National Danish Pastry Day is a celebration dedicated to the delicious, flaky, and often sweet pastries known as Danish pastries. These multilayered treats, called “wienerbrød” in Denmark (meaning “Viennese bread”), are a variant of puff pastry made with laminated yeast-leavened dough that creates a distinctive layered texture.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: December 9th
- Tagged as: Food holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalPastryDay
- When was it founded?: Around 2015
- Who founded it?: Believed to be established by CDKitchen
History of National Danish Pastry Day
The Danish pastry itself has an interesting origin story. Contrary to what the name suggests, Danish pastries were actually introduced to Denmark by Austrian bakers. During a bakery workers’ strike in Denmark in 1850, bakery owners hired workers from abroad, including several Austrian bakers who brought their pastry recipes and techniques. The Danes adopted these recipes, adjusting them to their own preferences by increasing ingredients like eggs and fat, resulting in what we now know as Danish pastries.
The holiday celebrating these delectable treats appears to have been established around 2015, inviting pastry lovers worldwide to enjoy these irresistible baked goods and share in the joy of baking.
Timeline
- 1404: Paris pastry guild recorded its first constitution
- 1850: Bakery workers strike in Denmark led to Austrian bakers introducing their pastry techniques
- 1995: First mentions of a general Pastry Day in December appear in California
- 2015: National Pastry Day officially established
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 9 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | December 9 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | December 9 | Thursday |
| 2028 | December 9 | Saturday |
| 2029 | December 9 | Sunday |
| 2030 | December 9 | Monday |
How National Danish Pastry Day is Observed
People celebrate National Danish Pastry Day by indulging in various Danish pastries throughout the day. Many visit local bakeries to purchase freshly made Danish pastries, while others try their hand at making these delicious treats at home. Social media comes alive with photos of pastries using the hashtag #NationalPastryDay, and bakeries often offer special promotions or discounts on this day.
Fun Facts About Danish Pastries
Danish pastries have a rich history and cultural significance. In Denmark, they come in various shapes and names, including circles with filling (Spandauers), figure-eights, spirals (known as snails), and pretzel-like kringles. They’re often topped with chocolate, pearl sugar, glacé icing, or nuts, and stuffed with jam, marzipan, or custard.
Danish pastries have come to symbolize “hygge,” a significant concept in Danish culture embodying coziness and comfort. Despite being called “Danish” internationally, in Denmark they’re known as “wienerbrød” (Vienna bread), while in Vienna, they’re called “Kopenhagener Plunder” (Copenhagen pastry).
Quiz
- What is the Danish name for Danish pastries?
- In what year did Austrian bakers introduce their pastry techniques to Denmark?
- What Danish cultural concept do Danish pastries symbolize?
(Answers: 1. Wienerbrød 2. 1850 3. Hygge)
FAQs
Are Danish pastries actually from Denmark?
While Danish pastries are associated with Denmark, they were originally introduced by Austrian bakers during a bakery workers’ strike in 1850. The Danes adapted the Austrian recipes to their own taste, creating what we now know as Danish pastries.
What makes Danish pastry different from other pastries?
Danish pastry is made of yeast-leavened dough with wheat flour, milk, eggs, sugar, and large amounts of butter. The dough is rolled out thinly, covered with thin slices of butter between layers, and then folded and rolled several times, creating 27 layers that become airy and crispy on the outside but rich and buttery inside.
What are popular fillings for Danish pastries?
Popular fillings include fruit preserves (especially apple or prune), remonce (almond paste), marzipan, and custard. They’re often topped with chocolate, pearl sugar, icing, or nuts.
Importance of National Danish Pastry Day
National Danish Pastry Day celebrates not just a delicious food item but also the cultural exchange and adaptation that created it. It highlights how culinary traditions can cross borders and evolve, becoming beloved parts of a nation’s food identity. The day encourages people to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making these complex pastries and to enjoy the simple pleasure of sharing good food with others.
Related Holidays
- National Croissant Day
- National Pastry Day
- International Bakery Day
- World Baking Day
- National Dessert Day