Trader Joe’s is known for its seasonal goods, and every fall, customers look forward to the Pumpkin Caramel Kringle. A Danish-style pastry with a buttery crust, spicy pumpkin filling, and caramel-flavored frosting, this dish is a cult classic.
Fans are giving it a “12 out of 10” because of its flakey, melt-in-your-mouth texture and tempting flavor. Here’s everything you need to know about this returning favorite and why it’s worth picking up on your next trip to Trader Joe’s.
What Is a Kringle?
For those unfamiliar with the Kringle, it’s a traditional Danish pastry made from a laminated dough similar to a croissant, resulting in a flakey, buttery crust. The pastry is typically shaped into a ring or braid and filled with various flavors.
At Trader Joe’s, Kringles are made by the renowned O & H Danish Bakery in Racine, Wisconsin, a bakery famous for its authentic, high-quality Kringles.
The Return Of The Pumpkin Caramel Kringle
Each fall, Trader Joe’s brings back the Pumpkin Caramel Kringle, much to the delight of its devoted fans. This seasonal version features a spiced pumpkin filling wrapped in a flakey pastry & topped with caramel icing and chopped pecans.
Priced at $10, the Pumpkin Caramel Kringle is an affordable indulgence, particularly compared to the higher price if ordered directly from the O & H Danish Bakery.
This Kringle’s return in September or October aligns with the arrival of other fall-flavored favorites at Trader Joe’s, and it quickly becomes a top seller. Due to its popularity, stores have had to limit customers to just two Kringles per person to ensure more people can enjoy this seasonal treat.
Why Fans Love The Pumpkin Caramel Kringle
The Pumpkin Caramel Kringle is adored for its perfect balance of flavors & textures. Here’s a closer look at what makes this pastry so irresistible:
- Flakey, Buttery Pastry
- Layers of the pastry are light, crisp, and flavorful since it is constructed from laminated dough. Warming these layers makes them even more fragrant and soft, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Rich, Spiced Pumpkin Filling
- At the heart of this Kringle is a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling that combines seasonal spices with the natural sweetness of pumpkin. Many fans describe the filling as tasting like a cross between a pumpkin pie and a cinnamon roll, making it an ideal dessert for fall.
- Caramel Icing And Pecans
- Every mouthful of the Kringle is enhanced with a coating of sweetness and richness from the caramel-flavored frosting on top. The chopped pecans create a lovely contrast with the filling’s silky smoothness by adding a nice crunch.
- Perfectly Freezable For Later Enjoyment
- Fans have discovered that the Pumpkin Caramel Kringle freezes exceptionally well, making it easy to stock up for later. This means you can enjoy this seasonal treat even after it disappears from Trader Joe’s shelves. A tip from fans: try slicing and freezing individual portions for a quick, delicious treat anytime.
Pro Tips For Enjoying The Pumpkin Caramel Kringle
While the Kringle is delicious right out of the box, there are a few ways to elevate the experience. Here are some expert tips from Trader Joe’s fans:
- Warm It Up: To bring out the full flavors, heat a slice in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. The caramel icing gets gooey, and the pastry becomes extra flakey, providing a luxurious treat that feels like it’s fresh from the bakery.
- Pair With Coffee or Tea: The Kringle’s rich flavors are a perfect match for a warm cup of coffee or tea, adding a cozy touch to any fall morning or evening.
- Enjoy With Friends (or Not): Although the packaging suggests that one Kringle serves 12, many fans agree that it’s easy to enjoy more than one slice at a time. Whether you’re sharing or indulging solo, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.
Customer Reactions: A “12 Out of 10” Dessert
Fans have taken to social media to express their love for the Pumpkin Caramel Kringle. On Reddit and TikTok, users rave about its unique flavor and texture, with comments like, “the best [expletive] thing I’ve ever tasted in my life” and “a pumpkin pie inside of a cinnamon roll.” Such glowing reviews have made this dessert a must-try item, with fans recommending stocking up before it’s gone.
According to Trader Joe’s store signage, the Pumpkin Caramel Kringle is one of the top sellers of the season. The limited quantity and high demand mean that the Kringle may not be available for long, so it’s wise to grab one while you can.
Where To Find The Pumpkin Caramel Kringle
The Pumpkin Caramel Kringle is available in Trader Joe’s bakery section and is stocked during the fall season. Be sure to keep an eye out for it as early as September, as it tends to sell out quickly.
For those who miss out or can’t get enough, you can order Kringles directly from the O & H Danish Bakery year-round. However, ordering directly is more expensive, making Trader Joe’s the most affordable option.
Conclusion:
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Caramel Kringle is more than just a dessert—it’s a seasonal experience that has earned a place in the hearts of customers nationwide.
With its combination of a buttery, flakey crust, spiced pumpkin filling, caramel icing, and crunchy pecans, this treat is perfect for autumn gatherings or simply enjoying a cozy moment at home. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time buyer, this Kringle is worth the trip to Trader Joe’s. Get it while it lasts!