Coffee Cake Danish Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow food lover! If you’ve ever wandered into a bakery and caught that intoxicating aroma of buttery pastry mingling with sweet cinnamon and crumbly streusel, then you already know the magic of a Coffee Cake Danish. This irresistible treat is basically a love letter from Danish pastry to classic coffee cake, wrapped in flaky layers and topped with a buttery crumb topping that’s just begging to be savored with your morning coffee (or afternoon tea, or late-night snack… I won’t judge).

What makes this treat so special? It’s the perfect marriage of two iconic flavors and textures:

• Flaky, tender layers of Danish pastry – think puff pastry but richer and more buttery, thanks to yeast.
• A soft, spiced coffee cake filling – usually packed with cinnamon, sugar, and often nuts or fruit.
• That crumbly, buttery streusel topping – which adds an extra dimension of texture and sweetness.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just a passionate kitchen experimenter, this Coffee Cake Danish recipe is a fantastic way to bring bakery-level sophistication into your own home kitchen. So let’s get our aprons on and dive into how you can make this scrumptious delight yourself!

Coffee Cake Danish Recipe

Alright, here’s the deal: making a Coffee Cake Danish is like assembling a deliciously layered masterpiece. It might sound fancy, but with some patience and love, it’s very doable. You’ll be rewarded with golden, flaky dough enveloping a cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with buttery crumbs that melt in your mouth.

What You’ll Get

• Golden, flaky pastry with layers that practically whisper “eat me”.
• Sweet, cinnamon-spiced coffee cake filling that’s soft and tender.
• Crunchy, buttery streusel that brings a heavenly contrast.
• A treat that pairs perfectly with coffee (obviously) or any warm beverage.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s talk about the lineup – these are the stars of the show. Quality ingredients will shine through here, so don’t skimp on the butter or fresh yeast if you can help it.

For The Danish Dough

• All-purpose flour – about 3 cups; provides structure and chewiness.
• Granulated sugar – around ¼ cup for a touch of sweetness.
• Salt – 1 teaspoon to balance flavors.
• Active dry yeast – 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) for that tender, flaky lift.
• Whole milk – ¾ cup, warmed to activate the yeast.
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), softened, for richness.
• Eggs – 2 large, for binding and tenderness.

For The Coffee Cake Filling

• Brown sugar – ½ cup for deep molasses sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – 2 tablespoons for that classic warm spice.
• Butter – ¼ cup, softened to mix easily.
• All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons to give a slight cake texture.
• Chopped nuts (optional) – ½ cup walnuts or pecans for crunch.

For The Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour – ½ cup.
• Brown sugar – ¼ cup.
• Cold unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons, cubed.
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon.

How To Make Coffee Cake Danish

Ready to get your hands a little buttery? Here’s the step-by-step magic in full detail:

1. Activate The Yeast

   • Warm your milk until lukewarm (around 100°F). Stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it bloom for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and fragrant.

2. Make The Dough

   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add softened butter and mix until you get coarse crumbs (you can use a pastry cutter or your fingers).
   • Stir in the yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until it forms a sticky dough.

3. Knead And Rest

   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled.

4. Prepare The Filling

   • Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, flour, and nuts (if using) in a bowl until combined and spreadable.

5. Roll Out And Assemble

   • Punch down the dough, then roll it into a rectangle about 12×15 inches.
   • Spread the coffee cake filling evenly over the dough.

6. Shape The Danish

   • Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a log.
   • Cut into 1.5-inch thick slices and place on a lined baking sheet.

7. Make The Streusel

   • Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.

8. Top And Bake

   • Sprinkle the streusel generously over each slice.
   • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

9. Cool And Enjoy

   • Let cool slightly before indulging – but honestly, warm is best!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Why does this recipe work so well? Let’s geek out a little on the ingredient roles:

• Yeast: This little microorganism is the magic behind the airy, flaky layers. As it ferments, it produces carbon dioxide, causing the dough to rise and develop a tender crumb.
• Butter: Critical for flavor and texture, butter melts into layers during baking, creating that signature flaky, rich mouthfeel.
• Brown sugar: Unlike white sugar, brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor thanks to molasses.
• Cinnamon: Not just flavor – cinnamon contains natural antioxidants and adds a warm aroma that activates our senses, making the pastry irresistible.
• Flour: Provides the structure but also interacts with moisture and fat to create a dough that’s soft yet holds its shape.

Expert Tips

Let me share some pro secrets so your Coffee Cake Danish turns out bakery-level every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend more evenly and ensures the yeast activates properly.
• Don’t skimp on butter: The layering and flakiness come from butter, so quality and quantity matter.
• Proof the yeast properly: If your yeast doesn’t bubble up when mixed with warm milk and sugar, it might be old or dead – better to start fresh!
• Chill the dough if it feels too sticky: A quick chill makes it easier to roll and shape.
• Don’t overbake: Watch carefully for golden edges and a slightly soft center to avoid dryness.
• Try brushing with a simple glaze: A mix of powdered sugar and milk drizzled on top after baking adds an extra sweet touch.

Recipe Variations

Feel like jazzing it up or customizing? Here are some tasty ideas:

• Fruit-Infused: Add fresh or dried berries, chopped apples, or raisins into the filling for fruity bursts.
• Nutty Twist: Swap walnuts for almonds or pistachios. Toast them first for extra flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s: Add mini chocolate chips into the filling or sprinkle on top with the streusel.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a blend of gluten-free flours (like rice and tapioca) and xanthan gum for structure.
• Vegan Swap: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) to replace eggs.

Final Words

Making a Coffee Cake Danish might seem a little ambitious, but it’s so worth it. It’s one of those pastries that feels fancy but is completely doable with a bit of love and patience. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have your family and friends asking for seconds – or better yet, your secret recipe.

So next time you crave something cozy, sweet, and buttery, skip the bakery line and whip up this Danish at home. It’s comfort, decadence, and happiness rolled into one.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For A Coffee Cake Danish?

To make a coffee cake Danish, you’ll need ingredients such as puff pastry, butter, sugar, cinnamon, cream cheese, vanilla extract, flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Some variations might include nuts like pecans or almonds for added texture.

Can I Use Store-bought Puff Pastry For This Recipe?

Yes, using store-bought puff pastry is a convenient and time-saving option. Ensure it’s thawed according to package instructions before using it in the recipe.

What Is The Difference Between A Coffee Cake And A Danish?

A coffee cake typically features a crumbly, streusel topping with a soft, cake-like base, while a Danish pastry is a laminated dough that’s flaky and often filled with sweet cream cheese or fruit. In this recipe, the coffee cake topping is added on top of the Danish pastry.

Can I Make The Coffee Cake Danish In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and toppings in advance. Once assembled, it’s best to bake the Danish fresh. However, you can refrigerate the unbaked Danish overnight and bake it the next day for convenience.

How Do I Prevent My Puff Pastry From Becoming Soggy?

To avoid soggy puff pastry, ensure you don’t overfill your Danish, and bake it on a preheated baking sheet to ensure the pastry cooks evenly. Also, using a thicker filling, such as cream cheese-based filling, helps maintain structure.

Can I Use A Different Filling Instead Of Cream Cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with other fillings such as mascarpone, ricotta, or a fruit jam like raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor profile.

How Long Should I Bake A Coffee Cake Danish?

Typically, a coffee cake Danish should bake for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it towards the end.

Can I Freeze The Coffee Cake Danish?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked Danish. After freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and bake it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What Can I Use Instead Of Eggs For A Dairy-free Coffee Cake Danish?

For a dairy-free version, you can use a plant-based butter substitute and a non-dairy cream cheese for the filling. For the egg replacement, try using flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) or an egg substitute like aquafaba or applesauce.

How Do I Make A Glaze For My Coffee Cake Danish?

To make a simple glaze, whisk powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or cream until smooth. For extra flavor, add vanilla extract, cinnamon, or almond extract. Drizzle the glaze over the baked Danish once it has cooled slightly.