While studying in Denmark this semester, I’ve come to a few striking realizations. Alongside the epiphanies that all Danish people are beautiful and that their language sounds like Dory trying to speak whale, I have realized that there is definitely a reason this country has an entire category of pastry named after it. The Danes know how to make a Danish.
Here are a few reasons why you must try a real Danish pastry before you die:
1. They break stereotypes
“Danishes” are really just an American interpretation of one type of Danish pastry; real Danishes can’t be confined to norms and stereotypes. If my pastry wants to be a flaky roll of chocolate and cinnamon crumble heaven with a chocolate ganache on top, so be it!
You do you, Danish pastry. You do you.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Abramowitz
2. They’re always up for a good streusel shower
Often you come across a pastry with no name, no description, and no clue as to what’s in it or on it. But one thing is for sure – if that pastry has any type of cinnamon crunch topping you take it, run, and never look back.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Abramowitz
3. They go really well with a hot cup of coffee
Coffee and Danishes are best friends. They hang out together in café’s, they compliment each other’s strengths and sweetnesses, and they can even be combined into a dunkable glory. Here we can see a Danish shortbread with raspberry filling and a piping hot cup o’ joe enjoying each other’s company.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Abramowitz
4. They love Nutella almost as much as you do
They love it so much, they stuff it in all their crevices and then finish with a quick hazelnut shower, just to make sure you get the idea that this is more than a chocolate filled pastry. This is a Nutella-crowned masterpiece.
Photo courtesy of Rachel Abramowitz
5. They love you too
They’re all around Denmark just yearning for your love, sitting and waiting for you to come and enjoy their sweet deliciousness. Would you really deny them the pleasure?
Photo courtesy of Rachel Abramowitz
It wouldn’t be fair if you didn’t try at least one…