Danish Delight

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, cold 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, cold
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
• 1/2 cup (120g) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup (120g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (160g) fruit preserves (e.g., raspberry, apricot) 1/2 cup (160g) fruit preserves (e.g., raspberry, apricot)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 16g (Saturated Fat: 9g)
• Carbohydrates: 39g (Sugars: 14g)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. 3.
   Pour the yeast mixture and cold milk into the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
9. 9.
   Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
10. 10.
    Spoon the fruit preserves over the cream cheese mixture.
11. 11.
    Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
12. 12.
    Carefully slice the log in half lengthwise, leaving one end intact.
13. 13.
    Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up.
14. 14.
    Shape the twisted dough into a circle and pinch the ends together to seal.
15. 15.
    Transfer the pastry to the prepared baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg wash.
16. 16.
    Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
17. 17.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
18. 18.
    Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cream Cheese — Make sure to soften the cream cheese at room temperature before mixing it with the sugar and vanilla extract. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, try using different fruit preserves such as strawberry or blueberry.
• If you prefer a sweeter pastry, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the cream cheese filling before rolling the dough.
• Serve the Danish Delight warm for a gooey and comforting experience.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, place the pastry in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving advice

Serve the Danish Delight as a centerpiece on a breakfast or brunch table. Slice it into wedges and present it on a decorative platter. Accompany it with a pot of freshly brewed coffee or a selection of herbal teas.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, lightly dust the Danish Delight with powdered sugar just before serving. The golden-brown twisted pastry will be beautifully showcased, enticing your guests to indulge in its flaky layers.