Ultimate Homemade Almond Kringle: Flaky Pastry Bliss at Home
There’s something magical about a warm pastry that fills your home with scents of sweet almonds and fresh-baked goodness. The Ultimate Homemade Almond Kringle is not just a treat; it’s an experience, a delightful journey that takes you from the first whiff of buttery dough to that first scrumptious bite. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or an afternoon sweet treat with dear friends, this kringle brings warmth, joy, and a touch of celebration to any table.
Imagine gathering around the kitchen counter, the soft golden crust glistening, surrounded by loved ones who can hardly wait to sink their teeth into this beautiful creation. The flaky pastry, intricately folded into a charming shape, is not only comforting to eat but also easy to make, even for novice bakers. This delightful twist on a classic pastry is sure to impress with its nutty flavor and delicate textures.
Whether you savor it with a cup of coffee or serve it as the centerpiece of a festive gathering, this kringle is bound to become a cherished fixture in your recipe repertoire. So roll up your sleeves, don your favorite apron, and let’s dive into the world of kringle-making!
What You’ll Need
Before embarking on this flaky adventure, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients and tools. This streamlined preparation will make the process enjoyable and hassle-free.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (extra for dusting as needed)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (fine table salt recommended)
- 1 cup Cold Unsalted Butter (keep it very cold for best results)
- 1/4 cup Ice Water (must be very cold)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (full-fat preferred)
- 1 cup Blanched Slivered Almonds (toast and grind for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (pure extract for best taste)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (use pure for maximum flavor)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted for a smooth finish)
- 2-4 tablespoons Milk/Heavy Cream (adjust for glaze consistency)
Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Fine strainer or food processor (for grinding almonds)
- Pastry brush
How to Make It
Creating the Ultimate Homemade Almond Kringle is simpler than it looks, and the process is positively rewarding. With a few key steps, you’ll be indulging in flaky pastry bliss in no time.
Prep the Base
First, let’s prepare the flaky pastry that will cradle our sweet almond filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt, the fine grains mingling together in a soft cloud. Cubes of cold unsalted butter are next; as you cut them into the flour, you will hear a satisfying crunch, and soon the mixture starts resembling coarse crumbs.
Add the ice water, the magic element that brings it all together. As you mix the dough—which should feel cool and somewhat sticky but not overly wet—you’ll notice how pliable and soft it becomes. When the dough holds together without crumbling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This cooling period is essential; it allows the gluten to relax while keeping the butter cold for the perfect flaky texture.
Build the Flavor
Now, let’s move on to creating the luscious almond filling. Start by toasting the slivered almonds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat. As the almonds brown, they release an intoxicating nutty aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. Remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly, then grind them into a fine dust using a food processor or fine strainer.
In a separate bowl, combine the ground almonds, granulated sugar, heavy cream, almond extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. As you whisk them together, the mixture transforms into a smooth paste, rich and inviting with its sweet notes. This filling is what elevates our kringle to something truly special, promising a burst of flavor with every mouthful.
Assembly and Baking
With your dough chilled and filling ready, it’s time for the fun part: assembling our kringle! On a floured surface, roll out your chilled dough into a large rectangle, about a quarter-inch thick. Visualize the pastry stretching out before you—golden, buttery, and oh-so-tempting.
Spread the almond filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Now, like a thoughtful hug, gently fold the dough lengthwise, encasing the filling inside. Pinch the seams to seal in that delicious flavor, then twist the kringle into a charming shape. Transfer it to a lined baking sheet, where it will bake to perfection.
As the kringle bakes in the oven, the delightful symphony of aromas will envelop your home, warming every corner. Bake until it turns a lovely golden brown—this will take about 25-30 minutes—filling your kitchen with hope and happiness as you await its completion.
Glazing
Now for the finishing touch! While the kringle cools, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the sifted powdered sugar with milk or heavy cream, adjusting the quantity until it reaches a smooth and drizzle-worthy consistency. As you whisk, notice how the glaze transforms from a lumpy white mass into a glossy, silky stream.
Once the kringle has cooled slightly, take a pastry brush and lovingly coat the top with your sweet glaze. Each brush stroke enhances its shiny allure, inviting all to indulge.
Creative Twists
This Ultimate Homemade Almond Kringle is incredibly versatile. Here are some creative twists to inspire you:
Seasonal Variations: In the fall, add a touch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the almond filling to evoke those cozy, festive flavors. For spring, consider folding in fresh citrus zest for a bright, zesty twist.
Fruitful Additions: Fold in dried cranberries or fresh blueberries to the almond mixture for an added burst of color and sweetness. These fruits harmonize beautifully with the nutty flavor of the almonds.
Swaps for Flavor: Replace almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty profile. You can even experiment with adding a hint of spices like cardamom for a delightful aromatic dimension.
Glaze Enhancements: Infuse your glaze with a splash of almond or orange liqueur for a sophisticated touch. Just a tablespoon can elevate the flavors and impress your guests.
Savory Option: For a savory take, consider filling your kringle with a mixture of cream cheese, chives, and crumbled bacon for a delightful brunch option.
Final Inspiration
The Ultimate Homemade Almond Kringle: Flaky Pastry Bliss at Home is more than just a recipe; it’s a token of love, a way to bring joy, and a centerpiece for cherished moments. As you embark on this baking adventure, remember that the best part is sharing it with those you hold dear.
So roll up your sleeves and let the kringle-making begin! Indulge in every flaky, buttery layer, and invite loved ones to savor this delightful treat with you. Every moment spent crafting this kringle will not only fill your home with exquisite scents but also create wonderful memories to cherish. Here’s to sweet moments and flaky pastry bliss in your kitchen—happy baking!
Print
Ultimate Homemade Almond Kringle
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and flaky almond-filled pastry, perfect for brunch or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (extra for dusting as needed)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (fine table salt recommended)
- 1 cup Cold Unsalted Butter (keep it very cold for best results)
- 1/4 cup Ice Water (must be very cold)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (full-fat preferred)
- 1 cup Blanched Slivered Almonds (toast and grind for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (pure extract for best taste)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (use pure for maximum flavor)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted for a smooth finish)
- 2-4 tablespoons Milk/Heavy Cream (adjust for glaze consistency)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in cold unsalted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water and mix until the dough holds together; wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Toast slivered almonds in a skillet until brown; grind into a fine dust.
- In a bowl, combine ground almonds, sugar, cream, almond extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; mix until smooth.
- Roll out chilled dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread almond filling over dough, fold lengthwise and pinch seams to seal.
- Can twist the kringle into shape and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream for glaze; drizzle over slightly cooled kringle.
Notes
Consider adding spices or fruits for seasonal variations and creative twists.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
