Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to impress your friends and family with a stunning, flaky, and delightfully nutty treat, this Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe will be your new best friend in the kitchen. This rich Danish pastry features a buttery, layered dough wrapped around a creamy, almond-studded filling, all topped with a luscious glaze and a sprinkle of toasted almonds. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy coffee break, making this kringle from scratch is easier and more rewarding than you might think, bringing a bakery-quality masterpiece right to your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients ready for this Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe is a breeze. These simple, pantry-friendly elements come together to create the perfect balance of buttery dough, creamy almond filling, and sweet glaze, each playing a vital role in the final flavor and texture.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our dough, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (very cold, cubed): Key for the flaky layers and rich taste.
• ½ cup ice water: Binds the dough while keeping it cool for flakiness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the luscious filling perfectly.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the almond filling.
• 1 cup blanched slivered almonds (toasted, finely ground): The star ingredient delivering crunch and nuttiness.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling for the perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract: Intensifies that irresistible almond aroma and flavor.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and rounds out the filling’s taste.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the filling.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Forms the sweet glaze that finishes off the kringle.
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream: Adjusts glaze consistency for smooth drizzling.
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional): Boosts that almond goodness in the glaze.
• Slivered or chopped toasted almonds (optional): A beautiful crunchy garnish to elevate presentation and flavor.

How to Make Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

The magic of a great kringle starts with its dough. Mix the flour and salt, then cut in cold butter quickly until pea-sized chunks remain—this creates layers of buttery flakiness that everyone loves. Slowly add ice water just until the dough comes together. Don’t overwork it; a little roughness here keeps the layers tender. Chill it well to relax gluten and firm up the butter—this rest period is an essential step for flawless texture.

Step 2: Toast and Grind Almonds for the Filling

Toasting the slivered almonds fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma and sharpens the nutty flavor. Once cool, grind them gently until finely crumbed but not past the point of becoming almond butter. This texture is key for a filling that’s both rich and delightfully textured, giving the kringle its signature almond burst in every bite.

Step 3: Cook the Almond Filling

Combine sugar, cream, almonds, flour, and extracts in a saucepan and cook on medium heat while stirring constantly. This creates a thick, creamy filling that’s luxurious and flavorful—no graininess here. Cook just long enough to eliminate the raw flour taste and ensure smooth consistency. Cooling the filling completely is crucial because warm filling would melt the butter in the dough and ruin that delicate layered texture.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough and Assemble Kringle

Divide your chilled dough and roll each half into a large rectangle. Spread the almond filling evenly, leaving a border to seal. Roll it up jelly-roll style and shape it into a horseshoe or oval—classic kringle shapes that are both charming and practical for baking evenly. Pinch the seams tightly to keep that luscious filling inside during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the kringle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F until golden and just cooked through. Watching carefully toward the end will prevent overbaking; you want a crisp, buttery exterior with a tender, nutty inside. Allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet to keep the crust crisp and avoid sogginess.

Step 6: Glaze and Garnish

While the kringles cool, whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream and optional almond extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this velvet glaze over the cooled pastries for a sweet, glossy finish. Sprinkle with toasted almonds to add crunch and a stunning visual touch, and let the glaze set fully before slicing.

How to Serve Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly toasted slivered almonds scattered on top bring a wonderful crunch and nutty fragrance. A delicate drizzle of extra glaze adds an inviting shine and sweetness that makes every slice look irresistible.

Side Dishes

This almond kringle pairs beautifully with a cup of robust coffee or your favorite black tea, balancing the pastry’s sweetness. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a light citrus salad to brighten the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of a traditional shape, try individual kringle twists or braided rectangles to wow your guests visually. Gift them in pretty boxes with parchment paper for a homemade touch that feels special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Almond Kringle keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, maintaining its flaky texture and creamy filling. If your kitchen is warm, a cool spot or brief refrigeration will extend freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze unglazed kringles wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or glazing to enjoy fresh-baked flavor anytime.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5–10 minutes or in a toaster oven to refresh that flaky, buttery crunch. Avoid microwaves, which can make the pastry soggy and lose its crisp edge.

FAQs

Can I use almond flour instead of slivered almonds?

While almond flour is finely ground and might seem convenient, it lacks the texture and toasty flavor from sliced almonds, which give the kringle its characteristic crunch and depth. Toasted, finely ground slivered almonds are your best bet for authentic results.

Is there a shortcut for making the dough?

The dough is simple but requires cold butter to create those flaky layers. Using pre-made puff pastry is possible, but you’ll miss the rich, tender crumb that homemade dough brings. Trust me, the extra effort is worth every delicious bite!

How can I make this kringle nut-free?

For a nut-free version, consider replacing the almond filling with a cinnamon sugar mixture or a fruit jam, but it won’t have the same classic almond flavor that makes this kringle a standout.

Can I prepare the filling a day ahead?

Absolutely! Making the filling a day ahead and chilling it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before spreading it on the dough.

What’s the best way to keep the dough cold while shaping?

Work quickly and keep the unused dough refrigerated until needed. Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking but avoid over-flouring, which can make dough tough. Chilling once rolled out for a few minutes also helps the layers stay distinct.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making a Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe from scratch. It’s not just about enjoying a flaky, buttery pastry bursting with nutty sweetness; it’s about the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious with your own hands. Whether you’re treating yourself or delighting guests, this recipe is bound to become a treasured favorite. So pull out your rolling pin and get ready to indulge in the delicious aroma and taste of fresh-baked kringle—you won’t regret it!

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