The enticing aroma of toasted almonds fills the air as I delve into the art of crafting my Ultimate Homemade Almond Kringle. This delightful pastry seamlessly combines flaky layers with a rich almond filling that truly captivates the senses. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply treating yourself, this kringle is the star of the show, ready to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
What makes it even better? It’s incredibly versatile; feel free to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Plus, this make-ahead, freezer-friendly treat ensures you have gourmet goodness on hand whenever the mood strikes. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and whisk away to a world of nutty flavors and flaky bliss—your kitchen is about to become the ultimate bake-off destination!
Why is Homemade Almond Kringle a Must-Try?
Deliciously Flaky: Each bite is a heavenly combination of crisp layers that melt in your mouth.
Nutty Indulgence: The rich almond filling perfectly balances sweetness with depth of flavor, making it utterly irresistible.
Versatile Treat: Customize with your favorite nuts or fruit for a unique twist that suits any palate.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it in advance and keep it in the freezer, so scrumptious treats are always within reach.
Impressive Presentation: Serve this showstopper at brunch, and watch your guests be tantalized by its beauty and aroma!
For even more inspiration, consider exploring some creative variation ideas to elevate your kringle!
Homemade Almond Kringle Ingredients
For the Pastry Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides essential structure and texture; don’t forget to use extra for dusting.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; use fine table salt for easier blending.
- Cold Unsalted Butter – The secret to flakiness; keep it very cold for the best results.
- Ice Water – Binds the dough; it must be extremely cold to maintain a perfect consistency.
For the Almond Filling
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling, creating a lovely balance with the nutty flavor of almonds.
- Heavy Cream – Adds rich creaminess to the filling; opt for full-fat to enhance the flavor.
- Blanched Slivered Almonds – Key flavor component; toast and grind them for a delightful taste. Consider alternative nuts like walnuts or pecans for a fun twist!
- Almond Extract – Deepens the almond flavor; always use pure extract for the finest taste.
- Vanilla Extract – Introduces aromatic sweetness; stick with pure extracts for maximum flavor impact.
- Pinch of Salt (for filling) – Balances the sweetness; it’s a simple ingredient that makes a big difference.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Forms the base for a sweet and smooth glaze; remember to sift it for the best results.
- Milk/Heavy Cream – Adjusts consistency for an ideal drizzle over the kringle; use cream for richer flavor.
These ingredients are the backbone of your Homemade Almond Kringle, making it a versatile treat that can easily cater to various tastes!
How to Make Homemade Almond Kringle
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Whisk Together: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. This dry mix is the foundation of your flaky pastry, so ensure it’s well blended.
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Cut in Butter: Add cold unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter in until it resembles coarse crumbs—this step is essential for that signature flakiness!
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Add Ice Water: Gradually pour in ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. You want it moist yet firm, so adjust the water as needed.
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Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the butter solidify and the gluten relax for a tender pastry.
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Preheat and Toast: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, spread blanched slivered almonds on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
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Grind the Nuts: Allow the toasted almonds to cool before grinding them in a food processor. This will release their oils, intensifying the nutty flavor in your filling.
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Make the Filling: In a saucepan, combine the ground almonds, sugar, heavy cream, flour, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened, then let cool completely.
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Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, roll the dough out into two 12″x18″ rectangles on a floured surface. This is where the magic happens—the layers will allow your kringle to puff beautifully!
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Assemble the Kringle: Spread half of the cooled almond filling on one rectangle of dough. Carefully fold the second rectangle over the top, pinching the edges to seal.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the formed kringle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-35 minutes until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 200-210°F.
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Cool and Glaze: After baking, let the kringle cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together sifted powdered sugar and milk or heavy cream for the glaze. Drizzle it over the kringle and garnish with slivered almonds for extra flair!
Optional: Pair with freshly brewed coffee or a vibrant fruit salad for a delightful breakfast treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Homemade Almond Kringle?
Indulge in a delightful meal experience that complements the flaky pastry and nutty flavor of this delicious treat.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits adds vibrant color and a burst of natural sweetness to balance the richness of the kringle.
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Strong Brewed Coffee: The bold flavors of a freshly brewed cup awaken the senses and enhance the nutty notes in the kringle.
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Light Greek Yogurt: This creamy side offers a tangy contrast to the sweetness, making every bite of kringle even more enjoyable.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety ice cream is heavenly alongside warm slices of almond kringle, creating a comforting dessert experience.
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Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam: The tartness of cherry jam with a splash of amaretto perfectly complements the almond flavor, enhancing each decadent mouthful.
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Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of chamomile or mint tea adds a serene touch to your brunch gathering, harmonizing with the layered pastry.
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Sparkling Lemonade: The bright fizz of lemonade refreshes the palate and invigorates the taste buds while enjoying this delightful pastry treat.
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Nutty Biscotti: For an added crunch, serve alongside almond-flavored biscotti for an extra textural element that echoes the kringle’s own nutty goodness.
Homemade Almond Kringle Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you explore exciting twists on this delightful pastry!
- Nut-Free: Substitute blanched almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free delight that retains crunch and flavor.
- Fruit-Filled: Incorporate finely chopped apples or pears combined with a sprinkle of cinnamon directly into the filling for a fresh, sweet twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips to the almond filling for a rich, decadent treat that will satisfy any chocolate craving.
- Vegan: Swap out the butter for plant-based alternatives and use almond milk in lieu of heavy cream to create a vegan version that everyone can enjoy.
- Spiced: Add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon to the filling for a warm, cozy flavor that evokes the comfort of home.
- Citrus Zest: Brighten the glaze by incorporating fresh lemon or orange zest for a zesty kick that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Utilize a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to ensure that everyone at the table can dive into this delightful kringle without worry.
- Savory Twist: Try adding crumbled feta or cream cheese with herbs to the filling for a unique savory variation that pairs beautifully with brunch.
Make Ahead Options
These Ultimate Homemade Almond Kringle are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough and filling separately up to 24 hours in advance; simply keep the wrapped dough in the refrigerator and store the almond filling in an airtight container. For even longer storage, assemble the kringle and freeze it before baking—this allows you to have a delicious pastry ready to bake on a moment’s notice. When ready to enjoy, just preheat your oven and bake the kringle from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly flaky results. Your kringle will be just as delightful as if made fresh, ensuring that you can savor gourmet goodness without the crunch of a busy schedule!
Expert Tips for Homemade Almond Kringle
- Keep It Cold: Ensure your butter and ice water are very cold to achieve the flakiness that makes this almond kringle unforgettable.
- Don’t Rush Chilling: Allow the dough to chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for a tender, flaky pastry.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining ingredients for the almond filling, mix just until combined to prevent a tough texture.
- Check the Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your kringle reaches the right internal temperature (200-210°F) for optimal doneness.
- Variations Are Key: Explore different fillings such as fruit or chocolate, or try nut substitutions to create your perfect almond kringle!
- Sift for Smoothness: Always sift your powdered sugar for the glaze. It ensures a smooth finish, enhancing the overall aesthetic and taste!
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Almond Kringle
- Room Temperature: Store your kringle in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its flaky texture and freshness.
- Fridge: If you have leftovers, tightly wrap the kringle in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezer: For longer storage, keep the kringle in the freezer for up to 1 month. Make sure it’s wrapped well to prevent freezer burn; thaw overnight in the fridge before glazing.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its delightful crispness before serving.
Homemade Almond Kringle Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right almonds for my Almond Kringle?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose blanched slivered almonds that are fresh and free of any dark spots or blemishes. If you have trouble finding these, you can use whole almonds and slice them yourself after toasting. Toasting enhances their flavor, so make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
What is the best way to store leftover Almond Kringle?
Very! To keep your kringle fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to refrigerate it, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap, and it will remain delicious for about a week. Just remember, keeping it sealed helps maintain its flaky texture!
Can I freeze my Almond Kringle?
The more the merrier! Yes, you can freeze your kringle for up to 1 month. To do this, wrap the cooled kringle tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before glazing and warming it up in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my kringle doesn’t rise properly?
Oh no! If your kringle doesn’t rise as expected, it might be because the butter wasn’t cold enough when making the dough. Make sure your butter is very cold, and chill the dough thoroughly before baking. If you notice it sagging while baking, check that your oven is preheated correctly, as a hot oven is key for a perfect puff.
Are there any dietary considerations for making this Almond Kringle?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies, you can replace the almonds with sunflower seed butter or a mix of seed and fruit preserves for a safe, tasty alternative. For those following a gluten-free diet, using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend is a fantastic substitute, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful treat!
Homemade Almond Kringle: Your New Favorite Pastry Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add cold unsalted butter to the flour mixture and work it in until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually pour in ice water, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and toast blanched slivered almonds on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Allow the toasted almonds to cool before grinding them in a food processor.
- In a saucepan, combine ground almonds, sugar, heavy cream, flour, almond extract, and salt. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened, then let cool completely.
- Roll the dough into two 12"x18" rectangles on a floured surface.
- Spread half the cooled almond filling on one rectangle of dough and fold the second rectangle over it, pinching the edges to seal.
- Place the kringle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-35 minutes until golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 200-210°F.
- Let the kringle cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then whisk together sifted powdered sugar and milk or cream for the glaze and drizzle over the kringle.