In the mid-to-late 1800s, 10% of all the Danes in the United States were in Racine, Wisconsin. Over in Denmark, a strike by bakers leads to the import of Austrian pastry chefs. Eventually, the strike ended, but the two types of baking had now co-mingled and created a new and unique type of baking and pastry. New immigrants to the area brought these new ideas with them to the United States and bakeries start popping up in Racine in the early 1900s. Traditionally, a kringle was puffier and more pretzel-shaped and only came in one or two flavors. But demand for these delicious pastries required a streamlining of the process, so now Wisconsin kringles tend to come in the flat, oval ring that we are used to. All those new customers also suggested new flavor profiles and now, if you can dream up a flavor, there’s probably been a kringle made with it. The flat, oval kringle is rather unique to Wisconsin and it’s been named the state pastry. You might find versions of this Danish pastry elsewhere, but no one loves a kringle like Wisconsinites do. Here are seven places all making their own kind of kringle and creating some of the most mouth-watering pastries you’ve ever tasted.
This family-owned spot was opened by Danish immigrants in 1934. They're still in the same location and the third and fourth generations of this family are still hand-rolling the delicate kringle dough to create light and flaky delicious pastry you'll absolutely love!
Located at 3200 Washington Ave., Racine, WI 53405.
Lehmann’s Bakery is the oldest continually operating bakery in Racine, these folks use a three-day process to roll, fold and rest the dough, producing over 48 layers of flaky pastry goodness. Located at 9117 Durand Ave., Sturtevant, WI 53177 and 4900 Spring St., Racine, WI 53406 .
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3. O&H Danish Bakery - Racine, Sturtevant and Oak Creek
Another bakery in its fourth generation of family kringle production, these folks have been at it since 1949 and are one of the bigger producers of kringle and other Danish goodies in the state. They have 25 different flavors, most of which are available year round. They have five locations in southeast Wisconsin - 5910 Washington Ave., Racine, WI 53406, 1841 Douglas Ave., Racine, Wisconsin 53402, 4006 Durand Ave., Racine, Wisconsin 53405, Inside the Petro Travel Plaza at 717 South Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, Wisconsin 53177 and 9540 South 27th St., Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154.
Not only are these some of the rare kringles outside the Racine area, but they're also the most out of the box. These kringles differ a bit from what we may be used to, but they're every bit as delicious. Plus, they won the North American Kringle Championship in 2014. They come in your standard flavors, but do yourself a favor and indulge in one of their over-the-top, drool-inducing flavors like sea salt caramel pecan or brandy old fashioned. You will not regret it. Located at 1840 Dickinson Rd., De Pere, WI 54115, 2514 Lineville Rd., Suamico, WI 54313 and 2999 East Mason St., Green Bay, WI 54311.
One of the more popular mail-order options, you may find these kringles in spots all over the country. Using the same recipe from the late 1800s, this family-owned spot has been in the area for more than 30 years. Located at 2529 Golf Ave., Racine, WI 53404.
From their website: "Known as "Racine’s Original Kringle," Larsen's bakery uses century old Copenhagen recipes to make 30 varieties of Kringle. Making the pastry is three day process but the results are well worth it; a light, flaky pastry that is full of flavor. Fresh fruits, nuts, and other seasonal ingredients are used for filling and then it is topped with sugar or white icing." They're so committed to providing the freshest kringle they only ship at the beginning of the week after the pastry has been made. Located at 3311 Washington Ave., Racine, WI 53405.
One of the newer kids on the block, this spot also has a full-service restaurant so you can fill up on an iconic fish fry in addition to a dessert of tasty kringle.
Located at W4724 South Lakeshore Dr., Fontana, WI 53125.
Who serves up your favorite kringle? Let us know about it in the comments!
