

  • Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual pastries tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Place frozen or refrigerated pastries on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through.
  • Warm pastries for 20-30 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Note that microwaving might slightly soften the pastry's crisp texture.
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Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe

Vegan Love Letter Pastries Recipe


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 60-65 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Passion blooms in these delicate vegan love letter pastries, a heartfelt tribute to French culinary artistry. Flaky layers of plant-based goodness promise an intimate culinary journey you’ll savor with each tender, love-infused bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Pastry Ingredients:

  • 240 grams (8.5 ounces) plain flour
  • 220 grams (7.8 ounces) dairy-free block butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons caster sugar
  • 23 tablespoons ice water

Filling Ingredient:

  • 1 jar vegan-friendly strawberry jam

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons dairy-free milk (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons caster sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 2 tablespoons icing sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine flour and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
  2. Incorporate chilled, diced dairy-free butter into the flour mixture using fingertips or a specialized pastry tool, working until the texture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  3. Introduce glacial water incrementally, gently folding until a cohesive dough emerges. Avoid excessive manipulation to maintain delicate pastry structure.
  4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, tenderly kneading until achieving a smooth consistency. Encase in protective film and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour to stabilize.
  5. After chilling, roll the dough to approximately 5mm thickness on a flour-sprinkled surface.
  6. Slice the pastry into precise 8cm squares using a sharp knife or pastry wheel.
  7. Centralize a modest dollop of strawberry jam within each geometric pastry segment.
  8. Artfully fold the square’s corners toward the center, crafting an elegant “love letter” silhouette. Firmly seal the edges to prevent filling leakage.
  9. Arrange the delicate parcels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optional: delicately brush with dairy-free milk for enhanced golden luminescence.
  10. Slide into a preheated 200C (400F) oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until achieving a radiant, puffy appearance.
  11. Extract from the oven and allow brief cooling. Embellish with a gentle snowfall of icing sugar and optional caster sugar sprinkle.
  12. Serve while warmly inviting or at ambient temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender pastry that melts in your mouth, preventing the butter from melting too quickly during preparation.
  • Experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or even a savory filling to create unique flavor variations that suit your taste preferences.
  • Handle the dough gently and minimally to maintain its delicate texture, avoiding overworking which can result in tough, dense pastries.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the plain flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better binding and texture.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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