There’s a reason Trader Joe’s shoppers get excited when those familiar white O&H Danish Bakery bags appear in the bakery aisle. Inside is a buttery, flaky, icing-covered pastry that has become a holiday tradition for many families. With rotating seasonal flavors, a generous size, and a price that’s hard to beat, the Danish Kringle has earned its devoted following.
But which flavor deserves the top spot? We looked at longtime shopper favorites, fan discussions, and recent bakery reviews to rank five classic Kringle flavors from good to unforgettable.
One thing to know: Although Kringle is especially popular during the holidays, Trader Joe’s rotates these flavors throughout the year. They aren’t all available at Christmas.
5. Pumpkin Caramel Kringle — The Fall Favorite That Divides Shoppers
Pumpkin Caramel is one of Trader Joe’s most anticipated fall bakery returns. It combines cinnamon-spiced pumpkin filling with buttery pastry, caramel icing, and chopped pecans.
It returned in August 2026, earlier than many shoppers expected, and quickly generated excitement online.
So why fifth place? It’s rich, sweet, and noticeably heavier on the dessert flavors than some of the other varieties. Some shoppers love the pumpkin-pie-inspired filling, while others feel the caramel icing makes it overly sweet.
Still, this is a wonderful option for a fall brunch or Thanksgiving dessert. Warm it slightly, serve it alongside coffee, and it’s easy to understand why pumpkin lovers look forward to its return.
Best for: Pumpkin dessert lovers and fall gatherings.
4. Pecan Kringle — The Old-Fashioned Bakery Classic
If you enjoy pecan pie, cinnamon rolls, or traditional coffee cake, Pecan Kringle deserves a spot on your shopping list.
It’s filled with pecans blended into a smooth brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, giving each slice a warm, nutty sweetness.
Interestingly, O&H Danish Bakery describes Pecan Kringle as its most popular traditional flavor. Its appeal comes from the familiar combination of nuts, butter, cinnamon, and sugar rather than an unusual seasonal twist.
The reason it lands fourth is personal preference among Trader Joe’s fans. Those who prefer fruit fillings or creamy cheesecake tend to rank those varieties higher.
Pecan typically appears around January and February, making it a welcome treat after the Christmas season.
Best for: Pecan pie fans and anyone who enjoys a traditional bakery pastry.
3. Raspberry Kringle — The Sweet-and-Tart Crowd-Pleaser
Raspberry Kringle has something the richer flavors sometimes lack: a fruity contrast to all that buttery pastry and sweet icing.
Inside the flaky layers is a generous raspberry filling that brings a bright, slightly tart flavor to every bite.
It’s especially appealing to shoppers who want something closer to a fruit Danish than a rich holiday cake. The combination works beautifully with coffee or tea, and it’s easy to serve as a simple dessert when company comes over.
Raspberry has a loyal following among longtime shoppers, although some shoppers still find the icing and filling too sugary together. Those with a serious sweet tooth are less likely to complain.
Usually associated with spring, Raspberry Kringle is worth looking for when it returns.
Best for: Fruit pastry lovers and anyone who enjoys raspberry-filled desserts.
2. Cream Cheesecake Kringle — The Favorite Fans Keep Asking About
Cream Cheesecake Kringle may not sound especially exciting compared with pumpkin caramel or raspberry, but its filling is what makes it stand out.
Made with Wisconsin cream cheese, it tastes like an oversized cheese Danish wrapped in layers of delicate, buttery pastry.
The slightly tangy, creamy center offers a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the icing. It’s indulgent without relying on strong fruit or nut flavors.
This variety consistently earns praise in Trader Joe’s fan discussions. In an earlier fan flavor poll, Cream Cheesecake finished second, behind Almond.
Historically, it has appeared during the summer months. However, its availability has become less predictable, and some shoppers reported seeing the new Cherry Almond flavor instead during summer 2026. That doesn’t necessarily mean Cream Cheesecake has been permanently discontinued.
For longtime Kringle fans, this remains one of the most requested varieties.
Best for: Cheesecake lovers and fans of traditional cream cheese Danishes.
1. Almond Kringle — The Holiday Legend That Deserves First Place
If there’s one Kringle flavor that defines the holiday season at Trader Joe’s, it’s Almond.
The traditional version combines a smooth, sweet almond filling with O&H’s signature layered pastry and a generous coating of icing.
It’s simple, familiar, and particularly good with a hot cup of coffee on Christmas morning.
Almond has also earned something more impressive than enthusiastic online comments. In Trader Joe’s 2026 Customer Choice Awards, the seasonal Almond Danish Kringle finished second in the entire Sweet Treat category, ahead of several of the store’s other popular desserts.
That’s a remarkable achievement for a pastry that isn’t even available year-round.
The almond filling does have a distinct flavor, so shoppers who dislike almond paste may prefer Raspberry or Cheesecake instead. But among longtime fans, Almond continues to stand out.
It generally returns in late October or November and is associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Best for: Holiday breakfasts, Christmas brunch, and anyone who loves almond pastries.
Why Trader Joe’s Kringle Has Become Such a Legend
Part of the appeal is that this isn’t just another grocery-store pastry.
The Kringles sold at Trader Joe’s come from O&H Danish Bakery in Racine, Wisconsin, a fourth-generation family business founded in 1949.
According to the bakery, each Kringle takes three days to make. The dough is repeatedly layered with butter and allowed to rest, creating 36 thin, flaky layers before the filling and icing are added.
The pastry’s history stretches well beyond Trader Joe’s. In 2013, Wisconsin officially designated Kringle as its state pastry.
And then there’s the price. During 2026, shoppers have seen Trader Joe’s Kringles selling for approximately $9.99 for a 1½-pound pastry that can be sliced into about 12 servings.
By comparison, O&H currently lists many of its traditional Kringles for $24.99 when ordered directly, before shipping.
Between the bakery heritage, large serving size, and rotating flavors, it’s easy to see why Kringle has become one of Trader Joe’s most talked-about bakery finds.
What’s New for Kringle Fans in 2026?
This year brought an exciting addition: Cherry Almond Kringle.
The limited-time summer flavor combined tart Wisconsin Door County cherries with smooth almond paste, wrapped in buttery pastry and finished with vanilla icing.
It arrived at Trader Joe’s in July 2026 and quickly drew attention from shoppers online. Many praised the combination of tart cherries and sweet almond filling, with some calling it a new favorite.
Its arrival also raised questions about whether the traditional Cream Cheesecake flavor would return to the summer rotation. For now, shoppers shouldn’t assume that any one flavor is guaranteed every year.
O&H also has a much broader collection of holiday Kringles, including its new 2026 Holly Berry flavor. However, those additional bakery offerings should not be confused with confirmed Trader Joe’s releases.
When Can You Find Each Kringle at Trader Joe’s?
The usual seasonal pattern has been:
| Flavor | Typical Season |
|---|---|
| Almond | Late October–December |
| Pumpkin Caramel | Late summer–fall |
| Pecan | January–February |
| Raspberry | Spring–early summer |
| Cream Cheesecake | Summer, historically |
These are approximate patterns, not guaranteed arrival dates. The selection can change, and individual Trader Joe’s locations may receive different flavors at different times.
For the best chance of finding a specific variety, ask a store employee about expected deliveries.
The Best Way to Serve and Store Kringle
One of Kringle’s biggest advantages is how easily it can be saved for later.
O&H Danish Bakery recommends enjoying it at room temperature or slightly warm. For that fresh-from-the-bakery feel, remove all packaging and the serving tray, place the pastry on a baking sheet, and warm it in a 350°F oven for no more than 3½ minutes.
Kringle also freezes exceptionally well. According to the bakery, it can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
A helpful trick is to cut it into individual portions before freezing. That way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving hits without thawing the entire pastry.
The Bottom Line
There are plenty of holiday bakery treats at Trader Joe’s, but few have the following of the Danish Kringle.
Raspberry offers fruity sweetness, Cream Cheesecake brings a rich and tangy filling, and Pumpkin Caramel delivers the flavors of fall. But Almond remains our top pick for its classic taste, holiday tradition, and lasting popularity among shoppers.
If you spot your favorite flavor in the bakery aisle, it’s worth considering an extra for the freezer. You never know when that particular Kringle will return.
Prices and availability may vary by location. Seasonal flavors are available for a limited time and may sell out without notice.
