Taste The Iconic Kringle At Bendtsen’s Bakery In Racine, Wisconsin
In Racine, Wisconsin, there’s a bakery that has become inseparable from the city’s sweetest tradition.
Bendtsen’s Bakery has long been known for its warm ovens and welcoming spirit, but it’s the kringle that truly sets it apart.
This delicate pastry, tied to heritage and perfected over time, has made the bakery a must-visit for anyone who loves a taste of local history baked into every bite.
A Century of Sweet Heritage
Founded by Laurits Bendtsen, a Danish immigrant who arrived with nothing but baking skills and determination, this bakery began its journey during the Great Depression.
Laurits brought authentic Danish recipes from his homeland, establishing what would become a Wisconsin institution.
Three generations later, the Bendtsen family continues honoring their patriarch’s legacy.
Their commitment to quality and tradition remains unchanged, using many of the original recipes that first delighted customers nearly 90 years ago.
Step Inside a Danish Time Capsule
Walking into Bendtsen’s feels like traveling back in time!
The modest storefront on 7th Street welcomes visitors with the intoxicating aroma of butter and almond.
Glass display cases showcase rows of pastries while the walls feature old family photos and Danish decorations.
Unlike modern bakery chains, Bendtsen’s maintains its charming, no-frills atmosphere.
The small seating area invites customers to linger, watching bakers work their magic through a partial view into the kitchen where kringle-making continues as it has for decades.
The Art of Perfect Kringle
What makes Bendtsen’s kringle legendary? It starts with their 3-day process creating 36 layers of butter-rich dough!
Each oval-shaped pastry gets hand-rolled, filled, and shaped with meticulous care.
The signature flaky texture comes from this labor-intensive method that can’t be rushed or mechanized.
When baked, these layers puff dramatically, creating that distinctive airy crispness kringle lovers crave.
After baking, a sweet glaze gets applied while the pastry’s still warm, creating that signature sheen and sweetness.
Flavor Paradise: Beyond Traditional Almond
While almond remains their bestseller (a perfect balance of sweet marzipan filling and buttery pastry), Bendtsen’s seasonal rotation keeps customers coming back.
Raspberry, pecan, and cherry kringles fight for second place in popularity!
During holidays, special flavors appear – pumpkin spice in fall, cranberry during Christmas.
Each kringle serves 10-12 people, though many customers admit polishing off half in one sitting!
The bakery also offers mini-kringles for smaller households or those wanting to sample multiple flavors.
From Local Secret to National Treasure
Once Racine’s best-kept secret, Bendtsen’s now ships thousands of kringles nationwide!
Their pastries have graced White House events and received recognition from food critics across America.
In 2013, kringle became Wisconsin’s Official State Pastry – largely thanks to Bendtsen’s influence.
Despite national fame, they’ve resisted mass production methods.
Each kringle remains handcrafted using the same techniques Laurits used decades ago.
This steadfast dedication to authenticity explains why people make pilgrimages to this unassuming bakery, seeking what many consider America’s finest Danish pastry.
