There’s something enchanting about the aroma of toasting almonds filling my kitchen, and it’s a scent that instantly transports me to my favorite European bakeshop. I stumbled upon this delightful Homemade Almond Kringle while searching for a way to elevate my weekend brunches. It’s the kind of recipe that not only impresses guests but rather speaks of warmth and comfort—perfectly flaky pastry surrounding a creamy, nutty filling. Imagine pulling a golden-brown kringle from the oven, the delightful glaze shimmering in the light, and each slice revealing a beautiful swirl of flavor.
Whether you’re entertaining friends, enjoying a cozy family gathering, or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved indulgence, this kringle delivers on all fronts. This homemade masterpiece is surprisingly easy to whip up, using ingredients you likely have on hand while avoiding the fast-food rut. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this simple, yet impressive, recipe—your new favorite treat awaits!
Why You'll Love This Homemade Almond Kringle
- This Homemade Almond Kringle is incredibly easy to make, allowing even novice bakers to impress with minimal effort.
- The flavor combination of nutty almonds and sweet cream creates a delightful taste that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Versatile enough to be served at brunch, dessert, or even as a snack, this kringle fits seamlessly into any occasion.
- Its stunning golden-brown exterior and drizzled glaze make it visually captivating, ensuring it stands out on any table.
Homemade Almond Kringle Ingredients
• Get ready for a delectable treat!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – A versatile base; ensures the dough is tender yet sturdy.
- Fine table salt – Enhances the flavor of the dough; don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter – Keep it cold for flaky layers; you can use margarine if needed.
- Ice water – Chilling helps the dough come together without melting the butter.
For the Filling
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling perfectly; feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a caramel flavor.
- Heavy cream – Adds richness to the almond cream filling; half-and-half can be used in a pinch.
- Blanched slivered almonds – They contribute a nutty flavor; to save time, buy pre-ground almonds.
- All-purpose flour – Thicken the filling; crucial to prevent it from being too runny.
- Pure almond extract – For that irresistible almond flavor—don’t substitute with imitation extract!
- Pure vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar – Sweet and gives the glaze a smooth texture; use raw cane sugar for a rustic twist.
- Milk or heavy cream – Use whichever you prefer for a smooth drizzling glaze.
- Almond extract (optional) – For an extra burst of almond goodness; totally optional but recommended!
Get ready to enchant your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of this Homemade Almond Kringle!
How to Make Homemade Almond Kringle
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Whisk the flour and salt in a large bowl until combined. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with little pea-sized butter pieces throughout. Stream in the ice water gradually, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Form it into a rectangle, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or even overnight for best results.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the slivered almonds in an even layer on a baking sheet and toast them for 8-10 minutes, stirring once, until they’re golden brown. Cool completely before transferring to a food processor to grind to a fine consistency.
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Combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, ground toasted almonds, all-purpose flour, almond extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to simmer, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let the filling cool completely.
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Preheat the oven again—this time to 375°F—and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide your chilled dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread half of the cooled almond filling over each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the edges. Roll up jelly-roll style and curve each log into a horseshoe shape. Transfer to your prepared baking sheet.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, until the pastry is a rich golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 200°F to 210°F. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and almond extract (if desired) in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled kringles and garnish with extra slivered almonds if you like. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Optional: Garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Homemade Almond Kringle Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity with this kringle recipe and customize it to suit your taste buds!
- Nut Free: Replace almonds with finely ground sunflower seeds for a nut-free version without compromising texture.
- Fruit Twist: Add fresh berries like raspberries or cherries to the almond filling for a fruity burst of flavor.
A fruit twist not only adds sweetness but brightens up the creaminess, creating a delightful contrast. Try mixing in a handful of your favorite berries right before spreading the filling!
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for a rich, indulgent layer that elevates the dessert.
- Spiced Variation: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or cardamom into the almond filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
Adding spices will create a new depth of flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully. Imagine a cinnamon-scented kringle enticing your guests even before the first bite!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and almond milk for milk in the glaze to make it dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy this delectable treat while keeping it gluten-free.
Going gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. A good blend will keep your kringle tender and flaky, just like the traditional version!
- Extra Crunch: Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the almond filling for a delightful crunch that adds texture and flavor.
These variations not only personalize your Homemade Almond Kringle but also make it suitable for a wider audience, ensuring everyone at your table leaves with a smile!
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Almond Kringle
Room Temperature: Keep your kringle in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain its flaky texture.
Fridge: For up to 5 days, store the kringle wrapped in plastic to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Wrap the kringle tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your kringle, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will restore its delightful texture and flavor!
What to Serve with Homemade Almond Kringle?
Elevate your dining experience by pairing this delightful pastry with complementary flavors and textures.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries contrasts beautifully with the sweet almond filling, brightening the dish.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luscious creaminess that enhances every bite.
- Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of coffee perfectly balance the sweetness, making for an inviting brunch or dessert pairing.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts against the warm kringle, creating a comforting sensation that is truly indulgent.
- Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad with oranges and grapefruits cleanses the palate, while their juiciness contrasts nicely with the pastry.
- Chamomile Tea: Its delicate floral notes are soothing and complement the nutty flavors of your kringle wonderfully, perfect for a cozy afternoon.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce on your slice adds an indulgent twist, evoking pure bliss with every bite.
- Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for a tropical flair, adding texture and enhancing the nutty aromas of the kringle.
- Sliced Almonds: For extra crunch and flavor, serve with additional slivered almonds, finely toasted to accentuate their richness.
Make Ahead Options
These Homemade Almond Kringles are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the instructions to form the dough into a rectangle, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate until needed. The almond filling can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days—simply allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the dough, spread the filling, shape the kringles, and bake as directed. Trust me, even when prepped ahead, they will be just as delicious!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making your Homemade Almond Kringle, ensure your butter is extremely cold for a flakier dough, as warm butter can lead to a dense pastry.
- Avoid overmixing the dough; mix just until the ingredients come together to prevent toughness.
- To enhance the almond flavor, consider toasting the slivered almonds until golden brown, which will bring out their natural oils and richness.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of your kringles as they bake; they should reach between 200°F and 210°F for perfect doneness.
Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best almonds for my kringle?
Absolutely! When choosing almonds, look for whole blanched slivered almonds without dark spots or packaging damage. Fresh almonds should smell nutty and sweet. If you prefer a more intense flavor, opt for raw almonds and toast them yourself!
How should I store leftover kringle?
Very simple! You can store your Homemade Almond Kringle at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze my kringle?
Absolutely! To freeze your kringle, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore its flaky goodness.
What should I do if my dough is too tough?
No worries! If your dough turns out tough, it’s likely due to overmixing or using warm ingredients. To remedy this, try letting the dough rest in the fridge for an additional 30 minutes before rolling it out. For future batches, remember, mix just until it comes together!
Is this kringle recipe safe for people with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, this Homemade Almond Kringle isn’t suitable for those with nut allergies since it contains almonds in both the filling and garnish. If you want to adapt this recipe for someone with nut allergies, consider creating a fruit-based filling instead, such as a mix of berries or apples, and skip the nuts altogether!
Homemade Almond Kringle
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk the flour and salt in a large bowl until combined. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with little pea-sized butter pieces throughout.
- Stream in the ice water gradually, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Form it into a rectangle, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or even overnight for best results.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the slivered almonds in an even layer on a baking sheet and toast them for 8-10 minutes, stirring once, until they’re golden brown. Cool completely before transferring to a food processor to grind to a fine consistency.
- Combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, ground toasted almonds, all-purpose flour, almond extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to simmer, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let the filling cool completely.
- Preheat the oven again—this time to 375°F—and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide your chilled dough in half.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread half of the cooled almond filling over each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the edges.
- Roll up jelly-roll style and curve each log into a horseshoe shape. Transfer to your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, until the pastry is a rich golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 200°F to 210°F.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and almond extract (if desired) in a bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled kringles and garnish with extra slivered almonds if you like. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
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