Danish Coffee Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Danish

Danish Coffee Cake features a flaky pastry base topped with a rich, glossy almond-flavored custard, perfect for breakfast or tea gatherings with a sweet, buttery flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 stick oleo
  • 1/2 cup oleo
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, cold water, and oleo together until resembling pie dough.
  2. Form the mixture into a ball, divide in half, and spread each half onto ungreased 12 x 3 inch cookie sheets.
  3. Combine 1/2 cup oleo and 1 cup water in a pan; bring to a boil until oleo melts.
  4. Remove from heat; add flour and almond extract all at once.
  5. Stir quickly until smooth and leaves the sides of the pan.
  6. Beat in eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  7. Spread the custard mixture evenly over each pastry base.
  8. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract can be a suitable substitute. Ensure the water is cold when mixing with flour for the best texture. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour; it should resemble a soft pie dough. This cake pairs beautifully with Very Good Noodles as a savory side.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Danish Coffee Cake warm, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or Swedish French Toast for a balanced brunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Danish Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm, ensuring the pastry stays crisp.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Danish Coffee Cake contains roughly 133 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

133 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 27.8g 10% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 11.7mg 1% DV
Potassium 63.9mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 9.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.4mcg
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 26.5mg 2% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Danish Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can freeze Danish Coffee Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

What type of flour should I use?

All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, as it provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. If you prefer a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can work well, though the texture may differ slightly.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The Danish Coffee Cake is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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