What is Danish Pastry Called? (14 Traditional “Wienerbrød” Foods From Denmark)
As a proud Dane, I’ve always been fascinated by the rich, buttery pastries that our tiny Scandinavian country is known for. The diverse world of Danish pastries is a culinary treasure trove just waiting to be explored. In this article, I will share with you some of the most beloved pastries from my homeland, each with its own unique taste and character.
Before we delve into the different types of Danish pastries, it’s essential to note that the Danish term for Danish pastry is “wienerbrød,” which translates to “Viennese bread.” This name originates from the Austrian bakers who introduced the art of laminated dough to Denmark in the 19th century. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular Danish pastries, along with their English translations:
14 Popular Wienerbrød Dishes From Denmark
Thebirkes – Poppy Seed Roll: A flaky, buttery pastry filled with a mixture of poppy seeds and remonce (a blend of sugar and butter). The pastry is topped with a sprinkling of poppy seeds, making it a delightful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
1. Kanelsnegl
Cinnamon Snail
This spiral-shaped pastry has a generous filling of cinnamon, sugar, and butter, which creates a gooey, sweet center. The Kanelsnegl is a favorite among many Danes and is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
2. Frøsnapper
Seeded Twist
A long, twisted pastry filled with remonce and covered in various seeds, including poppy and sesame seeds. The combination of the sweet filling and the nutty, crunchy seeds make for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
3. Hindbærsnitter
Raspberry Slices
A classic Danish pastry made from two layers of shortcrust pastry, filled with raspberry jam, and topped with sweet icing. These sweet, fruity treats are often garnished with sprinkles or coconut flakes.
4. Spandauer
Danish Pastry with Custard
A round, flaky pastry filled with delicious vanilla custard and sometimes topped with icing or a dusting of powdered sugar. Spandauers can also be filled with various fruit preserves or marzipan.
5. Kanelstang
Cinnamon Stick
This long, rectangular pastry is similar to the Kanelsnegl but has a more pronounced filling of cinnamon, sugar, and butter, which oozes out from the pastry’s layers. It’s typically topped with sweet icing and sometimes garnished with chopped nuts.
6. Kaj Kage
Kaj Cake
A small, boat-shaped cake made from a soft sponge and filled with creamy vanilla custard. Inspired by a Danish kid’s show from the 1990s, the cake is covered in marzipan and decorated with a thin layer of chocolate on top.
7. Romkugler
Rum Balls
These small, round treats are made from leftover cake, cookies, or pastries, combined with cocoa powder, jam, and a splash of rum. The mixture is then rolled into balls and coated in chocolate sprinkles or coconut flakes.
8. Fastelavnsbolle
Shrovetide Bun: A round, sweet bun filled with whipped cream, custard, or a fruit preserve, and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing. These buns are traditionally eaten during the Danish celebration of Fastelavn, a pre-Lenten festival.
9. Kransekage
Wreath Cake
A traditional Danish celebration cake made from marzipan rings stacked on top of each other to form a cone-like shape. The rings are often decorated with icing and sometimes adorned with flags or small ornaments. Kransekage is typically served at special occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
10. Brunkager
Brown Cookies
A Danish Christmas cookie made from a mixture of butter, sugar, syrup, flour, and various spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. The dough often includes chopped almonds and candied citrus peel. Brunkager is thin, crispy, and incredibly aromatic, making them a beloved holiday treat.
11. Kagemand
Cake Man
A cake shaped like a human figure, traditionally made from Danish pastry dough and filled with remonce. The Kagemand is often decorated with icing, candies, and sometimes fruit. It’s a popular choice for celebrating birthdays, especially among children.
12. Varmehveder
Warm Wheat Buns
Soft, fluffy buns made from wheat flour, milk, butter, and a touch of cardamom. These buns are traditionally eaten on the evening before the Danish holiday “Store Bededag,” or “Great Prayer Day.” Varmehveder is typically served warm, split in half, and topped with butter.
13. Jordbærkage
Strawberry Cake
A light, airy sponge cake layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The cake is often topped with a thin layer of marzipan and garnished with more strawberries, making it a perfect summer dessert.
14. Lagkage
Layer Cake
A Danish layer cake made from alternating layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, and fruit or jam. The cake is typically covered in a thin layer of marzipan or icing and is often decorated with fresh fruit or flowers. Lagkage is a popular choice for celebrating birthdays and other special occasions.
What is Danish Pastry, Wienerbrød?
Danish pastries, or “wienerbrød,” are a delightful and diverse collection of sweet treats that hold a special place in the hearts of Danes. From the buttery, flaky layers of a Spandauer to the sweet, gooey center of a Kanelsnegl, these pastries are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. As a proud Dane, I am delighted to share these culinary gems with you, and I hope you have the opportunity to experience their delicious flavors for yourself. If you are more interested in exploring Danish traditional food, also consider reading this article on the most popular foods and dishes from Denmark.
