As I rolled out the dough, the aroma of cold butter danced joyfully in my kitchen, whispering promises of flaky perfection. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for the Ultimate Homemade Almond Kringle, a pastry that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant showcase of flavor and texture. This delightful creation is not only a feast for the eyes but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any brunch table or festive gathering. Imagine serving this golden, almond-filled delight alongside your morning coffee, captivating your guests with its rich taste and beautiful presentation. Ready to elevate your baking game and impress everyone with this show-stopping treat? Let’s dive into the world of almond kringle together!
Why is Almond Kringle So Irresistible?
Flaky Textures: The unique cold butter method ensures layers that burst with flakiness—each bite melts in your mouth!
Rich Filling: With a luscious almond center, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, making it a delightful dessert or brunch option.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to switch up the fillings or glazes; you can easily adapt this recipe for unique flavor combinations that your family will love.
Easy to Impress: This elegant pastry is actually simple to make! It’s perfect for a cozy family breakfast or impressing guests at gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and freeze it, saving you time on busy mornings. Pair it with your favorite jam for an irresistible treat!
Almond Kringle Ingredients
For the Pastry Dough
• All-purpose flour – Provides the structure and texture; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; fine table salt works best.
• Cold unsalted butter – Essential for creating those flaky layers; make sure it’s very cold before use.
• Ice water – Binds the flour and butter; always opt for ice-cold water for optimal results.
For the Almond Filling
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness; coconut sugar can be a less refined alternative.
• Heavy cream – Richness that complements the filling; for a lighter option, half-and-half works well.
• Blanched slivered almonds – The star flavor component; toasting them enhances their nuttiness, but pecans or hazelnuts can substitute.
• All-purpose flour – Thickens the filling for the perfect consistency.
• Almond extract – Takes the flavor up a notch; avoid imitation for the best taste.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor; always choose pure extract for quality.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness of the filling.
For the Sweet Glaze
• Powdered sugar – Creates a smooth and sweet glaze.
• Milk or heavy cream – Adjusts the consistency; heavy cream makes for a richer touch.
• Almond extract (optional) – Adds extra almond flavor to the glaze, enhancing the overall experience.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Almond Kringle
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Shape it into a rectangle, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to ensure a flaky texture in your almond kringle.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, toast blanched slivered almonds on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool before grinding into a fine consistency. In a saucepan, combine the ground almonds, granulated sugar, heavy cream, all-purpose flour, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly, then let it cool completely.
Step 3: Assemble the Kringle
Preheat your oven to 375°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Divide the cooled almond filling in half and spread it evenly over each half of the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Roll each section up jelly-roll style, then shape them into a horseshoe. Place the shaped almond kringle onto a lined baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to expand.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled almond kringle in your preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 200-210°F. Keep an eye on their color; you want a beautifully crisp and flaky result. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Finish with Glaze
While the kringle cools, prepare the sweet glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract in a bowl until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Once the almond kringle has cooled, gently drizzle the glaze over the top. For an added touch, sprinkle with extra slivered almonds for a delightful presentation. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving this amazing almond kringle!
Almond Kringle Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your almond kringle! With a little imagination, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste buds.
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Pecan Filling: Swap the almond filling for toasted pecans for a nutty twist. This change gives a caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the flaky pastry.
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Chocolate Hazelnut: Replace the almond filling with a rich chocolate hazelnut spread for a delightful indulgence. The creamy texture and chocolatey goodness make it an irresistible treat.
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Fruit-Filled Treat: Substitute almond filling with a mixture of cooked apples and cinnamon for a fruity variant. This classic combination brings a delightful warmth to your brunch table.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for the dough. Ensure that the blend is one that mimics regular flour for the best results.
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Vegan Delight: Make the kringle vegan by substituting cold butter with coconut oil and using a plant-based milk for the glaze. It’s a tasty way to enjoy this pastry without dairy!
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Citrus Glaze: Experiment with a lemon or orange glaze instead of the standard sweet glaze. This adds a refreshing zing that beautifully complements the almond flavor.
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Spice It Up: Add a dash of your favorite spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the almond filling for a warming, aromatic flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.
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Nut-Free Alternative: For a nut-free version, swap the almond filling for sunbutter and a hint of vanilla. This works wonderfully for those with nut allergies and still provides a deliciously sweet flavor.
These variations will not only enhance your almond kringle experience but also invite experimentation in the kitchen. If you’re curious about herbal-infused charm, consider pairing your kringle with homemade jams, which can elevate the entire dish!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Almond Kringles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator or freeze it for up to 1 month—just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Additionally, the almond filling can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the flaky goodness, ensure that all ingredients are kept cold during preparation. When you’re ready to enjoy your kringle, simply roll out the chilled dough, fill it, shape, and bake as directed, and you’ll have an impressive pastry ready to impress at a moment’s notice!
Tips for the Best Almond Kringle
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Chill Your Ingredients: Keep all ingredients, especially the butter, cold. A cold temperature is key to achieving those flaky layers in your almond kringle.
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Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined. If you overwork it, the pastry may become tough, ruining that delicate texture.
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Watch the Filling’s Consistency: Ensure your almond filling isn’t too wet; overly moist filling can lead to a soggy kringle. Allow it to cool completely before using.
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Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on your kringle while it bakes. It should be a beautiful golden-brown and register an internal temperature of 200-210°F for perfect doneness.
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Let It Cool: After baking, allow the kringle to cool briefly on the baking sheet before moving it to a wire rack. This helps to maintain its structure and texture.
What to Serve with Flaky Almond Kringle
Indulge in a delightful spread that elevates your almond kringle experience to a whole new level.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy, sweet berries like strawberries or raspberries provide a burst of freshness that complements the rich almond filling beautifully. Their vibrant colors also add a lovely visual contrast to the golden pastry.
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Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt offers a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the kringle. Top it with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of decadence.
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Café-Style Coffee: A rich, freshly brewed cup of coffee enhances the warm, buttery flavors of the almond kringle, making it the perfect companion for a cozy brunch or afternoon treat.
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Light Citrus Salad: A refreshing citrus salad with oranges, grapefruits, and a hint of mint brings brightness to the table, cutting through the sweetness while adding a zesty kick.
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Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a velvety touch that makes each bite of kringle feel even more indulgent. It’s a classic pairing that never fails to delight.
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Homemade Jam: Serve with a spoonful of your favorite homemade fruit jam—like raspberry or apricot—for a sweet addition that enhances the flavors of the pastry. The jam’s sweetness and fruitiness elevate the dish to new heights.
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Chamomile Tea: A cup of calming chamomile tea makes for a soothing pairing, allowing the flavors of the almond kringle to shine while providing a gentle herbal note to the meal.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, pair a slice of warm almond kringle with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The warmth of the pastry combined with the coolness of the ice cream creates a delightful contrast.
How to Store and Freeze Almond Kringle
Room Temperature: Store any uneaten almond kringle at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its delightful texture.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container where they will stay fresh for up to a week. Reheat gently in the oven to restore flakiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your almond kringle wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before glazing.
Reheating: To enjoy, reheat the kringle in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring that the pastry regains its flaky charm.
Almond Kringle Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best almonds for the filling?
Absolutely! For the best almond flavor, opt for blanched slivered almonds. Look for uniform pieces without dark spots or any signs of moisture, as fresh almonds will enhance the flavor of your kringle. Toasting them enhances their nuttiness, giving your filling a richer taste that’s hard to resist!
What’s the best way to store leftover almond kringle?
Very! To keep your almond kringle fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers beyond that, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. Just remember to reheat them in the oven (at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes) to regain that delightful flakiness before serving.
Can I freeze almond kringle before or after baking?
Yes, you can! For optimal flavor and texture, I recommend freezing your almond kringle after it has been baked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 1 month. To enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then glaze it before serving. Alternatively, if you prefer to freeze the dough, you can do so for up to a month as well—just chill it first and roll it out fresh before filling and baking it!
What should I do if my almond filling is too runny?
If your filling ends up too wet, don’t worry—there’s a fix! Simply return the mixture to the saucepan on low heat and cook it a bit longer, stirring constantly until it thickens to the desired consistency. Aim for a spreadable but not watery filling! Make sure it cools completely before using it in the kringle.
Are there any dietary considerations for almond kringle?
Certainly! If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies, you can substitute the almond filling with an alternative like a chocolate hazelnut filling or apple cinnamon filling. Just be mindful of other potential allergens in the dough, such as gluten. For those looking for gluten-free options, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend; however, the texture may vary.
Can pets eat almond kringle?
Definitely not! While almonds are not toxic to dogs, they should be avoided as they can pose a choking hazard and may upset their stomachs in larger amounts. The sweet glaze and any other baked goods are not suitable for pets, so it’s best to keep your almond kringle as a special treat for humans only!
Delightful Almond Kringle with Buttery Flaky Layers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough comes together. Shape into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- While the dough chills, toast the slivered almonds in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool, then grind into a fine consistency. Combine ground almonds, sugar, cream, flour, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out chilled dough into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Spread filling over the dough, leaving a border. Roll sections up jelly-roll style and shape into a horseshoe.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 200-210°F. Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled kringle. Optionally, sprinkle with extra slivered almonds before serving.
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