Danish
A rich, layered Danish pastry featuring a buttery crust and creamy filling, perfect for breakfast or dessert, appealing to pastry lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 1 cup flour, 1 stick butter, and 2 tablespoons cold water to form the dough.
- Pat the dough into a 6 x 12-inch ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bring 1 cup water, 1 stick butter, and 1 cup flour to a boil.
- Stir well until mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in almond extract.
- Spread the filling over the prepared dough.
- Bake at 350°F for one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier Danish, make sure your butter is cold when mixing into the dough. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract can be a suitable substitute. For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the dough or a handful of chopped nuts to the filling. This pastry can be adapted with fruit fillings for a seasonal twist, similar to the flavors found in Aunt Irma's Fruit Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Danish is perfect for brunch or as a delightful afternoon treat alongside coffee or tea. Consider serving it with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Honey Twist Yeast Coffee Cake for a diverse dessert spread. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a light salad or a selection of vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Danish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain its crispness, you can also refrigerate it, but be sure to reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes before serving to restore its flaky texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Danish contains roughly 363 calories, with 7g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value).
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 make this Danish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just ensure you allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out. The filling can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and on the dough itself while rolling it out. However, be careful not to add too much flour, as it can make the pastry dense.
How can I tell if the Danish is done baking?
The Danish is done when it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.
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).