If you love buttery pastries with delicate layers and rich nutty flavors, this Homemade Almond Kringle is a must-try. Inspired by traditional Scandinavian baking, this elegant pastry features a flaky crust, a smooth almond filling, and a lightly sweet glaze on top. Despite its impressive appearance, it’s surprisingly achievable at home with simple ingredients and careful steps.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or special occasions, this almond kringle delivers bakery-quality results right from your own kitchen.
What Is an Almond Kringle?
An almond kringle is a Danish-style pastry known for its buttery, flaky dough and rich almond filling. It’s typically shaped into an oval or ring and finished with a sweet glaze and sliced almonds. The texture is crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and deeply satisfying with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ½ cup ice-cold water
For the Almond Filling
- 1 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Slowly add the ice-cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overwork it. Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 2: Make the Almond Filling
Toast the almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant. Let them cool, then finely grind them.
In a saucepan, combine ground almonds, sugar, flour, cream, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a long rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Spread the cooled almond filling evenly down the center of the dough, leaving edges free.
Fold the sides over the filling to enclose it, sealing gently. Carefully shape the filled dough into an oval or ring and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the kringle for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before glazing.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm kringle. If desired, sprinkle sliced almonds on top while the glaze is still soft.
Tips for Perfect Kringle
- Keep all ingredients cold for the flakiest dough
- Let the filling cool completely before assembling
- Avoid overmixing the dough to preserve layers
- Glaze while the pastry is slightly warm for best results
Serving Suggestions
Serve your almond kringle slightly warm with:
- Fresh coffee or tea
- A light fruit salad
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: Up to 1 month (glaze after thawing)
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Almond Kringle is a timeless pastry that brings elegance, comfort, and indulgence together in one beautiful bake. With its crisp layers and rich almond center, it’s guaranteed to impress—whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself.