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When I first tasted a freshly baked Almond Kringle at a charming little bakery, the delightful blend of buttery pastry and nutty almond filling captivated my senses. The way the golden crust crumbled with each bite, paired with the sweet drizzle of glaze, was nothing short of culinary magic. I knew right then that I had to recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen.

Fast forward to today, I’ve perfected my version of this iconic pastry, which is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an impressive dessert to share at gatherings. Imagine the warmth of freshly toasted almonds mingling with the comforting aromas of vanilla and cream wafting through your home. This Almond Kringle effortlessly elevates any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a festive celebration.

Get ready to dive into a simple yet rewarding baking experience that will make you fall in love with homemade treats all over again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at store-bought pastries the same way!

Why is Almond Kringle a Must-Try?

Heavenly Flavor: The Almond Kringle bursts with a perfect blend of nutty almonds, creamy filling, and sweet glaze that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Easier than you think: With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can recreate this bakery classic in no time, impressing family and friends with your culinary skills.

Versatile Delight: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even as a centerpiece for celebrations, this kringle adapts to any occasion while catering to all palates.

Comforting Aroma: As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with a warm, inviting scent that evokes the coziness of home-cooked meals.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: With 24 generous slices, this recipe is ideal for sharing, ensuring everyone enjoys a slice of this delectable pastry!

Give this Almond Kringle recipe a try and experience the magic yourself. If you love classic pastries, check out my guide on how to make perfect flaky pastries for more delicious ideas!

Almond Kringle Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – 2.5 cups plus extra for dusting, essential for a flaky texture.
Salt – 1 teaspoon, enhances the flavor of the dough.
Cold unsalted butter – 1 cup, helps create a rich, buttery pastry.
Ice water – 0.5 cup, adds moisture without warming the dough.

For the Filling

Granulated sugar – 1 cup, sweetens the almond mixture for the filling.
Heavy cream – 1 cup, gives the filling a luxurious, creamy texture.
Blanched slivered almonds – 1 cup, provides the distinctive nutty flavor.
All-purpose flour – 0.25 cup, helps to thicken the filling.
Almond extract – 1 teaspoon, intensifies the almond flavor in the filling.
Vanilla extract – 0.5 teaspoon, adds warm, sweet notes to the filling.
Pinch of salt – 1 pinch, balances the sweetness.

For the Glaze

Powdered sugar – 1 cup, for that sweet finish on top.
Milk or heavy cream – 2-3 tablespoons, thins out the glaze to a drizzle-able consistency.
Almond extract – 0.25 teaspoon, a final touch to enhance the almond flavor in the glaze.

Get ready to indulge in this delightful Almond Kringle!

How to Make Almond Kringle

Whisk Together: In a large bowl, combine 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until well blended to ensure even seasoning in your dough.
Cut in Butter: Add 1 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes, to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter to blend until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces, creating a flaky texture.
Add Water: Gradually incorporate 0.5 cup of ice water, mixing gently after each addition. Stop as soon as the dough comes together—overmixing will result in a tough pastry.
Chill the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a rectangle. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Toast Almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread 1 cup of slivered almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Let them cool completely before using.
Grind Almonds: In a food processor, finely grind the toasted almonds to create a smooth almond meal.
Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of heavy cream, the ground almonds, 0.25 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, 0.5 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and bubbles for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Preheat Oven: Raise the oven temperature to 375°F, and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Roll Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and divide it in half. Roll one piece into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Fill and Roll: Spread half of the cooled almond filling over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Roll up the dough jelly-roll style, pinching the seam to seal. Form the rolled dough into a horseshoe or oval shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat: Follow the same process with the remaining dough and filling to create another kringle.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the kringle is golden brown. Check that the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F for doneness.
Cool: Allow the kringles to cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and 0.25 teaspoon of almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled kringles and top with slivered almonds. Let set for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Optional: Garnish with more toasted almonds for an extra crunch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Almond Kringle

Room Temperature: Store your cooled Almond Kringle at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its flaky texture and delicious flavor.

Fridge: For longer storage, place the kringle in the fridge, well-wrapped, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that warm pastry goodness.

Freezer: You can freeze the Almond Kringle by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to 3 months, perfect for those spontaneous cravings!

Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, restoring that delightful crispiness.

What to Serve with Almond Kringle?

Elevate your baking experience with delectable side dishes that complement this delightful pastry beautifully.

Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast to the rich kringle, making every bite feel light and balanced. A mix of berries and melons offers both sweetness and a burst of color.
Rich Coffee: A cup of bold coffee enhances the nutty flavors in your Almond Kringle, creating a perfect pairing for a cozy afternoon. The warmth of the coffee complements the pastry’s sweetness gracefully.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, elevating the kringle to a dessert worthy of any special occasion. This creamy element introduces a wonderful texture to your palate.
Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of dark chocolate over the kringle gives an enticing twist of flavor that pairs beautifully with the almond. The bittersweet notes will delight chocolate lovers as well.
Mint Tea: Serve a cup of soothing mint tea to cleanse the palate and refresh between bites. Its coolness wonderfully contrasts the warm, buttery kringle, providing a delightful harmony.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve slices of your almond kringle warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a deliciously creamy contrast, making it an irresistible dessert.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your kringle can add an extra layer of sweetness that beautifully complements the almond flavor. This indulgent touch makes each slice all the more tempting.

Expert Tips for Almond Kringle

Perfectly Flaky Dough: Make sure your butter is very cold before adding it to the flour mixture. This ensures a flaky texture in your Almond Kringle.
Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough allows it to rest, preventing shrinkage while baking and achieving the right texture.
Watch the Almonds: Keep a close eye on the slivered almonds while toasting, as they can burn quickly. Aim for a light golden color for the best flavor.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough gently after adding water. Overmixing can create a tough pastry instead of the tender Almond Kringle you want.
Glaze Consistency: For a perfect drizzle, adjust the milk or cream in your glaze. If it’s too thick, add a little more to achieve the desired consistency.

These expert tips will help you create a delicious and perfectly crafted Almond Kringle!

Make Ahead Options

These Almond Kringles are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while still enjoying a delightful homemade pastry! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the recipe up to the chilling step, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The almond filling can also be made up to 3 days ahead—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy your Kringles, roll out the chilled dough, fill, and shape as directed before baking. By prepping ahead, you’ll have that fresh-baked taste with minimal effort for your weeknight treats!

Almond Kringle Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with flavors and textures to make this Almond Kringle truly your own!

Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of a simple glaze, melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the cooled kringle for a rich twist. The combination of almond and chocolate is simply divine!
Fruit Filling: Add a layer of fresh or dried fruit like cherries or raspberry preserves underneath the almond filling. This fruity addition brings a delightful tartness that complements the sweetness.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well for a delicious treat!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the almond filling for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the nuts. It enhances the taste and brings in a hint of seasonal delight.
Nutty Variety: Swap blanched slivered almonds with pecans, walnuts, or even a mix for a unique flavor profile. Each nut brings its own character, creating a delightful surprise with every bite.
Sweetener Swap: For a healthier version, substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey in the filling. It will give a different sweetness profile while being kinder to your diet.
Vegan Twist: Use dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil for butter, almond milk in place of heavy cream, and flaxseed mixture for an eggless filling. It’s an extraordinary option for those following a vegan lifestyle.
Savory Kringle: Experiment with savory flavors by adding cheese and herbs to your filling. Imagine a blend of cream cheese and fresh herbs spread within the layers for an unexpected but delightful savory pastry!

With these variations, your Almond Kringle will not just be a treat for the eyes, but also a delightful journey for your palate!

Almond Kringle Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe almonds for the filling?
Absolutely! When selecting almonds, look for blanched slivered almonds that are firm and have a light color. Avoid any with dark spots or odor, as these can indicate staleness. Fresh almonds should have a pleasant, nutty aroma and a crisp texture.

What is the best way to store leftover Almond Kringle?
For storing your delicious Almond Kringle, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best texture. If you’d like it to last longer, wrap it well and place it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that fresh-baked goodness.

Can I freeze Almond Kringle, and if so, how?
Definitely! Freezing Almond Kringle is a fantastic way to save some for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, slice it and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air gets in. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag and seal. You can enjoy them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

What should I do if my dough is too dry?
If your dough turns out too dry, don’t worry! Gradually add a bit more ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until you achieve the right consistency. Remember, the goal is to have a moist but not sticky dough, so add just enough to bring it together without overmixing.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Certainly! This Almond Kringle contains allergens like gluten from the flour and nuts from the almonds, making it unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or nut allergies. If you’re baking for guests with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free flour blends and adjusting the filling with a nut substitute like sunflower seeds, keeping in mind that the flavor and texture will vary. Always communicate with your guests to ensure a delightful experience for everyone!