Almond Kringle Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade Almond Kringle with our foolproof recipe! Creating this Danish-inspired pastry is easier than you think, with buttery layers of flaky dough wrapped around a rich almond filling. The best traditional kringle recipe for holiday mornings or special brunches!

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

3 hours

Cook Time:

30 mins

Serves:

1 kringle (12 slices)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the pastry dough:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">225g cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">125ml cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml white vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the almond filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g almond paste (marzipan can substitute)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">5ml almond extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the glaze:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2ml vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g sliced almonds, toasted</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry cutter or food processor</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large baking sheet</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with paddle attachment</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by making the pastry dough. In a large bowl or food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and cut in using a pastry cutter or pulse in the processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This uneven butter distribution creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in those signature flaky layers.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Mix together the cold water and vinegar in a small bowl. The vinegar helps inhibit gluten formation, keeping your pastry tender. Gradually add this liquid to your flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. It should be shaggy and not completely smooth—this is perfect!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently press it together into a rectangle. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cold dough is crucial for maintaining those butter layers that create flakiness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>While the dough chills, prepare your almond filling. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the almond paste and sugar until crumbly. Add the softened butter and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. The thorough creaming incorporates air, creating a lighter filling texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add eggs one at a time to your filling mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the almond extract, then gently fold in the flour until just combined. The flour will help stabilize the filling during baking. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>After chilling, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 30×40 cm and 5 mm thick. Work quickly to keep the butter cold. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then turn it 90 degrees. Roll it out again and repeat the folding process. This creates even more delicate layers in your pastry. Wrap and chill for another 30 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Preheat your oven to 190°C and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle approximately 25×35 cm. Place on the baking sheet and spread the almond filling down the center lengthwise, leaving about 7 cm on each side.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Cut diagonal slits along both sides of the dough, about 2.5 cm apart and 7 cm long. Fold these strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided appearance. Shape the dough into an oval or circle by connecting the ends, pinching to seal. This traditional shape is what gives the kringle its distinctive ring appearance.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the pastry is fully cooked. The interior temperature should reach about 90°C when tested with a thermometer. Let it cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency. Once the kringle has cooled, drizzle generously with glaze and immediately sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds before the glaze sets.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before slicing. Almond Kringle is best enjoyed the day it's made but will keep well covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves slightly on day two as the pastry and filling meld together!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Almond Kringle Recipe?

Almond Kringle requires all-purpose flour, butter, water, vinegar, salt for the pastry, while the filling combines almond paste, sugar, butter, eggs, almond extract and flour. The finishing touches include a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and toasted sliced almonds.

How to cook Almond Kringle Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Almond Kringle Recipe by creating a flaky pastry dough through multiple folds, then filling it with a rich almond mixture. Shape into the traditional oval ring, bake until golden at 190°C for 25-30 minutes, and finish with a sweet glaze and toasted almonds. The result is a Danish-inspired pastry that balances delicate layers with warm nutty flavours.

Why do traditional kringles have an oval or ring shape?

The distinctive oval or ring shape of kringles represents the pretzel form from their Germanic origins. When Danish bakers brought the recipe to America (particularly Wisconsin), they maintained this traditional shape while evolving the pastry to be flatter and more layered, creating the iconic ring that symbolises continuity and unity.

What's the secret to achieving those flaky, buttery layers in Danish pastry?

The key to flaky Danish pastry is maintaining cold butter throughout the folding process. The visible butter pieces create steam pockets when baked, forming delicate layers. Adding vinegar helps inhibit gluten development, while the repeated folding (similar to puff pastry) multiplies these butter layers for the perfect crisp texture.

Can I prepare parts of this pastry ahead of time for easier holiday baking?

Absolutely! The pastry dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the shaped unbaked kringle for up to 1 month—simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. The almond filling keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

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