Danish Coffee Cake is an exquisite and mouth-watering treat that is perfect for those lazy weekend mornings or a special occasion brunch. With its delicate layers of buttery dough and sweet cinnamon filling, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, I will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to make Danish Coffee Cake from scratch. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
To make this delectable Danish Coffee Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
For the dough:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, cold
– ⅔ cup milk, at room temperature
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
For the filling:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparing the Dough
To start, we need to prepare the dough for our Danish Coffee Cake. Follow these simple steps:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Cut the cold butter into small chunks and add it to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to break down the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined. Gradually pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
4. Mix the dough until it comes together and forms a sticky ball. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Preparing the Filling and Assembling the Cake
While the dough is rising, we can prepare the filling and assemble our Danish Coffee Cake:
1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix well to create a fragrant and sweet filling.
2. Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 12×16 inches.
3. Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, ensuring every inch is covered.
5. Starting from the longer side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Seal the edges by pinching them together.
6. Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto a greased baking sheet or round cake pan. Join the ends together, forming a circle, and gently press them together.
7. Using a sharp knife, make 8-10 even cuts around the dough, ensuring not to slice all the way through. Leave a small space in the center intact.
8. Now, take each section and gently twist it, alternating the direction to create a beautiful braided pattern.
9. Cover the cake with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it becomes puffy.
Baking and Glazing
After the dough has risen for the second time, it’s time to bake and add a delicious glaze to our Danish Coffee Cake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma of cinnamon and baked dough will fill your kitchen, creating anticipation for the delightful treat to come.
2. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm Danish Coffee Cake and allow it to set for a few more minutes.
4. Slice the cake into wedges and serve it warm or at room temperature. Each bite will be a heavenly combination of fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon, and buttery goodness.
Final Thoughts
Making Danish Coffee Cake from scratch is a labor of love, but the end result is entirely worth it. This recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will make any morning or brunch special. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and indulge in the delightful treat that is Danish Coffee Cake. Your family and friends will be impressed, and you’ll have a delicious recipe in your repertoire for years to come!