What is puff pastry?
Puff pastry is a light and flaky dough made by layering butter between sheets of dough and folding and rolling the dough to create multiple thin layers. The water in the butter creates steam when baked, causing the layers to separate and puff up, creating the characteristic flaky texture of puff pastry.
Traditional puff pastry recipes contain butter which makes it unsuitable for vegans. However, vegan versions of puff pastry can be made by substituting the butter with vegan butter or vegetable shortening.
Can you make vegan puff pastry?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to make vegan puff pastry using plant-based ingredients. The key is to find a vegan alternative to butter that can mimic the properties of butter when making puff pastry. Here are some options:
Vegan butter
Replacing regular butter with vegan butter is the easiest substitution. Vegan butter contains plant-based oils and often water to emulate the fat content and texture of dairy butter. Popular brands of vegan butter include Earth Balance and Miyoko’s.
Vegan shortening
Vegetable shortening, such as Trex or Copha, provides the fat content needed to create flaky layers in puff pastry. Opt for non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening as hydrogenated oils contain trans fats.
Coconut oil
The high saturated fat content of coconut oil makes it an excellent butter substitute for laminated doughs like puff pastry. Ensure the coconut oil is very cold before using.
Margarine
Look for plant-based and non-hydrogenated margarines to use in vegan puff pastry. Some margarines contain whey or other dairy derivatives so check labels carefully.
How to make vegan puff pastry
Making vegan puff pastry follows the same method as regular puff pastry. Here are the key steps:
Make the dough
Combine flour, salt, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and cold water to form a smooth dough. Allow the dough to rest before rolling out. The acidity helps tenderize the dough.
Create the butter block
Roll out the vegan butter or shortening between sheets of parchment to form a square butter block. Chill until firm.
Envelope the butter
Roll the dough into a larger square to envelope the butter block. Seal the edges well.
Roll and fold
Roll and fold the dough into a book fold or single fold. Chill before repeating the rolling and folding 3-4 more times to create layers.
Rest before baking
Let the folded dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before using. This helps relax the gluten.
Cut, shape and bake
Roll out the chilled vegan puff pastry dough to desired thickness and cut into shapes before baking. Bake at 400°F until golden brown and puffed.
Vegan puff pastry brands
For convenience, there are some store-bought vegan puff pastry options:
- Jus-Rol – Made with vegetable oil and emulsifiers
- Dufour – Uses non-hydrogenated palm fat
- Califia Farms – Made with non-GMO sunflower oil
- Pepperidge Farm – Uses vegetable oils
Always inspect the ingredients list for dairy products when purchasing pre-made vegan puff pastry.
What to make with vegan puff pastry
Vegan puff pastry is extremely versatile. Here are some delicious ideas for using vegan puff pastry:
Savory dishes
- Palmiers – Iconic elephant ear-shaped puff pastry cookies
- Sausage rolls – Encased in puff pastry
- Vegetable Wellington – Mushrooms, veggies and plant-based protein baked in puff pastry
- Samosa – Filled with spiced potato and peas
- Spanakopita – With layers of spinach and aromatics
- Pot pies – Topped with flaky vegan puff pastry
Sweet dishes
- Fruit galettes – Topped with fresh fruit
- Danishes – Filled with vegan cream cheese and fruits
- Tarts – Both full sized or mini bite-size
- Turnovers – Stuffed with vegan custard or fruit compotes
- Eclairs – Filled with non-dairy whipped cream
- Phyllo cups – Pastry cups with berries and vegan cream
Conclusion
It is absolutely possible to make and enjoy vegan puff pastry using plant-based ingredients. While traditional puff pastry relies on butter, there are several alternatives that can mimic butter’s ability to create flaky layers after folding and rolling the dough. With some simple substitutions, vegans can enjoy this versatile pastry in both savory and sweet applications. Store-bought vegan puff pastry options are also becoming more widely available for convenience. With a little creativity, vegan puff pastry opens up endless baking possibilities.