Delicious Homemade Kringle: A Traditional Danish Pastry

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup mixed peel
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar for icing
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk for icing

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
  6. Fold in the mixed peel, chopped almonds, raisins, lemon zest, and orange zest.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the kringle to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For the icing, mix the powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk until it reaches a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the cooled kringle.
  11. Allow the icing to set before slicing and serving the kringle.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowls - You'll need a variety of mixing bowls to prepare the batter and mix the ingredients.
  • Whisk - Use a whisk to combine the dry ingredients and to mix the batter.
  • Electric mixer - An electric mixer will make it easier to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - You'll need measuring cups to accurately measure the flour, sugar, and milk, and measuring spoons for smaller quantities.
  • Grater - Use a grater to zest the lemon and orange for added flavor.
  • Loaf pan - Prepare the kringle in a loaf pan for baking.
  • Wire rack - After baking, transfer the kringle to a wire rack to cool.
  • Spatula - A spatula will come in handy for folding in the mixed peel, chopped almonds, and raisins.
  • Toothpick - Use a toothpick to check if the kringle is fully baked by inserting it into the center and ensuring it comes out clean.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the mixed peel with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.
  • Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Instead of almonds, use chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
  • Make it vegan by using a plant-based butter substitute and almond milk in place of butter and milk.
  • For a savory twist, omit the sugar and add shredded cheese, diced ham, and herbs to the batter.
  • Create a chocolate kringle by adding cocoa powder to the batter and drizzling with melted chocolate instead of icing.
  • Experiment with different citrus zests, such as lime or grapefruit, to add a unique flavor profile.
  • Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for a rich and indulgent version.

Recipe overview

This Kringle recipe brings a traditional Scandinavian holiday treat right to your kitchen! Kringle is a delightful pastry that is often shaped into a pretzel or a ring, filled with sweet or savory fillings, and covered with a simple icing. This particular recipe, however, takes on the form of a loaf for ease and simplicity - making it perfect for holiday baking novices and experts alike. Made with a blend of mixed peel, chopped almonds, raisins, and flavored with fresh lemon and orange zest, this Kringle is packed with festive flavors. The pastry itself is soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened, which beautifully complements the rich, fruit and nut filling. A light drizzle of icing adds the perfect finishing touch, giving it an extra hint of sweetness. This recipe may seem like a lot of steps, but don't worry! Each step is quite simple, and the end result is more than worth it. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let's make some Kringle!

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with another type of flour?
  2. Yes, you can use an equal amount of whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if desired. However, the texture and taste may vary.
  3. Can I omit the mixed peel, almonds, or raisins?
  4. Yes, you can omit any of these ingredients if you prefer. The kringle will still turn out delicious.
  5. Can I use a different type of citrus zest?
  6. Yes, you can use lime or grapefruit zest instead of lemon or orange zest if you prefer.
  7. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
  8. Yes, you can use salted butter, but remember to adjust the salt content accordingly or omit the extra salt in the recipe.
  9. Can I make the icing ahead of time?
  10. Yes, you can make the icing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and stir it well before drizzling on the kringle.
  11. Can I freeze the kringle?
  12. Yes, you can freeze the kringle. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl for mixing the batter.
  • Whisk - A utensil used for combining ingredients and incorporating air into the batter.
  • Spatula - A tool for scraping the sides of the bowl and folding ingredients together.
  • Loaf pan - A baking pan specifically designed for making bread loaves.
  • Wire rack - A cooling rack used for allowing the kringle to cool evenly.
  • Toothpick - A small wooden or metal pick used to test if the kringle is fully baked.
  • Measuring cups - Utensils used for accurately measuring dry ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Utensils used for accurately measuring small amounts of liquid or dry ingredients.
  • Grater - A tool for finely grating the lemon and orange zest.

Origin stories

Kringle is a beloved pastry that originates from Denmark, and it's so cherished that it's not just a treat, but a symbol. In the 19th century, Danish bakers went on strike, and bakers from Austria were brought in to keep the ovens warm and the dough rising. These Austrian bakers brought with them their own techniques and recipes, including a pretzel-shaped pastry that would eventually become what we know as Kringle. The pretzel shape, or Kringle, is a symbol of a baker's guild in Denmark, dating back to the Middle Ages. This delicious pastry was so well received that it stayed on, even when the Danish bakers returned. Today, the Kringle is a staple in Danish baking and has even crossed oceans, becoming a favorite treat in places like Racine, Wisconsin, USA, where it's considered a local specialty.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.