7 things you (probably) don’t know about kringle

Kringle is a must-have culinary experience in Wisconsin, but aside from being delicious, what else do you know about Wisconsin’s official pastry?

Custard, cream puffs, and all deep-fried sweet treats at the State Fair are beloved Wisconsin favorites. But none of these delectable desserts can compete with the kringle. Although they can be shipped to any corner of the US, this popular pastry can be found on bakery shelves in Racine, Wisconsin. 

We all know how delicious kringle is, but what else do you know about this unique Danish dessert? Read on to test your kringle knowledge with seven interesting facts about Wisconsin’s official pastry, the kringle (and, of course, where you can pick one up today). 

Fact #1: Kringle hails from 13th-century Denmark

Many Wisconsinites love—or at least know about—kringle, but this fantastic, flaky pastry has much older roots. Kringle is said to have originated with 13th-century Catholic monks in Denmark. 

Fact #2: Kringle landed in Racine in the 1800s

In the 1800s, a large amount of Danish settlers arrived in Racine, and with them, they brought a recipe for a delicious dessert. In fact, by 1897,  Wisconsin was home to 35,000 Danes and surrounding midwestern states.

Fact #3: They take about three days to make

There are plenty of recipes for kringle that have a quick turnaround, but the traditional way of making kringle takes a while longer. A lot of work goes into making kringles, as there are about 30 layers of dough in each one. The thin layers are created by slow rolling and gently buttering between them.

Fact #4: Original kringles looked like pretzels

The original kringle in Denmark, “kringla,” was twisted around the middle like a pretzel. Once it reached Wisconsin, many bakeries in Racine adopted an oval shape topped with icing. 

Fact #5: In 2010, Obama tried kringle during a visit to Racine

Kringle isn’t only loved by Wisconsinites. When former President Barack Obama came to town, he picked up a few of these tasty treats during his visit. After stopping by O & H Bakery, he took back pecan, cherry, and cheese varieties. But he’s not the only president to enjoy Kringle. In 1956, Dwight and Lady Mamie Eisenhower were given Kringle and declared it to be a favorite!

Fact #6: Kringle became Wisconsin’s state pastry in 2013

The decision to make the kringle the official state pastry came in 2013, in hopes that highlighting the dessert would make Racine a must-visit destination for pastry fans all over the US. Did you know it was nearly beat out by the cream puff?

Fact #7: Racine is America’s kringle capital

With everything we know about kringle (its origins and where it first landed in America in Racine, Wisconsin), it’s no surprise that Racine still remains home to this beloved Wisconsin bakery treat. This city in southeastern Wisconsin is home to so many authentic Danish bakeries and other spots that make kringle by hand that Leisure Group Travel named it America’s kringle capital. 

Where to get kringle in Racine

Next time you’re in town, or if you’re interested in ordering a frozen, freshly made kringle to your corner of the U.S., make sure to check out these can’t-miss Racine bakeries. 

Bendtsen’s Bakery

3200 Washington Avenue, Racine, WI

This bakery has been in the Bendtsen family for three generations. It was established in 1934 by Ben Bendtsen’s grandfather, who was born in Denmark in 1905 and eventually settled in Racine and opened the bakery. 

Lehmann’s Bakery

9117 Durand Avenue, Sturtevant, WI 53177

Lehmann’s Bakery has used the same daily recipe since the 1930s. It follows a three-day process, resulting in 48 layers of delicious, flaky kringle dough.

O&H Danish Bakery

5910 Washington Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin

O&H recently celebrated its 75th anniversary after opening its doors in 1949. They currently have four locations in Racine country and have expanded to also open a location in Oak Creek. 

Larsen’s Bakery

Order kringle online

Larsen’s Bakery has been in the family for two generations since 1969. You can order their kringle online and choose from 30 different flavors. They operate Wednesdays through Saturdays, as the kringle-making process takes about three days.

Racine Danish Kringles

Order kringle online or by email, phone, mail, or fax

This third-generation bakery was started over 30 years ago. They’re proud of the traditions they’re upholding by keeping the long-treasured recipe original because, for them, kringle isn’t “just a treat, it’s a tradition.”

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.