The Search for the Danish Cheese Danish: Myths and Truths

When it comes to the beloved Danish pastry, a mystery surrounds a dish eerily known as the "cheese Danish." Is it actually part of Danish culinary tradition, or is it a misnomer? In this article, we will debunk some myths and explore the realities of Danish pastries, specifically focusing on the cheese Danish conundrum.

Myth vs. Reality: The Cheese Danish

The myth of the cheese Danish is a persistent one, often perpetuated by misunderstandings or misinterpretations of American pastries that drowned their way into Danish baking. This myth typically arises from confusion, as some have mistaken the yellow cream filling of a Danish spandauer for cheese—a compilation of these confusions has led to the proliferation of “cheese Danish” in non-Danish markets.

Norwegian writer Greg Stevens delves into the historical origins of the spandauer, refuting the misconception that cheese Danish is part of Danish pastry culture. He clarifies that while the spandauer is indeed a Danish pastry, it never has cheese as its filling. Instead, it features a dollop of cake cream or jam. The yellow cream filling often associated with cheese Danish is actually vanilla cake cream.

The Authentic Spandauer

For authentic Danish pastries, Greg Stevens advises visitors to refrain from asking for a cheese Danish. In fact, he considers it a cultural faux pas to request such a pastry in Denmark. The authentic spandauer stands as an emblem of traditional Danish sweet baking, with no cheese in sight. The yellow filling is purely a matter of taste, heritage, and historical precedent, not due to any cheese addition.

Exploring Danish Cheeses

While Danish pastries may be delicious, the country's cheese culture is equally impressive. Danish cheesemongers are at the forefront of producing a wide array of cheeses. Most towns and good shopping centers have specialist cheese shops that cater specifically to Danish cheeses. These shops are often stocked with a variety of mild, medium, and extra mature cheeses, though the selection of hard cheeses is limited.

Larger supermarkets, such as Irma, offer a more extensive range of cheeses, including both Danish and foreign types. However, it's worth noting that smaller, dedicated cheese shops offer the best selection for cheese enthusiasts. These shops not only provide a wide range of cheeses but also often pair well with a visit to Belgium, where many Danish cheesemakers source their ingredients.

What About Cheese Danish?

While it's a common misconception that Danish bakeries offer a cheese Danish, the reality is that such a dessert is not part of the traditional Danish pastry family. In the rare instances where a Danish bakery might offer a similar item, it is more likely to be an American invention that found its way to Denmark. Notably, the only place one might come across a cheese Danish in Denmark is possibly in a hotel chain in Copenhagen, where one could try a wienerbr?d.

It's safe to say that unless you're in an American hotel chain or a specific foreign-based café in Denmark, you won't find a true cheese Danish in the country. The answer to where you can get a cheese Danish in Denmark is, in essence, nowhere.

To truly experience Danish pastries and the country's rich cheese culture, plan your visit to a local bakery or a cheese shop, where you can indulge in authentic Danish flavors without any misgivings. Whether you're savoring a spandauer or a variety of Danish cheeses, you'll be transported to a world of deliciousness, cold climates notwithstanding.