National Dish Denmark: Hindbærsnitter (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Hindbærsnitter, the raspberry slices that have earned a permanent place in Denmark’s coffee tables and bakery windows. Two thin sheets of buttery shortcrust pastry sandwich a layer of bright raspberry jam, and a snowfall of icing sugar finishes the job. They are unfussy, deeply nostalgic and dangerously easy to eat by the handful — exactly the sort of bake that makes an afternoon coffee feel like an occasion.
About Hindbærsnitter
Hindbærsnitter, literally raspberry slices, are a much-loved Danish pastry known far beyond Denmark’s borders. They consist of tender shortcrust pastry filled with fragrant raspberry jam, and their sweet, fruity character makes them equally suited to a coffee break or a light dessert. The contrast between the crisp, crumbly pastry and the soft, tangy filling is what makes every bite so satisfying. They belong to the same relaxed, homely tradition of Danish baking as Vaniljekranse and other classic coffee-table treats.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g plain flour
- 125 g cold butter
- 75 g caster sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
- 150 g raspberry jam
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Shopping for the ingredients
Everything you need for Hindbærsnitter is straightforward to find in any well-stocked supermarket. Pay particular attention to the quality of the raspberry jam, since it more or less decides how the finished pastry tastes. A jam with a genuinely high fruit content is the best choice, as it brings out the natural sweetness and the fruity aroma without tasting cloying. Do not overlook the basics either — fresh flour and good butter are what give you a proper shortcrust.
Preparing the dish
Before you start baking, take a moment to get everything ready. Make sure the butter is thoroughly chilled, as cold butter is the key to a short, crumbly pastry rather than a tough one. Sift the flour before use so the dough comes together without lumps. Once all the ingredients are lined up, you can make the pastry and set out the jam, which keeps the individual steps of the recipe running smoothly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Combine the flour, sugar and cold butter in a bowl and rub together with your fingertips to a crumbly mixture.
- Add the egg yolk and cold water and knead everything into a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough in two, flatten each piece, wrap in cling film and rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C and line a baking tray with baking parchment.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and lay one half on the prepared tray.
- Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the pastry base.
- Roll out the second piece of dough, lay it on top and press gently with a fork to seal the two layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Leave to cool, dust with icing sugar, then cut into bars and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for shortcrust pastry, and check that the raspberry jam is gluten-free too. For a lactose-free result, lactose-free butter works beautifully and keeps the rich flavour intact. These small adjustments mean far more people can enjoy Hindbærsnitter without giving up any of the pleasure.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative such as margarine or coconut oil. The egg yolk can be swapped for a mixture of water and ground linseed or chia seeds, which binds the dough in much the same way. These plant-based substitutes behave very similarly to the original ingredients and still deliver an excellent result. As always, a high-quality raspberry jam makes a decisive difference to the finished slices.
More tips and tricks
To get the very best from your Hindbærsnitter, consider adding an extra layer of flavour — a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract in the dough gives the pastry a lovely twist. Many bakers also recommend warming the jam slightly before spreading it, which makes it far easier to distribute evenly. Do experiment with other berries as well; the same technique works with almost any good preserve.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Hindbærsnitter leave plenty of room for personal touches. You could replace the raspberry jam with another fruit spread such as strawberry or apricot, or fold chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the filling for something a little different. That flexibility lets you build in your favourite ingredients and surprise regular guests with a new flavour each time — much as bakers do with a filled Kringle.
Ingredient substitutions
If you find yourself short of a particular ingredient, simple alternatives are usually at hand. Oil can stand in for butter, though both the flavour and the texture will shift slightly. Instead of raspberry jam you might use a fruit compote, which contains rather less sugar. Honey can also replace the caster sugar if you prefer a more natural sweetness.
Drink pairing ideas
A number of drinks go splendidly with Hindbærsnitter. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea is the classic partner and balances the sweetness of the pastry perfectly. For something fruitier, serve raspberry juice or a light fruit spritzer — or the Danish favourite Hindbærbrus, which echoes the raspberry theme rather nicely. The right pairing turns a simple slice into a proper little treat.
Serving and presentation ideas
Thoughtful presentation adds a great deal to Hindbærsnitter. Serve the slices on an elegant plate and dust them generously with icing sugar for a striking finish. Fresh raspberries or a few mint leaves make excellent decoration, bringing colour and freshness to the table. A pretty tea plate and smart napkins round off the whole experience.
A bit of history
Hindbærsnitter grew out of the Danish baking tradition and have been popular for generations. Their name comes from the Danish word for raspberries, pointing straight to the main ingredient. The pastry belongs firmly to Denmark’s coffee culture — the sociable, unhurried gatherings where sweet baking is shared among friends, and where you will just as likely find Vafler on the table. Over time, countless variations have enriched and adapted the original recipe, and the slices remain a cornerstone of Danish cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Hindbærsnitter
Hindbærsnitter are a wonderful Danish pastry that wins people over with the simple pairing of shortcrust and raspberry jam. With the tips above and the step-by-step instructions, you can bake them at home without any difficulty. Traditional or creatively reworked, they suit almost any occasion and bring a genuine piece of Danish baking craft into your kitchen. Take inspiration from the classic and enjoy this sweet little pleasure.
