Making your taste buds dance with joy is what these traditional Danish desserts aim to do! From cookies to festive pastries and morning coffee cakes, they offer a range of sweet treats that can’t be beat. With their unique flavor profiles and authentic culinary experience, it’s no wonder why Danish desserts have become so beloved worldwide. Given the popularity of the Danish pastry, it’s only logical to assume that all Danish desserts are worth making. And indeed, they don’t disappoint!
One essential thing to keep in mind when baking Danish treats is that they typically use sugar in different proportions compared to what we’re used to in Western desserts. This often means that some of their sweet offerings won’t be as sugary as you might be accustomed to, but rest assured, they still pack plenty of flavor. Fortunately, these 14 deliciously simple Danish desserts cater to a variety of tastes and cravings, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Plus, the recipes are so straightforward, making it easy for anyone to give them a try. So go ahead, indulge in these mouth-watering treats and experience the authentic taste of Denmark!
Old-fashioned Danish Apple Cake
Highlighting its unique twist on traditional desserts, this recipe is more accurately described as a cold apple pie parfait rather than an apple cake. To create the layers of cold apple filling, chop apples and boil them with water, vanilla, and sugar. This filling provides a sweet and tangy base for the dessert. The crumb topping, made with breadcrumbs for added crunch, can be customized by substituting some oats for a chewier texture if preferred.
Rounding out this layered treat are Danish macaroons, not to be confused with coconut cookies of the same name. Instead, these delicate almond cookies are lighter and more akin to French macarons in their composition. For an added touch, consider attempting to make them from scratch rather than relying on store-bought alternatives.
Lagkage (Danish Layer Cake)
Not only do the Scandinavians have a sweet tooth for cakes, but they also prefer to keep things simple by avoiding elaborate frostings. Typically, their desserts feature pastry cream, an assortment of jams, and whipped cream, which is where this cake comes in – combining all three with a tender and delicate yellow sponge cake.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; stick to traditional flavors like apricot or berry jam for a classic taste, or get adventurous and try pairing blueberry jam with lemon curd for a delightful contrast.
Kanelstang (Danish Cinnamon Twist)
Delighting in the diverse world of baked goods, it’s no surprise that nearly every country boasts its own beloved cinnamon pastry creation. The enticing aroma wafting from the kitchen as these pastries bake is enough to pique even the most discerning palate. I’m particularly fond of this recipe because it incorporates cardamom into the sweet dough, infusing it with a unique and intriguing flavor dimension.
Furthermore, the addition of a layer of vanilla glaze alongside the cinnamon elevates this classic dessert to new heights.
Aebleskiver (Danish Pancake Balls)
Across Europe, Christmas markets are a staple of the holiday season, and among the many delights on offer are these delicious little treats known as aebleskivers. To produce them in large quantities, vendors typically use specialized pans with hundreds of small holes to pour the batter into. Fortunately, re-creating this experience at home is relatively simple, requiring just one small Aebleskiver pan.
To enhance their flavor and texture, try dusting them with powdered sugar and drizzling with Nutella for a truly authentic Danish taste.
Kransekage (Danish Almond Cake)
Jumping straight into one of my favorite holiday recipes, this almond tower is a true show-stopper that requires a bit more effort but is absolutely worth it. Despite needing a few extra minutes to prepare, its simplicity makes up for the time investment, as it’s crafted with just four main ingredients. Since you’re already dedicating your time to making this impressive tower, why not take it to the next level and attempt to make some homemade marzipan?
To add an extra touch of elegance, I adore finishing off the classic white icing with delicate gold and silver sprinkles.
Risengrød (Danish Rice Pudding)
Adding an extra layer of luxury to this traditional dish, creamy rice pudding is often reserved for special occasions. At its core, this recipe relies on short-grain rice, which is boiled with milk, water, and salt to create a rich and indulgent base. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the top adds a touch of sweetness, although fans of sweeter treats can feel free to add an extra pinch of sugar or substitute evaporated milk for an even creamier finish, if desired.
Brunsviger (Danish Coffee Cake)
Focusing on a unique twist of flavors, this dessert combines the richness of a sweet focaccia with the indulgence of caramel. First, you’ll need to prepare your brioche-like dough, which requires some patience as it needs to rest before being placed in the baking dish. Once the dough has been pressed into shape, similar to making a pizza or focaccia dough, it’s essential to let it rise again. After that, use your fingers to press into the top of the dough, creating dents and holes all over.
These imperfections will provide the perfect opportunity for an incredible caramel sauce to seep in, creating a delightful contrast between textures as it bubbles up on top during baking.
Almond Shortbread Cookies
Delicious and indulgent, these small cookies are sure to become one of your favorite treats once you take a bite! The secret to their perfect texture lies in creaming the butter and sugar together for at least five minutes. This process is crucial as it helps to create a smooth and even consistency that will ultimately give way to a deliciously crumbly exterior and a soft, nutty center when baked.
Add the dry ingredients gradually and mix until just combined – be careful not to overmix, which can result in tough cookies. While I prefer my cookies with a thick texture for an ideal crunch-to-softness ratio, if you’re looking for a crisper cookie, simply roll them out thinner before baking.
Brunkager (Danish Christmas Cookies)
Often overshadowed by sweet treats from North America, European-style Christmas cookies offer a delightful alternative for holiday bakers. I’ve already experimented with several recipes on this list and am always eager to discover new ones! One of the things that sets European cookies apart is their subtle use of spice. Unlike their sweeter counterparts, these treats are often less cloying, allowing me to indulge in more than one (or two) during a single sitting.
Once you’ve mastered your dough, it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare: simply roll it into a log, slice off the cookies, and bake as desired. Any leftover dough can be refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready for another baking session.
Brombærsnitter (Danish Blackberry Cakes)
Traditional Glogg Recipe
Elevating your winter evening routine with a mug of hot wine may seem like an unusual concept during any other time of year, but the cold, wet, dark weather that descends upon us makes it the perfect remedy. The combination of warm, spiced mulled wine is not only comforting but also rejuvenating, and I strongly advocate following the recipe to ensure a delightful experience.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the unique flavors, with cardamom being particularly noteworthy for its distinct contribution that complements cinnamon perfectly.
Chocolate Dipped Danish Butter Cookies
Amazingly tender, these cookies melt in your mouth with ease. The recipe builds upon a traditional shortbread base but takes it to a softer level, requiring a piping technique to achieve the right consistency. To maintain their delicate nature, bake them just until set, and avoid overcooking, as this can cause them to turn golden brown too quickly.
Rødgrød Med Fløde (Danish Red Berry Pudding)
Revisiting the Danish tradition of sweet treats, it’s clear that they strike a perfect balance between indulgence and restraint. Rather than loading up on excessive sugar or sweet frosting, they opt for more subtle flavors. This recipe reflects this approach by combining tart red berries with potato starch to create an almost pie-like filling. Once cooled, it’s topped with a simple yet elegant whipped cream.
Danish Oatmeal Cookies
Very similar to shortbread in texture and taste, this recipe employs powdered sugar, oatmeal, and pecans to create a distinctive dough. Upon mixing all the ingredients together, the dough is then carefully dropped onto baking sheets, ready to be transformed by the heat of the oven. During the baking process, these cookies will expand to form a deliciously chewy, nutty cookie with a lovely crisp edge that perfectly complements their soft interior.
14 Best Danish Dessert Recipe Collection
Having reviewed the various options available, it’s clear that Danish desserts stand out for their ease of preparation and ability to provide an authentic taste of traditional Danish cuisine. Ranging from simple cookies to elaborate festive pastries and morning coffee cakes, these sweet treats are undeniably alluring and can’t be matched by other types of baked goods.
Instructions
Looking at the task at hand, the first step is to select your preferred dessert recipe from our collection. Next, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand and within reach. With this done, you can proceed to create a delicious Danish treat in 30 minutes or less, making it an ideal option for those short on time.
