This month’s challenge was The Danish Braid for us Daring Baker types. Despite the rather long instructions, this wasn’t really a difficult task. Oh, I admit that I was nervous. Pastries are definitely not my thing, and I have absolutely zero experience in making them. And I’m not even adept at braiding hair, let alone pastry. But I followed the directions obsessively and all turned out great. Here’s a pictoral of my experience in making this breakfast treat…
This is definitely one of those challenges where you’re really proud of the outcome (if you have a good outcome, that is!) This Danish Braid turned out to be a tender, flaky, buttery pastry with wonderful caramelized, cinnamony apples cooked inside. I plated this and brought it to the teachers at my son’s school for an end-of-the-year breakfast meeting. Suffice to say, they enjoyed it a lot! I snuck a slice for my kiddo, and then I begged for a sampling. He reluctantly gave me a bite. I felt that the orange zest in the dough worked well with the apples, but I look forward to seeing what creative things other Daring Bakers have done to their Danish Braids this month.
Big shout out to our hosts for the challenge: Kelly of Sass & Veracity and Ben of What’s Cooking? The Danish Braid recipe can most likely be found on one of their blogs.
46 Comments
Wow, that looks like a work of art! I’m glad it turned out so well for you. I love to cook and bake but I wouldn’t even attempt this.
Val
[Reply]
Beautiful braid! Wasn’t it just a wonderful challenge this month?
[Reply]
wow looks fantastic,your braid is so well formed!!
[Reply]
Your braid looks incredible!!! Great job!
[Reply]
Your braid is gorgeous and very impressive. It’s so inspiring to see what all of the Daring Bakers do. Great job!
[Reply]
Lovely job on the braid! I am sure everyone at the meeting thoroughly enjoyed it!
[Reply]
What a gorgeous job and a great pic by pic. Don’t pictures just make it look so easy. And that smell in the house – combine it with coffee perking on the stove and you have heaven.
[Reply]
Lucky, lucky teachers! Beautifully done!
[Reply]
Gorgeous! I finally decided my kitchen was too hot and I was driving myself nuts trying to fit it in with moving. I think the Daring Bakers will have wait for a later time for me… but I agree this was a challenge that looked simple and yet not and really therefore rewarding. I still want to do it….
[Reply]
Beautiful braid and nice step-by-step pictures!
[Reply]
Beautiful..beautiful…beuatiful!
[Reply]
Despite your admitted inexperience, Lori, that braid looks as perfect as they come.
And APPLES? zomg, you’ve made me really hungry. Awesome.
[Reply]
I’m so impressed by the daring bakers group. Each month’s recipes look so daunting but I’m glad you found it to be somewhat simple. Yours turned out beautifully!!
[Reply]
Beautiful braid! How do I get an invite to the meetings where you bring breakfast?
[Reply]
Lori, you are too smart. Why didn’t I think to bake this for our teachers’ breakfast that we had?!?! I could have killed two birds with one stone & impressed the pants off everyone at the same time. Your braid looks amazing & like you’ve done it a hundred times. Plus, you have a very nice manicure for the pictorial. I’m in awe of you!
xoxox Amy
[Reply]
Beautiful braid! (Plus, I love your rolling pin.) It was a fun challenge this month, wasn’t it??
[Reply]
Your braid turned out beautifully!
[Reply]
Wow, wow! I am really impressed! Your Danish looks so beautiful! Gorgeous! Great step by step photos. Looking at them I just realized I wasn’t folding (turns) the dough properly, hence is my snake looking braid:))) Yours is fantastic! Great job!
[Reply]
Yes this really was a wonderful treat and one to be happy with. Yours is gorgeous. And yes there are some wonderous fillings out here today!
[Reply]
Looks wonderful! I loved the orange flavorings too. Your son’s teachers much have been thrilled. Well done!
[Reply]
Fabulous! It looks perfect!
[Reply]
You should be proud – that braid looks so professional! Great job!
[Reply]
Great job! Your braid look perfect!
[Reply]
beautiful braid!! Great job!
[Reply]
very even braid. nicely done.
[Reply]
Great step by step instructions
. The braid came out lovely!
[Reply]
Beautiful and very professional looking. It’s good to stretch the skills with the dough. I’d never made it before either and I’m glad to be prodded into trying new things.
[Reply]
yes, i’ve seen many danish braid because of the daring baker challenge. everyone makes one great danish bread including you Lori! oh, how i love to taste that…
[Reply]
WOW! I am so impressed. what a treat! you were nice to share it … i might have kept that one for myself!!
[Reply]
Great job, Lori! Lucky teachers!
[Reply]
Looks awesome!
[Reply]
You should be VERY proud of the outcome of your danish – it’s absolutely SPECTACULAR!! No need to be nervous – you’re an inspiration in the kitchen!! :0) Great job on this month’s DBC!!
[Reply]
That is such a nice looking danish. I love your photos, very comprehensive and beautiful. Good job, I am impressed.
[Reply]
great job! I thought it was a fun challenge as well.
[Reply]
That braid looks bakery perfect!!!! I wish I had a bite!
[Reply]
You seem to be a natural at pastry – my jaw is still on the floor.
[Reply]
Nice job! Nice nail polish too!
[Reply]
Fantastic job Lori, with all your step by step photo’s, was Hubby taking the pic’s? Your braiding and nail polish look great!
[Reply]
Your braid looks fabulous – as I knew it would!! Great job.
[Reply]
What a beautiful braid! Great job in your challenge.
[Reply]
Lovely braid! Nice job on this challenge!
[Reply]
Gorgeous! I was nervous, too, but it was very straightforward. Yours turned out beautifully! I just can’t wait to make more…
[Reply]
I agree – this was a challenge where I felt so proud of myself when it was done! Great job – it looks just perfect.
[Reply]
I have seen many a Danish on the blogs, but I did not see any photos of how that braid is made. Cool! Thanks for showing that step, I find it very interesting.
[Reply]
yum yum yum.
that’s all i have to say.
[Reply]
its look lovley!!And good work!
[Reply]