When you hear the term “Danish pastry,” your mind might instantly make images of a buttery, flaky, sweet treat, often accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee. But what exactly is a Danish pastry? This beloved baked good is a type of viennoiserie, which means it’s made in the same style as other puff pastries. Its distinct feature is the multilayered, laminated dough, which is yeast-leavened and creates a texture that’s both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Originating from Denmark, the Danish pastry, or wienerbrød as it’s known in Scandinavian countries, has a simple yet interesting background and has gained popularity in many countries.
The Origin of Danish Pastry
The journey of the Danish pastry began in the mid-19th century during a significant event in Denmark’s culinary history. In 1850, a strike among Danish bakery workers led to the hiring of Austrian bakers, who introduced their baking styles and recipes. The Austrian method of creating laminated dough was particularly revolutionary in Denmark. This cross-cultural culinary exchange led to the birth of the Danish pastry, which was a delightful fusion of Austrian techniques and Danish tastes.
Moreover, within the Danish tradition, specific varieties of these pastries have their own names, like “Spandauer,” which is particularly popular in Denmark. A Spandauer is a type of Danish pastry that typically features a round shape with a sweet filling, such as custard or fruit jam, at its center, often topped with icing or nuts.
The name “Danish pastry” itself is a testament to its popularity in Denmark and beyond. Although it has its roots in Austrian baking traditions, the adaptations and innovations made by Danish bakers earned it the name we know today. In Denmark and its neighboring countries, these pastries are still referred to by their original name, wienerbrød, which literally translates to “Viennese bread.”
The Craft of Making Danish Pastries
Making a Danish pastry is an art that requires patience and skill. The base dough is made from wheat flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and predominantly butter, which gives the pastry its rich flavor and tender texture. The dough is rolled out and layered with butter repeatedly, creating up to 27 distinct layers. This process, known as lamination, is crucial for achieving the pastry’s characteristic flaky texture.
In traditional recipes and artisanal bakeries, butter remains the preferred choice for its unrivaled flavor. However, some commercial productions may opt for other fats for economic reasons. Regardless, the essence of a Danish pastry lies in its layered, buttery dough.
Across Denmark, Danish pastries take various forms and names. Some common varieties include pastries topped with chocolate, sugar, or nuts, and filled with jams, marzipan, or custard. The creativity in shaping and filling these pastries is limitless, with options ranging from spirals to pretzel-like forms, each offering a unique taste experience.
As Danish pastries gained popularity around the world, they were adapted to suit local tastes. In Sweden, the pastries often feature vanilla custard, while in the UK, they might be filled with jam, custard, or fruits, and spiced with cardamom. In the US, Danish pastries are frequently topped with fruit or cream cheese, and sometimes nuts, icing, or chocolate, making each variation a distinct culinary delight.
Image credit: RhinoMind
