pecan danish ring recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
pecan danish ring recipe
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The Best pecan danish ring recipe

This pecan Danish ring recipe has been a staple in our household for years. I first discovered it in a cookbook from my grandmother, who had received it from her own mother.

The combination of flaky pastry, gooey pecans, and sweet filling is absolutely irresistible. Every time I make it, my family devours it in minutes.

I’ve tried various recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to. The key to making a great Danish ring is to keep the filling simple yet flavorful, allowing the pastry to take center stage.

This recipe uses a mixture of brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans that perfectly complements the pastry’s flaky texture. The result is a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion or as a snack for everyday eating.

Pecan Danish Ring

Pecan Danish Ring

4.9 from 682 votes

A stunning, buttery Danish pastry ring filled with a sweet, nutty pecan filling and topped with a glossy glaze. This impressive treat is perfect for brunch or a special breakfast, offering a delightful combination of flaky layers and crunchy pecans.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs 55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
1/2 cup cold milk
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

For the Pecan Filling

1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
3In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
4Beat the egg into the yeast mixture, then pour it into the flour mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
5Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 4 to 5 times until it just comes together.
6Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
7Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt for the filling.
9On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
10Spread the pecan filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border along the edges.
11Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
12Place the log seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and bring the ends together to form a ring, pinching them to seal.
13Using a sharp knife, make cuts 1 inch apart around the outside of the ring, cutting about two-thirds of the way through the dough.
14Gently twist each cut section slightly to expose the filling.
15Bake the Danish ring for 20 to 25 minutes until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
16Allow it to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
17While the ring cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
18Drizzle the glaze over the warm ring and let it set for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small bowl
Pastry brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 26g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 380mg🌾Total Carbs: 44g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For best results, ensure the butter is very cold when making the dough to create flaky layers. The ring can be assembled the night before, covered, and refrigerated; bake it fresh in the morning.

Watch Video Of How Pecan Danish Ring Works

This pecan Danish ring recipe is always a hit at family gatherings or when we need a quick dessert option.

Its simplicity makes it accessible even on busy weeknights when we’re short on time.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – we can enjoy leftovers for days without worrying about them going stale.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Danish Ring

What type of pastry dough is used in this recipe?

This recipe uses a laminated pastry dough made with butter, flour, salt, and cold water.

Can I substitute other types of nuts for the pecans?

Yes, you can use walnuts or hazelnuts as alternatives to pecans, but keep in mind that they may change the flavor profile slightly.

How do I store leftover Danish rings?

Store leftover Danish rings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble the Danish ring up to 24 hours in advance.

What’s the secret to achieving flaky pastry?

The key to achieving flaky pastry is to keep the ingredients cold and handle the dough gently while rolling it out.

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