Danish Braid

Elevate your breakfast or dessert game with the indulgent Danish Braid—a show-stopping pastry that combines buttery, flaky layers with a luscious cream cheese filling and a sweet burst of fruit preserves. This homemade Danish pastry showcases the art of lamination, where layers of dough and cold butter are folded and rolled to create its signature texture. Topped with a delicate egg wash to achieve a golden-brown finish, the braid not only looks stunning but tastes absolutely divine. Perfect for special occasions or weekend baking projects, this versatile recipe invites you to customize the filling with your favorite preserves, from raspberry to apricot. Serve warm or at room temperature, and prepare to impress with every braided bite! Keywords: Danish Braid, flaky pastry, cream cheese filling, laminated dough, fruit preserves, homemade breakfast pastry.

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:145 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 0.75 cup Whole milk
• 2 pieces Large eggs
• 0.25 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup Cold unsalted butter (for laminating, cut into thin slices)
• 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
• 0.25 cup Powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup Fruit preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry)
• 1 piece Egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

Step 2

Warm the milk to about 100°F (lukewarm) and add it to the dry ingredients along with the eggs and softened butter. Mix on low speed using the dough hook until the dough comes together. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.

Step 3

Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Step 4

While the dough chills, prepare the butter layer. Lay slices of cold butter on a sheet of parchment paper, arranging them into a rectangle approximately 6x8 inches. Cover with another piece of parchment and gently roll to smooth the butter into an even layer. Refrigerate until firm.

Step 5

Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface into an 8x12-inch rectangle. Place the butter layer in the center, folding the top and bottom edges of the dough over the butter to enclose it completely.

Step 6

Begin laminating the dough by rolling it out into a 10x24-inch rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, ensuring the dough stays chilled in between.

Step 7

After the final fold, wrap the dough and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Step 8

For the filling, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.

Step 9

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 10

Roll the chilled dough into a 10x15-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center of the dough, leaving about 2-3 inches on each side. Spoon the fruit preserves over the cream cheese.

Step 11

Cut 1-inch wide diagonal strips along each side of the dough. Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided pattern. Tuck the ends under to seal.

Step 12

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash over the braid.

Step 13

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 14

Allow the braid to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1566.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5655.9

Total Fat 347.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 210.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 1484.3mg	0%
Sodium 3434.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 551.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.2g	0%
Total Sugars 158.0g
Protein 93.6g	0%

Vitamin D 382.8IU	0%
Calcium 680.2mg	0%
Iron 27.0mg	0%
Potassium 1434.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.8%

Protein: 6.6%

Carbs: 38.6%