You see it at the bakery and your mouth starts watering. You can almost taste the perfect balance of flaky crust with sweet, gooey filling. Of course, I am talking about the Danish pastry. This delectable treat is perfect for early morning meetings, afternoon tea, or a late night dessert with someone special. With a classic name like Danish, you may think you know where this pastry originated, but there is a good chance you are wrong. Despite the name seeming to indicate they originate from Denmark, the real origin of the Danish may surprise you!
The first “danish” was made in France by a man named Claudius Gelee, and it was actually a mistake! Claudius forgot to add butter to his pastry dough, and last minute tried to remedy his mistake by folding the butter into the dough. This resulted in the light, flakey dough danishes are known for.
This was back in 1622. From there the recipe caught on and spread from France to Italy, and from Italy to Austria. It wasn’t until 1850 that recipe then spread to Denmark. That year Danish bakers went on strike, and since bakery owners couldn’t find anyone in Denmark to work for them, they sought employees abroad in Austria. These new employees brought their own traditional recipes, including what is now known as the Danish. The recipe spread and demand increased, even as the strike ended.
The Danish has continued to evolve since then, with bakers experimenting with different tantalizing fillings and unique shapes. Despite its evolution, in Denmark they still attribute this beloved treat to the Austrians. In Denmark they call danishes Wienerbrød, which in english means “Viennese bread”.
Now that you know all about danishes, why don’t you try your hand at making your own! Our Bear Claw Roller is the perfect tool for making the traditional danish look.