If you have a soft spot for pastries that bring both a tender, flaky texture and a rich, nutty flavor, then you are going to absolutely adore this Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe. This enchanting Scandinavian treat combines delicate almond paste with buttery, yeasted dough to deliver a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance between sweet and nutty that will make you want to bake it again and again, whether for a festive occasion or simply because you deserve something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delightful pastry, you only need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting the perfect kringle. From the soft yeast dough to the luscious almond paste filling, every component enhances the overall taste, texture, and appearance of the final masterpiece.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tenderness of the dough, essential for that flaky texture.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully, giving your kringle its light and airy quality.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the almond flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the pastry.
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F: Activates the yeast and enriches the dough with moisture and creaminess.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the dough with richness and tenderness, critical for a soft bite.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to the beautiful golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Intensifies the almond flavor, giving your kringle that signature aromatic note.
- 1/2 cup almond paste: The heart of the filling, providing that sweet, nutty, and creamy texture you’ll crave.
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds: Adds delightful crunch and visual appeal on top of the almond paste.
- Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water): Ensures a shiny, golden-brown surface after baking.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a delicate, sweet finishing touch that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Make Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Begin by mixing the warm milk with granulated sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbling — this classic step ensures your dough will rise beautifully and be wonderfully light.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients and add wet
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to distribute the seasoning evenly. Form a well in the center and pour in the melted butter, beaten egg, almond extract, and that yeast mixture you just prepared. Combining these wet ingredients forms the base of your dough, rich with almond fragrance and buttery goodness.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Mix everything until a rough dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten, giving the kringle its characteristic tender but sturdy texture.
Step 4: First rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and leave it in a warm spot for about an hour. Watching it double in size is so satisfying because it’s the promise of that perfect, fluffy bite to come.
Step 5: Preheat the oven
While the dough rises, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake your kringle to a gorgeous golden finish. Proper heat ensures the pastry cooks evenly and develops that irresistible crust.
Step 6: Roll out and fill
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the almond paste evenly over the surface but leave a small border around the edges — this prevents the filling from oozing out while baking and allows for neat sealing.
Step 7: Add chopped almonds
Sprinkle the chopped almonds on top of the almond paste for a satisfying crunch. These little pops of texture complement the creamy filling and look incredibly inviting.
Step 8: Shape your kringle
Roll the dough tightly from one long side and pinch the seams to seal in the filling. Then shape it into a ring, connecting the ends securely to form that classic kringle shape. This circular design not only looks stunning but also helps with even baking.
Step 9: Prepare for baking
Transfer your shaped kringle onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the entire surface generously with your egg wash; this is key to getting that perfectly shiny, golden crust that makes homemade pastries so irresistible.
Step 10: Add decorative cuts
Using kitchen scissors, make small cuts about an inch apart across the top of the kringle. These cuts create an elegant, signature look and allow the heat to circulate inside during baking, enhancing flakiness.
Step 11: Bake to golden perfection
Pop your kringle into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is unbeatable—rich, buttery, and with that unmistakable almond scent.
Step 12: Finish and dust with powdered sugar
Once your kringle is slightly cooled but still warm, dust it lightly with powdered sugar to add that delicate sweetness and charming appearance, making it look as lovely as it tastes.
How to Serve Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, add a light drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk or lemon juice. Sprinkle extra chopped almonds on top for crunch and visual appeal, or even some slivered almonds toasted lightly to bring out a nutty aroma that pairs so well with the sweet filling.
Side Dishes
A slice of kringle pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a lightly brewed tea to balance the richness. Fresh berries or whipped cream are fantastic accompaniments as well, offering a fresh contrast that elevates the overall experience without overshadowing the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your almond kringle on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand for a café-style vibe that will impress guests or family alike. For celebrations, consider cutting into smaller portions and stacking them with layers of fruit preserves or mascarpone for an elegant dessert parfait inspired by the flavors of the kringle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, maintaining its freshness and tenderness. Wrapping it loosely in foil or plastic wrap prevents it from drying out while keeping that lovely flaky texture intact.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your kringle later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the whole baked kringle tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.—just thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring your kringle back to life, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This warms the pastry and restores some of its defining flakiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the dough soggy and dense.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond paste with marzipan?
Yes, marzipan works well as a substitute. It is sweeter and smoother, so consider reducing any additional sugar slightly to balance the flavors.
Is it necessary to use almond extract in the dough?
While not mandatory, almond extract intensifies that distinct almond aroma and enriches the overall flavor, making your kringle taste more authentic and delicious.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before proceeding with rolling and filling.
What if I don’t have kitchen scissors for decorative cuts?
A sharp knife works just fine as an alternative. Just be careful while making small slits to avoid cutting too deeply and losing filling.
Can this Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, but it requires a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different and may need adjustments in liquid to achieve the right dough consistency.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking and sharing this Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe with loved ones. It’s that perfect mix of buttery, flaky pastry and the comforting sweetness of almonds that feels both festive and homey. Once you try this recipe, it is bound to become a cherished favorite that you’ll turn to again for celebrations or just because any day deserves a little luxury. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and make a kringle that’s brimming with love and flavor!
Print
Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Description
This Homemade Almond Kringle is a rich, flaky Danish pastry filled with sweet almond paste and topped with crunchy chopped almonds. The soft, buttery dough is made from scratch, with a hint of almond extract to deepen the flavor. Baked to a golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar, this elegant treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup almond paste
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon water)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
- Combine Dough Ingredients: Add the melted butter, egg, almond extract, and yeast mixture into the well of the flour mixture. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, ensuring proper gluten development for a soft crumb.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size, which helps develop flavor and texture.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 1/4-inch thick.
- Add Filling: Spread the almond paste evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped almonds evenly on top of the almond paste for added texture.
- Form the Kringle: Roll the dough tightly from one long side, sealing the seams by pinching them. Shape the rolled dough into a ring, pinching the ends together to form a closed circle.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the kringle onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the surface evenly with the egg wash to promote browning and give the crust a glossy finish.
- Decorate: Use kitchen scissors to snip small cuts about 1 inch apart along the top of the kringle, creating a decorative pattern that also helps steam escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the kringle is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the kringle to cool slightly on a wire rack. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving to add sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warmed to about 110°F, which is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it.
- Almond paste can be substituted with marzipan if desired for a sweeter, smoother filling.
- For a flakier texture, you can chill the dough before rolling and filling.
- The kringle is best eaten the day it is baked but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat slices briefly in a warm oven or toaster oven to refresh the crust.
