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There is something truly magical about the Flaky Almond Kringle: Your Irresistible Homemade Delight Recipe that captures the essence of simple elegance and cozy indulgence all at once. Imagine biting into layers of buttery, crisp pastry enfolding a luscious almond filling that is perfectly sweetened and nutty; it’s a treat that feels both comforting and celebratory. This recipe is the secret to creating a show-stopping pastry that feels fancy yet is surprisingly approachable, making it your new go-to dessert or breakfast centerpiece that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this delightful kringle means gathering a handful of ingredients that are straightforward but absolutely essential—the kind that each bring a unique note to this symphony of flavors and textures. From the flaky crust to the rich almond filling, every component plays a starring role in crafting this irresistible treat.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your flaky dough, choose a good quality flour for the best crumb.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup Cold Unsalted Butter: The secret to those dreamy flaky layers; keep it very cold to create the perfect texture.
- 1/4 cup Ice Water: Just as cold as the butter, it brings the dough together without melting the butter too soon.
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the almond filling without overpowering its natural nuttiness.
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream: Adds richness and moisture to the almond filling for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 1 cup Blanched Slivered Almonds: Toast and grind these to release their full flavor and create a luscious texture.
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the almond filling so every bite stays perfectly creamy yet stable.
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract: A little goes a long way to boost that signature almond aroma you’ll adore.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor profile with warm, natural sweetness.
- 1 pinch Salt: Adds just a touch of balance to the filling’s flavors.
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar: For the smooth, glossy glaze that crowns your kringle with sweetness and shine.
- 2-4 tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream: Adjust the glaze consistency to get that perfect drizzle.
How to Make Flaky Almond Kringle: Your Irresistible Homemade Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold, unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Carefully add the ice water a little at a time, just enough to bring the dough together without making it sticky. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to let the butter firm up and create those irreplaceable flaky layers.
Step 2: Make the Almond Filling
While your dough chills, toast the slivered almonds lightly in a dry pan to awaken their flavor. Once cooled, grind them coarsely—this adds texture and intensity to your filling. In a bowl, combine the ground almonds with granulated sugar, flour, heavy cream, almond and vanilla extracts, plus a pinch of salt. Mix everything thoroughly to form a thick, fragrant filling that will hold its shape beautifully as it bakes.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill
On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a large rectangle. Spread the almond filling evenly over the center, leaving about an inch border around the edges. Folding the dough carefully over the filling, shape your kringle into an oval or a horseshoe, sealing edges well to prevent leaks. Remember, gentle but firm handling here ensures those buttery layers won’t collapse during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer your kringle onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with a bit of heavy cream to encourage a rich golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden. The aroma alone will have you eager to taste this irresistible homemade delight.
Step 5: Glaze and Garnish
Once your kringle is out of the oven and cooled slightly, whisk together powdered sugar with milk or heavy cream to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle it generously over the kringle, letting it cascade down the sides for a shining finish. For an extra touch, scatter a few toasted slivered almonds atop the glaze—your guests will love this inviting crunch.
How to Serve Flaky Almond Kringle: Your Irresistible Homemade Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A dish this special deserves thoughtful garnishing. Freshly toasted almonds sprinkled on top elevate both texture and appearance, while a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy elegance. If you want to get fancy, a few edible flowers or a sprig of fresh mint bring a pop of color that’s perfect for entertaining.
Side Dishes
Flaky Almond Kringle pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte, making it an ideal breakfast or brunch companion. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad to brighten every bite with a touch of tartness against the nutty sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your kringle into generous wedges and arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a charming family-style look. Alternatively, wrap individual slices in parchment and tie with twine for gift-worthy presentations that will wow your friends. You can even serve mini kringles in cupcake liners for bite-sized indulgence at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The kringle keeps wonderfully for up to two days at room temperature when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, retaining its flaky charm and moist almond filling. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as this can dry out the pastry layers.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the kringle before glazing by wrapping it well in cling film and a zip-top freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then glaze and drizzle as usual for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Reheating
Gently reheat slices in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to revive the flaky texture and warm the almond filling. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the pastry crisp—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of slivered almonds?
Almond flour can be used, but it tends to make the filling denser and less textured. For the best flaky crunch and flavor, toasting and grinding slivered almonds just right gives you that perfect bite.
Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. This actually helps the butter firm up and results in even flakier layers when baked.
Can I substitute almond extract with another flavor?
Almond extract gives this kringle its signature aroma, but if you don’t have it, vanilla extract alone works as a milder option. Just know the flavor won’t be quite as distinctively almondy.
What’s the best way to toast almonds?
Toast slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant—about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t burn, as that will add bitterness instead of sweetness.
Why is the butter kept so cold during dough preparation?
Cold butter creates pockets in the dough that steam during baking, giving you the unmistakable flaky texture this kringle is loved for. Warm butter would absorb too much flour and ruin the light, crisp layers.
Final Thoughts
There truly is nothing quite like pulling a golden, crusty almond kringle from your oven, its sweet almond scent filling the kitchen and enchanting everyone around. I hope you find as much joy making and sharing this Flaky Almond Kringle: Your Irresistible Homemade Delight Recipe as I do. It’s the kind of recipe that turns everyday moments into treasured memories, perfect for any season or celebration. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite homemade treat!
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Flaky Almond Kringle: Your Irresistible Homemade Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the irresistible homemade Flaky Almond Kringle, a classic Scandinavian pastry featuring a golden, buttery, and flaky crust filled with a rich almond cream. Perfectly toasted slivered almonds and a smooth vanilla-almond glaze create a delightful treat that’s sure to impress at breakfast, brunch, or as a special dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Extra for dusting as needed)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Fine table salt recommended)
- 1 cup Cold Unsalted Butter (Keep very cold for best results)
- 1/4 cup Ice Water (Must be very cold)
Almond Filling
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (For almond filling)
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (Full-fat preferred for richness)
- 1 cup Blanched Slivered Almonds (Toast and grind for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (For thickening almond filling)
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (Pure extract for best taste)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Use pure for maximum flavor)
- 1 pinch Salt (Balances flavors in filling)
Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Sifted for a smooth glaze)
- 2–4 tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream (Adjust for glaze consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1 cup of very cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/4 cup ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain flakiness. Shape into a disk, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Toast and grind almonds: While the dough chills, toast 1 cup of blanched slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Allow to cool, then grind the almonds to a coarse meal using a food processor or nut grinder to enhance the almond flavor in the filling.
- Make the almond filling: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, the ground toasted almonds, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Stir in 1 teaspoon almond extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture forms a spreadable almond cream.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle approximately 12×8 inches. Dust flour as needed to prevent sticking but keep the dough cool to maintain flakiness.
- Shape the kringle: Spread the almond filling evenly down the center third of the dough rectangle, leaving edges clear. Fold the dough sides over the filling, overlapping slightly. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts along the edges to create a braided pattern, alternating sides to wrap the filling attractively.
- Bake the kringle: Transfer the shaped kringle onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the surface lightly with heavy cream or milk for a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze: While the kringle bakes, sift 1 cup powdered sugar into a bowl. Add 2-4 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream gradually, whisking until the glaze reaches a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Remove the kringle from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle the powdered sugar glaze generously over the top. Slice into 8-8 generous slices and serve warm or at room temperature for an irresistible treat.
Notes
- Keep the butter and water very cold to ensure a flaky crust.
- Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning and to enhance flavor.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding more or less milk/heavy cream.
- Use pure almond and vanilla extracts for the best taste.
- Serve the kringle fresh; it can be stored tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days.
