Those located in the United States were in luck when the Danes decided to sail west and settle in large groups in Wisconsin, bringing with them a tradition we still enjoy today.  What are we referring to?  Kringle, of course!  Kringles are made of 36 layers of flaky, buttery dough filled with various fruits and nuts.  These sweet treats are perfect for your morning coffee, evening dessert, or anytime in between!

At the same time, you may be wondering how and when to serve Kringle, what to enjoy with it, or how to store it.  Read on for the answers to all your questions about enjoying our delightful Kringle.

How does my Kringle arrive?

When your Kringle is shipped, it will arrive in a plastic-wrapped box.  To remove the Kringle from the bag, simply break the seal of the label on the wax bag and slide the Kringle out.  Sometimes two hands are better than one; hold the back of the package while your other hand is pulling the Kringle on the tray out.  Next, you remove the plastic cover, and it is up to you whether to remove it from the plastic tray.  It is easy to keep it on the tray if you want to serve it at room temperature in an environment like an office or if you are bringing this item to a gathering.  For heating up the Kringle, you must remove the plastic tray before using any of our heating methods.

OHLAF TIP:  In warmer climates or hot seasons, protect your Kringle frosting by bringing it indoors and placing it in the fridge (or freezer if necessary) for at least 30 minutes before serving.  This ensures the icing stays intact when removing the plastic protector, even in warm weather.

How Many Servings Are in a Kringle?

Well, that depends.  One of our Kringles is 14 inches long and 1 inch thick, and we know a few customers that can finish an entire Kringle by themselves.  Of course, we recommend sharing with others or freezing the leftovers.  One Kringle can perfectly serve a dozen people, with each person getting a two-inch slice (although our customers often tell us they hide a few extras to ensure one more taste!).  How you slice and store your Kringle is up to you.  How you eat it is also up to you, but let’s talk about how to eat a danish pastry the traditional way.

How to Serve Kringle?

The Danish serve Kringle at room temperature or warmed, cut into slices, and usually with a glass of milk or a coffee.  Of course, whether you warm it or not, and how you slice it, may depend on how hungry you are or what company you keep.  For example, if the royal family of Denmark arrives for a visit, place it on a china plate and eat it with a sterling silver fork.  For the rest of us, cut a piece and enjoy the aroma for the short time it takes your fingers to lift it into your mouth.  Velbekomme!

How do you Heat up Kringle?

Thanks to new kitchen technology, we’ve updated our guide on warming Kringles.  Start by removing the plastic protector from the Kringle, then take it out of the black plastic tray.  You have the option to heat up the entire Kringle or warm individual slices, depending on your preference.

For heating a whole Kringle:

• Oven:  Preheat the oven to 350° and place the Kringle on an oven-safe platter in the oven for three to five minutes depending on how crispy you want your Kringle.  If you do cut the Kringle into slices, that will quicken the heating process, so be sure to keep an eye on the Kringle.
• Thaw:  For those more patient than most, let it stand for 6 hours at room temperature or 12 hours in a refrigerator.

Once warmed, serve it in small wedges using a sharp, serrated knife.  Our personal preference is for our favorite knife.  Slice through the pastry straight down to get the perfect ratio of filling to flaky pastry.  To cut a Kringle like a pro, we have a little trick to make it easy.  Start by cutting the Kringle in half horizontally, then vertically.  Now, take one of the quarters, slice it in half, and then each half again. Repeat this process for all the quarters.  Then you will have the perfect serving sizes for your guests.

For heating individual slices:

• Air Fryer:  Heat the air fryer to 330° and pop in the Kringle slices for two to four minutes.
• Toaster Oven:  Heat the convection oven to 325° and place slices of Kringle in for three minutes.
• Microwave:  Your fastest option is to place your slices of Kringle in the microwave for seven to 10 seconds if you are heating up a few 1-inch slices.  The time may vary slightly depending on the size and amount of Kringle slices you are warming up.

When Do You Eat Kringles?

There is no wrong answer!  Whenever you are in the mood for Kringle; morning, noon, or night is the right time.  In Denmark, many breakfasts begin with Kringle; many afternoons include a Kringle as a snack, and a warmed-up Kringle on cold nights tops off dessert time before bed.  We have heard from our customers that sometimes the flavor of Kringle they buy determines the time to eat.  For example, if you purchase an Apple, Cinnamon Roll, or Wisconsin Kringle, you might be inclined to eat it for breakfast because of the fruit and cinnamon.  Sometimes the perfect snack consists of a few slices of our Almond or Cream Cheese Kringle throughout the day (yes, we’re the Kringle you’ll find at Trader Joe’s!).  For dinnertime, our decadent Turtle, irresistible Pecan, or timeless Cherry Cheese are the perfect nightcap to a great day.  All in all, there is no wrong time to eat Kringle.

Another time to eat Kringle is during special occasions, holidays, and when seasonal ingredients are available.  We offer a vast selection of flavors, decorations, and shapes, providing numerous opportunities to serve Kringle throughout the year.  From Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Mother’s Day, St.  Patrick’s Day, to birthdays, we have Kringles tailored for every occasion.  Whether you desire a spooky decorated Kringle for Halloween or a heart-shaped one for Valentine’s Day, we’ve got you covered.  And why not indulge in a Kringle featuring apricot or rhubarb during their respective seasons?  We relish crafting new flavors and eagerly anticipate delivering these delectable creations to your doorstep.

What does Kringle go with?

When it comes to enjoying Kringle, it’s often savored as a breakfast treat or a special dessert after dinner.  Regardless of the occasion, we’ve curated a list of perfect pairings for Kringle.  The Olesen family motto, "There is nothing quite as comforting as a slice of delicious Kringle and a cup of hot coffee," holds true.  In addition to your morning coffee, Kringle pairs well with a cold glass of milk, fresh juice, or yogurt for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.  In the evening, complement your Kringle with a cold beer or a glass of wine for a delightful treat.  Wine especially enhances the flavors of fruit Kringles and is a perfect addition to dessert charcuterie board nights.  For an extra indulgent experience, top a warm slice of Kringle with a scoop of ice cream and drizzle with hot fudge or caramel sauce.

Who would like Kringle?

We like to say that Kringle is enjoyed by everyone, from age two to ninety-two.  This beloved Danish pastry holds popularity not only in the Midwest but also in various other regions.  Our Kringles are guaranteed to please any crowd at any gathering.  As a Kosher Certified Bakery, we take pride in ensuring that all of our Kringles are kosher.

Recognizing the importance of accommodating dietary restrictions without compromising taste, we’ve created a line of no added salt and sugar Kringles.  Additionally, for those seeking individual Danish pastries, we offer no added salt and sugar sweet rolls.  While we don’t currently offer gluten-free Kringles, we have a diverse array of gluten-free desserts to choose from.

How do I get Kringle on a Regular Schedule?

Already a fan of our Kringle?  Why not join the Kringle of the Month Club for a special treat up to 12 times a year?  By joining this club, you will receive a delicious Kringle on a monthly basis.  They ship on the first Tuesday of the Month and are delivered to the recipient by Thursday of the same week.  These make a wonderful gift for the foodie in your life or an exciting opportunity to look forward to each month.  Is it hygge?  It’s the definition of the concept!  You’ll be speaking Danish before you know it.

How long does Kringle last?

Kringles will last one week when stored at room temperature, up to 10 days in the refrigerator, and up to six months in plastic or airtight packaging in the freezer.  We seriously doubt it will make it to the freezer, since they are quite delicious, but it is always nice to know you have options.

Where to Find O&H Kringle Desserts?

If you’re lucky and live in Southeastern Wisconsin, you can walk into one of our five stores in Racine, Sturtevant, or Oak Creek.  If you live in other parts of the country, don’t despair!  You can order Kringles online from our website.  You can have one delivered to your door or request a caseload for an upcoming event.