How to Bake Traditional Danish Bread at Home

Danish bread is known for its rich flavors and unique textures, from the dense rugbrød to the soft and airy franskbrød. While rugbrød requires a sourdough starter and longer fermentation, franskbrød is a simple yet delicious white bread that’s easy to make at home. This recipe walks you through the steps to recreate an authentic Danish loaf.

Understanding Danish Bread

Danish bread comes in various forms, each serving a different culinary purpose:

✔ Rugbrød – A dark, hearty rye bread often used for smørrebrød (Danish open-faced sandwiches).
✔ Franskbrød – A soft, slightly sweet wheat bread, ideal for breakfast and sandwiches.

This guide focuses on franskbrød, a great choice for home bakers looking to make traditional Danish bread without a sourdough starter.

Traditional Danish Franskbrød Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose wheat flour
• 1¼ cups (300ml) lukewarm milk
• ⅓ cup (75g) granulated sugar
• 0.7 oz (20g) fresh yeast or 2¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (250g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk (about 100°F / 38°C).
• Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.

Step 2: Make the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the yeast mixture and egg, then mix until a rough dough forms.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

• Gradually add the cold butter cubes, mixing thoroughly.
• The dough will feel sticky at first but will smooth out as the butter is absorbed.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour, but avoid over-flouring.

Step 5: First Rise

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the Loaf

• Punch down the dough to release air.
• Shape it into a tight loaf by folding the edges inward and rolling it.

Step 7: Second Rise

• Place the loaf in a greased 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan.
• Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it reaches just above the pan’s edge.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven

• While the dough rises, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 9: Bake the Bread

• Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
• The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10: Cool the Bread

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
• Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

How to Enjoy Franskbrød

✔ Classic Danish Breakfast – Toasted with butter, jam, or cheese.
✔ Smørrebrød – Open-faced sandwiches with toppings like smoked salmon, roast beef, or shrimp.
✔ French Toast – Slightly stale slices make excellent French toast for a weekend brunch.

Tips for Perfect Danish Bread

✔ Use Lukewarm Milk – If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast; if too cold, the yeast won’t activate.
✔ Knead Well – Proper kneading ensures an airy and soft crumb.
✔ Give It Time to Rise – The dough should double in size before shaping and baking.
✔ Store Properly – Keep in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze slices for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Baking traditional Danish franskbrød at home is an easy way to bring the flavors of Denmark into your kitchen. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, sandwiches, or a cozy snack, this bread is soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion.