From Danish Pastry to Wisconsin Icon
Introduction
When people think of Wisconsin food, cheese and brats often come to mind. But in the town of Racine, there’s another star: the kringle. A flaky, oval-shaped pastry filled with nuts, fruits, or creams, kringle is so beloved that it’s recognized as Wisconsin’s official state pastry. Its story begins in Denmark and found a new home in the American Midwest, where it evolved into something uniquely Wisconsin.
Danish Origins
- The kringle dates back to Denmark in the 13th century, where it was created by bakers’ guilds.
- Traditional Danish kringles were pretzel-shaped, made with laminated dough similar to puff pastry.
- Fillings often included almond paste, raisins, or custard.
- Kringles were a symbol of hospitality in Denmark, where bakeries still display a kringle-shaped sign outside.
When Danish immigrants came to America, they carried their pastry traditions with them.
Immigration to Wisconsin
- In the mid-to-late 1800s, thousands of Danish immigrants settled in Racine, Wisconsin.
- They brought their culinary traditions, including the kringle.
- Early kringles in Wisconsin resembled their Danish counterparts but slowly adapted to local tastes and resources.
The Wisconsin Transformation
Over time, kringles in Wisconsin took on a new form:
- Shape: Bakers flattened and reshaped the kringle into a large oval ring, easier to bake and fill than the original pretzel shape.
- Dough: The labor-intensive, laminated dough remained, requiring layers of butter and rolling for flakiness.
- Fillings: Expanded to include pecans, cherries, apples, cream cheese, and seasonal flavors, reflecting Wisconsin’s agricultural bounty.
- Icing: A light glaze became standard, making the pastry sweeter than traditional Danish versions.
The Wisconsin kringle became both a tribute to Danish heritage and a distinctly American creation.
Kringle as a Wisconsin Tradition
- Racine became known as the “Kringle Capital of the World.”
- Bakeries like O&H Danish Bakery (est. 1949), Larsen Bakery, and Bendtsen’s built reputations on perfecting the pastry.
- Kringle is now a staple at holidays, family gatherings, and church socials across the state.
- In 2013, Wisconsin declared the kringle its official state pastry.
Kringle Beyond Wisconsin
- While Racine remains the heart of kringle culture, the pastry has spread nationwide.
- Online shipping allows Wisconsin bakeries to send kringles across the U.S. (especially popular during holidays).
- Food shows and magazines have celebrated kringles as one of America’s must-try regional pastries.
What Makes Wisconsin Kringle Special
- Flaky, 30+ layers of buttery dough.
- Large oval shape, typically 10-12 inches wide.
- Sweet glaze drizzled on top.
- Wide variety of fillings, from classic almond to Wisconsin-inspired cherry-pecan.
- Always tied to community, celebration, and heritage.
Conclusion
The story of Wisconsin kringle is the story of migration and adaptation. What began as a Danish pastry traveled with immigrants, transformed in a new land, and became a symbol of regional pride. Today, whether enjoyed with coffee on a cold morning in Racine or shipped across the country during the holidays, kringle remains a reminder that food is both tradition and transformation, flaky layers of history baked into every bite.