Copycat Trader Joe’s Danish Kringle Recipe

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As someone who has fallen under the spell of this delightful pastry more times than I care to admit, I’ve gone on a mission to recreate the magic at home. The result? A recipe that not only captures the essence of what makes Trader Joe’s Danish Kringle so special but also allows for that personal touch of creativity and love that only homemade goods can offer.

How to make Trader Joe’s Danish Kringle

Trader Joe’s Danish Kringle is a popular pastry sold at the store, inspired by the traditional Danish pastry known as “kringle.” A kringle is a large, ring-shaped pastry typically filled with a variety of sweet fillings like almond paste, fruit, or cream cheese and then baked to a golden, flaky perfection.

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 1 package active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/4 cup warm water (110-115 degrees Fahrenheit)
• 1/2 cup milk at room temperature
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling:

• 1 cup almond paste
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or finely chopped nuts (adjust according to preference)

Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

• Sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit until it becomes frothy about 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, sugar, beaten egg, softened butter, salt, and 1 cup of the flour. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the almond paste, brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon until well combined. If desired, mix in the optional raisins or nuts.

Assemble the Kringle:

1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 20×12-inch rectangle.
2. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin at the edges.
3. Roll the dough up, starting from a long side, and form it into an oval on a greased baking sheet.
4. Pinch ends together to seal. With scissors, make cuts 1/3 of the way through the ring at 1-inch intervals.
5. Let it rise, uncovered, in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.

Bake the Kringle:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Bake the Kringle for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Finish with Icing:

1. While the Kringle bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth icing.
2. Drizzle the icing over the warm Kringle and sprinkle sliced almonds on top if using.

Tips:

• Yeast Temperature: Ensure the water is not too hot or it will kill the yeast.
• Dough Consistency: If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour. However, avoid adding too much, as this will make the dough tough.
• Filling Variations: Based on your preferences, feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as raspberry, apple, or cream cheese.

What to serve with

Serving a Trader Joe’s Danish Kringle (or your homemade version) offers a fantastic opportunity to create a delightful and well-rounded menu, whether for a special breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon tea.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Fresh Fruit Salad: Complement the sweetness of the Kringle with a refreshing fruit salad. Mix seasonal fruits like berries, oranges, kiwi, and mango. The freshness balances the rich flavors of the pastry.
• Scrambled Eggs or Quiche: A savory element, such as scrambled eggs with fresh herbs or a slice of quiche, can provide a nice contrast to the Trader Joe’s Danish Kringle sweetness.
• Bacon or Sausage Links: The smoky and savory flavors of bacon or sausage will pair wonderfully with the buttery, almond-filled pastry.
• Yogurt with Granola: Serve a side of Greek yogurt topped with granola and honey, which has a creamy and crunchy texture that complements the smooth icing and filling of the Kringle.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, including some milder options like Brie or Gouda and stronger choices like blue cheese, can offer a lovely salty balance.

For Afternoon Tea or Coffee

• Assorted Teas and Coffee: Brew various teas and coffee to let your guests choose what they prefer. The warmth of these beverages pairs well with the Danish Kringle, highlighting its flavors.
• Finger Sandwiches: Serve cucumber, egg salad, or salmon and cream cheese sandwiches to add a savory note that contrasts pleasantly with the Kringle’s sweetness.
• Scones and Clotted Cream: Though the Kringle is itself a pastry, offering scones with clotted cream and jam can provide a variety for guests who might appreciate less sweet options.
• Chocolate Truffles or Dark Chocolate Pieces: For a decadent touch, serve dark chocolate truffles or small pieces of dark chocolate that guests can enjoy with the Kringle.
• Nuts and Dried Fruits: A mix of roasted nuts and dried fruits can offer a textural contrast and a break from the sweetness, cleansing the palate between bites.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a Danish Kringle at home takes patience and a bit of skill, but it’s definitely rewarding. If you’re aiming to recreate the flavors of a Trader Joe’s Danish Kringle but need substitutes for certain ingredients, either due to dietary restrictions or availability issues, here are some practical suggestions:

Dough Ingredients

• Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for baking. Opt for one that includes xanthan gum to help with the texture.
• Butter: For a dairy-free version, use a high-quality plant-based butter or margarine suitable for baking. Make sure it’s cold, just like regular butter.
• Milk: Any dairy-free milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.) can substitute cow’s milk one-to-one in the dough. Ensure it’s unsweetened and unflavored to avoid altering the taste.

Filling Ingredients

• Almond Filling: If allergies are a concern, consider using a seed-based paste like sunflower seed butter mixed with powdered sugar and enough plant-based milk to achieve the desired consistency. Flavor it with a bit of almond extract if you are not allergic, or use vanilla extract for a different but pleasant taste.
• Pecan or Walnut Filling: For a nut-free alternative, use roasted, unsalted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Grind them and mix them with brown sugar and cinnamon to replicate the nutty filling.
• Raisins or Dried Fruits: If you’re not a fan or are allergic to certain dried fruits, you can easily substitute them with any dried fruit of your choice, such as cranberries, cherries, or diced apricots, depending on the filling flavor you’re making.

Icing Ingredients

• Powdered Sugar: For a refined sugar-free option, you can make your powdered sugar by blending coconut sugar with starch (like arrowroot or tapioca) until fine. This will give a slightly different flavor but a similar texture.
• Milk for Icing: Like with the dough, any unsweetened and unflavored plant-based milk can replace dairy milk in the icing. Adjust the quantity slightly as some plant milks may be thinner than dairy milk.
• Vanilla Extract: If you don’t have this on hand, almond extract can provide a nice flavor, though it’s stronger, so use less. Maple syrup can also lend a subtle aroma and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Trader Joe’s Danish Kringle is perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a special occasion, or simply as a treat to sweeten your day. Enjoy the process and your delicious creation!

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Italian Style Soffritto Seasoning Blend
• Homemade Trader Joe’s Caesar Salad Recipe