Join me for a trip down memory lane, please. Back to a time where the size of my awkwardly large feet were rivaled only by my enormous and frizzy permed hair. My oversized teeth were covered in metal braces, and I was desperately waiting for the teenage years to pass. The year was circa 1988 and the place was the southern part of Denmark. My hometown was small and rural, so much so that we didn’t have a traffic light. But we had bakeries, two of them, as a matter of fact – because… well because it was Denmark, land of the Danish pastries. I remember the tastes, the smells and the textures of the most delicious Danish desserts.
One of my favorite bloggers, Oh Happy Dane has converted the best Danish recipes to American metric measurements and ingredients. The results are spot-on, authentic delicious Danish desserts and treats. Rikke shares simple step-by-step instructions and beautiful visuals that take me right back to my sweet Danish childhood memories.
The Rolled Raspberry Cake was something my mom would splurge on when we expected visitors. I sat quietly at the table while she and the guests talked. I loved the smell of raspberries mixed with a delicious vanilla cake. I recall the taste just by looking at this picture. Click for full recipe
Chocolate Cookies – Gluten Free
The crispy candy-bar-sized cookies have a very special crunch and texture. In Denmark they are called “busses”, presumably because of their shape. They are incredibly chocolaty and melt quickly in your mouth, which is a perfect excuse to have another – and another. Click for full recipe
The frosting on these Raspberry Bites is sweet without being overwhelming. There is a thin layer of raspberry between two thin cookies. This dessert is the perfect mixture of sweetness and flavor without either being overwhelming. Click for full recipe
These colorful and custard, jam or chocolate filled buns are the traditional dessert at the annual Fastelavn celebration. This Danish holiday is celebrated seven weeks before Easter Sunday. It is when Danish children dress up in costumes and go door to door collecting candy. Click for full recipe
I can picture these cookies in our glass cookie jar. My dad used to buy them for me, but I suspect it was as much for himself too. Two thin and crispy oatmeal cookies sandwiched between a layer of chocolate – need I say more?! Click for full recipe
The moist coconut paired with the delicious chocolate bottom is a match made in dessert heaven. I can picture these little creations lined up on the baker’s shelf – just waiting for me. I know it was me they were meant for! Click for full recipe
I remember my mother making this delicious summer treat for me. The key ingredient being the wafers and the cooling and refreshing sweet buttermilk. This dish was my dinner on more than one hot Danish summer evening. Click for full recipe
These desserts, these memories (and so many more) are part of my Danish childhood. I love how Rikke from Oh Happy Dane has brought them to life for me once again. Denmark is known for their pastries and also for being the happiest place in the world, this is not a coincidence.
Which dessert or meal instantly sends you on a time travel back to your childhood?
Check out Oh Happy Dane for more awesome Danish inspired content, DIY and recipes. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and of course on Pinterest.
