Almond Danish Recipe

Welcome to the sumptuous world of almond danishes. These delightful pastries, filled with rich almond paste and wrapped in a buttery, flaky dough, are sure to transport your taste buds to a quaint European bakery. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent afternoon tea, almond danishes add a touch of elegance to any occasion. In our detailed recipe, prepare to be guided on how to make these scrumptious treats from scratch in your very own kitchen.

Kitchen Equipment Required

• Mixing Bowls
• Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk
• Rolling Pin
• Baking Sheet
• Pastry Brush
• Parchment Paper
• Saucepan
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wire Rack

Total estimated time: 3 hours (including chilling time)

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 5g (1 tsp) salt
• 180ml (3/4 cup) whole milk, warmed to about 37°C (98.6°F)
• 7g (1 packet) instant yeast
• 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg
• For the Almond Filling:
• 150g (1 1/4 cups) almond flour or finely ground almonds
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5ml (1 tsp) almond extract
• 1 large egg
• For the Topping:
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 30g (1/4 cup) sliced almonds
• 30g (2 tbsp) apricot jam (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk until it’s lukewarm. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, butter, and egg to the dry ingredients, and blend them together using an electric mixer until a sticky dough forms. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Almond Filling

In another mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the almond flour, almond extract, and egg, mixing until a smooth, paste-like consistency is achieved. Cover and set aside.

Step 3: Shape the Danishes

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 40×30 cm (16×12 inches). Spread the almond filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) slices, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Brush the danishes with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. If using apricot jam for glaze, heat it slightly and brush it over the danishes once they are out of the oven and allowed to cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooled slightly, serve your almond danishes warm with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy the soft, buttery flavor combined with the nutty aroma that makes almond danishes uniquely irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 1/2 cup almond paste
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg, for egg wash
• Sliced almonds for garnish

Conclusion: Your homemade almond danishes are not just pastries; they are a labor of love and a treat to your senses. By crafting them from scratch, you’ve brought a touch of artisanal pastry making into your home. Whether savoring them alone or sharing them with loved ones, relish in the joy and warmth they’ve brought to your day. Feel free to experiment with fillings and shapes to continue delighting your taste buds. Here’s to more baking adventures!