Flaky Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe: Buttery Danish Pastry with Sweet Almond Filling
Few pastries are as elegant, flaky, and irresistibly buttery as a homemade Almond Kringle. With its delicate layers of pastry dough wrapped around a sweet almond filling and finished with a light vanilla glaze and toasted almonds, this Danish-inspired treat is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Kringle is famous for its beautiful oval or braided shape and rich, flaky texture. While it may look like something you’d only find in a high-end bakery, the truth is that you can easily make this delightful pastry at home with a little patience and a love for baking. The reward is a golden, flaky pastry with an aromatic almond filling that melts in your mouth.
This Flaky Homemade Almond Kringle recipe is perfect for brunch, holidays, coffee gatherings, or a weekend baking project. The buttery pastry layers combined with creamy almond filling create a balance of crisp texture and sweet flavor that makes every bite memorable.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making kringle from scratch—including expert baking tips, ingredient substitutions, serving suggestions, and helpful variations.
What Is Almond Kringle?
Kringle is a traditional Scandinavian pastry that originated in Denmark. Over time, it became especially famous in the United States through bakeries in Wisconsin, where Danish immigrants popularized the pastry.
A traditional kringle features:
- Laminated or layered pastry dough
- Sweet almond filling (or other fillings like pecan or fruit)
- A signature oval or braided shape
- Sweet glaze and nut topping
The result is a flaky pastry similar to Danish pastries but shaped into a large shareable ring.
Almond kringle is one of the most beloved versions because almond paste creates a rich, nutty filling that pairs beautifully with buttery pastry.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Almond Kringle
There are many reasons this recipe stands out:
Beautiful bakery-style presentation
The braided shape makes it look like it came from a professional bakery.
Buttery flaky layers
The dough bakes into crisp, delicate layers that melt in your mouth.
Perfect balance of sweetness
The almond filling is sweet but not overpowering.
Great for holidays and brunch
This pastry feels special enough for celebrations.
Make-ahead friendly
You can prepare the dough in advance and bake when ready.
Ingredients
Pastry Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Almond Filling
- 1 cup almond paste
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg white
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salt
Add the yeast mixture and egg, then mix until a soft dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Gradually knead in the softened butter until fully incorporated.
4. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Almond Filling
In a bowl, mix together:
- Almond paste
- Sugar
- Egg white
- Almond extract
- Butter
Beat until smooth and creamy.
6. Roll the Dough
Once risen, roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 10 x 18 inches) on a lightly floured surface.
Spread the almond filling evenly down the center third of the dough.
7. Shape the Kringle
Cut strips along both sides of the dough rectangle. Fold the strips over the filling in an alternating pattern to create a braid.
Transfer the pastry to a lined baking sheet and shape it into an oval or ring.
8. Second Rise
Cover the shaped kringle lightly and let it rise for 30 minutes.
9. Bake the Kringle
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the kringle for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
10. Prepare the Glaze
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
The glaze should be smooth and pourable.
11. Finish the Pastry
Drizzle glaze over the warm kringle and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Allow it to set for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Almond Kringle
Use Cold Butter for Flaky Layers
Butter is key to creating tender pastry layers. If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough briefly before shaping.
Don’t Overfill the Pastry
Too much filling can cause the pastry to burst open during baking.
Roll Dough Evenly
An even thickness ensures consistent baking and a professional-looking kringle.
Toast the Almonds
Lightly toasting sliced almonds before topping adds deeper flavor and extra crunch.
Delicious Variations
Once you master the classic almond kringle, try these fun twists.
Raspberry Almond Kringle
Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam under the almond filling.
Chocolate Almond Kringle
Add mini chocolate chips to the almond filling.
Cream Cheese Almond Kringle
Mix softened cream cheese into the almond filling for extra richness.
Orange Almond Kringle
Add orange zest to the glaze for a bright citrus flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Almond kringle is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways.
Perfect pairings include:
- Fresh coffee or espresso
- Hot tea
- Cappuccino or latte
- Holiday brunch spreads
You can serve kringle:
- Warm from the oven
- At room temperature
- Slightly toasted the next day
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration
Keeps well in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
Freezing
Kringle freezes beautifully.
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.
Fun Facts About Kringle
- The name “kringle” comes from the Old Norse word meaning ring or circle.
- Danish bakeries traditionally shape kringles into pretzel-like loops.
- Wisconsin officially named Kringle its state pastry.
- Traditional Danish bakeries often make kringle using over 30 layers of dough and butter.
Final Thoughts
Making Flaky Homemade Almond Kringle from scratch is a rewarding baking experience that delivers bakery-quality results in your own kitchen. With its buttery layers, rich almond filling, and delicate glaze, this pastry is guaranteed to impress guests and family alike.
Whether you bake it for a holiday breakfast, weekend brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, almond kringle brings together tradition, flavor, and elegance in every bite.
Once you try this homemade version, you may never want store-bought pastries again.
Flaky Homemade Almond Kringle
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Activate yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a bowl combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture and egg and mix into a soft dough.
- Knead dough 6–8 minutes until smooth, incorporating softened butter.
- Place dough in greased bowl, cover and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Mix almond paste, sugar, egg white, almond extract and butter until smooth.
- Roll dough into rectangle and spread filling along center.
- Cut strips along edges and braid over filling.
- Shape into oval and let rise 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Drizzle with glaze and top with sliced almonds.
