Almond Kringle is a show stopping pastry inspired by the traditional Danish treat that has found its way into many American kitchens, especially around the holidays. With its light, flaky layers and rich almond flavor, it’s both comforting and luxurious. A crisp outer shell meets a soft, airy interior topped with a luscious almond glaze and crunchy sliced almonds for texture.
Perfect for brunches, afternoon tea, or gifting during festive seasons, this Almond Kringle is easier to make than it looks. With basic ingredients and a bit of love, you’ll wow guests and family alike. The best part? It stays delicious for days if it lasts that long!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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2 tablespoons cold water
Layer 2 (Puff Topping):
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1 cup water
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup all purpose flour
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3 large eggs
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Almond Topping:
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1/2 cup sliced almonds
Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons milk
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Bottom layer: In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/2 cup butter using a pastry cutter until crumbly. Add 2 tablespoons cold water and form into a dough. Shape into a 12 inch by 3-inch strip on the baking sheet.
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Puff topping: In a saucepan, bring 1 cup water and 1/2 cup butter to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup flour until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in almond extract. Spread this mixture over the crust evenly.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
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Topping: Drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
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Allow glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Kcal: 210 kcal per slice
Servings: 12
The Allure of Almond Kringle: A Danish Delight for Every Occasion
When it comes to pastry perfection, few confections are as universally beloved as the Almond Kringle. Buttery, flaky, and filled with rich almond flavor, this Scandinavian-inspired treat has made its way into the hearts and kitchens of bakers around the world. From its humble origins in Denmark to its cherished spot on American brunch tables, the Almond Kringle is a celebration of craftsmanship, tradition, and irresistible flavor.
This delectable pastry is not only a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients but also a wonderful reflection of how European baking traditions have taken root in modern culinary culture. Whether served at holidays, brunches, or quiet coffee mornings, the Almond Kringle brings a touch of elegance and nostalgia to any gathering.
A Bit of History: The Danish Roots of Kringle
The word “Kringle” has its roots in Old Norse, originating from the word kringla, meaning ring or circle. It refers to the traditional pretzel like shape that kringles were once known for. While modern versions like the Almond Kringle are typically made in oval or log like shapes for ease of preparation and serving, the essence remains rooted in its Scandinavian origin.
Kringles are an integral part of Danish baking heritage and have been around since at least the 13th century. They were traditionally made by bakers’ guilds and sold in bakeries across Denmark, often filled with fruits, nuts, or custard. Danish immigrants brought their kringle recipes with them to the United States, where the tradition found a particularly enthusiastic audience in the Midwest, especially Wisconsin, which has a strong Danish American population.
Over time, the recipe was adapted to American ingredients and preferences, evolving into the buttery, almond-filled pastry we know and love today.
Layers of Flavor: What Makes Almond Kringle Unique
The Almond Kringle stands out not just for its shape but for the balance of textures and flavors. The pastry consists of two key components: a buttery crust and a choux pastry like topping, which puffs during baking to create a golden, airy surface. Once baked, it’s finished with a sweet almond glaze and topped with sliced almonds, delivering crunch, richness, and a subtle nuttiness in every bite.
Almond extract is the star of the flavor profile here. It provides that instantly recognizable sweet and slightly floral aroma that defines this pastry. When combined with the mellow richness of butter and the light sweetness of powdered sugar glaze, the flavor experience is both indulgent and comforting.
One bite delivers a perfect contrast crispy edges, soft interiors, and the occasional crunch of toasted almond slivers. It’s no wonder that this pastry is often reserved for special occasions, even though it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Cultural Significance and Modern-Day Enjoyment
In Denmark, kringles are still widely enjoyed during the Christmas season and other major holidays. They’re also a common sight at Danish coffee tables, where they’re served with hot tea or coffee as a gesture of hospitality. In America, the Almond Kringle has become a staple at brunches, potlucks, and holiday breakfasts.
Many bakeries have embraced this tradition, especially in cities like Racine, Wisconsin, often referred to as the “Kringle Capital of the World.” There, you’ll find bakeries that have been crafting kringles for over a century, sometimes offering more than 30 different filling varieties. But almond remains one of the most requested and celebrated flavors.
Home bakers are now finding joy in recreating this iconic pastry in their own kitchens. The appeal is not just in the eating but in the making. There’s a rhythm to preparing kringle that feels almost meditative, from crafting the buttery crust to smoothing on the puff topping and drizzling on the final glaze. It’s a pastry that rewards patience and care with bakery quality results.
Serving Suggestions: Elevating the Almond Kringle Experience
Almond Kringle is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments and settings.
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With Beverages: Serve it with freshly brewed coffee or strong black tea to balance the sweetness. A glass of almond milk or a warm chai latte also enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
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Brunch Table Star: Add it to a brunch spread alongside savory quiches, fresh fruit, and mimosas. Its flaky, sweet composition provides a perfect contrast to more robust flavors.
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Holiday Centerpiece: This pastry is tailor made for Christmas morning. You can even make it ahead of time, as it stores well for a couple of days, keeping its freshness when wrapped properly.
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For Gifting: A homemade Almond Kringle wrapped in parchment and tied with twine makes for a thoughtful and heartwarming gift, especially during the holiday season.
To store, simply wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. It can also be frozen and reheated gently in the oven for a just-baked taste.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Beyond its delicious flavor, the Almond Kringle is a baking experience that brings a sense of connection whether it’s to cultural heritage, cherished family traditions, or the universal love of sweet, flaky pastries. It is simple enough for beginners yet elegant enough to impress guests.
This pastry has a quiet magic to it. It doesn’t rely on flashy decorations or complicated fillings. Instead, it leans into balance, technique, and flavor integrity. Each slice tells a story a story of warmth, tradition, and comfort. It invites you to slow down, to savor, and to share.
Conclusion
If you’ve never tried baking a kringle before, let this almond version be your starting point. It’s incredibly rewarding and wonderfully adaptable. You can tweak the filling, experiment with different nuts or fruit preserves, or shape it into rings, braids, or logs depending on the occasion.
But even as you explore variations, the classic almond kringle will always have a special place on the table. Its irresistible almond essence, tender texture, and golden crust make it an unforgettable treat that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday breakfast, a special brunch, or simply a cozy weekend at home, this pastry is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
So go ahead, preheat the oven, dust off your apron, and bring a little Danish tradition into your kitchen. Your guests (and your taste buds) will thank you.