Scandinavian Coffee Cake Or Pastry Recipes

DANISH COFFEE CAKE

Steps:

• Place 1 cup flour in a large bowl, cut 1/2 cup butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons water; toss with a fork until mixture forms a ball. Divide into thirds. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 9-in. x 6-in. rectangle. Place on greased baking sheets; set aside. , In a saucepan, bring salt and remaining butter and water to a boil. Add remaining flour all at once; stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny. , Spread over the dough. Bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks., For icing, combine the butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough water to achieve desired consistency. Spread over warm coffee cakes. Sprinkle with walnuts. Store in the refrigerator.

DANISH COFFEE CAKES

Steps:

• In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Add the yeast mixture, milk and eggs; beat until smooth (dough will be soft). Do not knead. Cover and refrigerate overnight., For filling, in a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and flour until smooth. Add egg, poppy seeds and extracts; mix until blended., Punch dough down. Turn onto a well-floured surface; divide into thirds. Return two portions to the refrigerator. Roll remaining portion into a 14x8-in. rectangle; place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a third of the filling down center of rectangle., On each long side, cut 3/4-in.-wide strips, about 2-1/4 in. into the center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°. , Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on pans on wire racks. Combine icing ingredients; drizzle over coffee cakes.

ALMOND DANISH COFFEE CAKE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in water; let stand for 5 minutes and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt and remaining sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg and cream to yeast mixture. Add to flour mixture; stir to form a stiff dough. Divide in half; cover and refrigerate for 3 hours. , In a small bowl, beat the almond paste, brown sugar and butter until smooth. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a 15x6-in. rectangle. Spread filling down center third of dough to within 1/2 in of edges. Beat egg and water; brush over edges of dough. , Fold sides over filling; seal seam and edges. Place seam side down on greased baking sheets. Cut five to six small slits in top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. , Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. , For glaze, combine confectioners' sugar, extract and enough milk to achieve desired consistency; drizzle over coffee cakes. Sprinkle with almonds.

SCANDINAVIAN COFFEE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Place 1 1/2 cups flour in large bowl; cut in 3/4 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 3 tablespoons water with fork until flour mixture is just moistened. Press dough into a ball. Pat dough into 10-inch circle onto ungreased baking sheet. Spread preserves to within 1/2 inch of edge. Set aside.
• Combine 1 1/4 cups water and 1/2 cup butter in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil and butter is melted (careful milk does not overflow). Remove from heat; stir in 1 cup flour, almond meal, sugar and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture forms a ball (about 1 minute). Remove from heat. Add eggs, one at a time, beating with wire whisk or wooden spoon until smooth and glossy.
• Spread egg mixture over pastry and preserves. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until surface is crisp and golden. Cool completely (topping rises during baking and shrinks during cooling, forming custard-like layer).
• Stir powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons butter and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract in small bowl until well mixed. Add enough milk or cream for desired glazing consistency. Drizzle glaze over puff; sprinkle with sliced, toasted almonds.