Danish Custard Pastry, also known as Spandauer, is a delightful treat often enjoyed with coffee or tea. This sweet pastry wraps around a luscious vanilla custard filling, creating a perfect balance of flaky and creamy textures. Originating from Denmark, it has charmed pastry lovers across the globe with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make this delightful pastry at home!

Gather Your Danish Custard Pastry Ingredients

Before you start, let’s make sure you have everything you need for your delicious Danish Custard Pastry. Here’s a simple list of ingredients:

For the Pastry:
- 400 g All-purpose flour (or 3 cups + 1.5 tbsp)
- 260 ml Milk (room temperature) (or 1 cup + 1.5 tbsp)
- 180 g Butter (or 180-200 g)
- 45 g Sugar (or 3 tablespoons)
- 3 g Salt (or 1/2 teaspoon)
- 3 g Instant yeast (or 1 teaspoon)
For the Custard Filling:
- 240 ml Milk (or 1 cup)
- 50 g Sugar (or 1/4 cup)
- 2 Eggs (1 egg + 1 egg yolk)
- 10 g Corn Starch/Plain Flour (or 1 tablespoon)
- 0.75 g Salt (or 1 pinch)
- 2.5 ml Vanilla Extract (or 1/2 teaspoon)
- 15 g Butter (or 1 tablespoon)
- 1 Egg (lightly beaten)

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making your Danish Custard Pastry!

Step-by-Step Danish Custard Pastry Recipe

Prepare the Pastry Sheet:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually add the room temperature milk and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it proof for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Make the Vanilla Custard Cream:
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook until thickened, stirring frequently. Once thickened, stir in the butter until melted. Allow it to cool.
Shape the Danish Pastry:
- After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into squares (about 4×4 inches). Using a knife, make an edge around each square, about 1/2 inch from the sides without cutting through.
- Gently stretch the corners of each square to form a little border and add a spoonful of custard into the center.
Proof the Dough:
- Cover the shaped pastries with a kitchen towel and let them proof for another 30 minutes or until slightly puffed.
Bake the Danish Custard Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Brush the dough with the lightly beaten egg to give them a nice golden color.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Serve & Enjoy Danish Custard Pastry

These pastries are best enjoyed fresh! Serve them warm on a plate, dusted with a little powdered sugar for a special touch. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a great treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

Helpful Tricks for Danish Custard Pastry

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. This can save you time in the morning!
Flavored Custard: Feel free to experiment with different flavors! Try adding a bit of citrus zest or a splash of almond extract to the custard for a twist.
Fruit Filling: For a fruity version, consider adding some fresh berries or a dollop of jam alongside the custard.

Danish Custard Pastry FAQs

1. Can I freeze the pastry?
Yes! You can freeze the shaped pastries before baking. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.

2. How can I make the pastry flaky?
Be sure to use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible to keep it flaky and light.

3. Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! Use your favorite fruit jam, cream cheese, or even a chocolate filling for a fun twist.

There you have it! Your very own Danish Custard Pastry awaits. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors as much as I do. Happy baking!

Print Recipe