There’s something incredibly comforting about baking, especially when it comes to making a delicious apple kringle with vanilla glaze. This delightful treat combines tender pastry with sweet, spiced apples and a luscious glaze, making it a perfect choice for sharing with family or friends. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to enjoy during a cozy weekend, this apple kringle is truly a recipe you won’t want to miss.
What makes this dish so special is the contrast between flaky pastry and juicy, caramelized apples. Each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by the sweet warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar. Together with the creamy vanilla glaze, it becomes irresistible—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase fresh apples in a stunning and impressive way, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick to prepare for any occasion.
- Delicious fresh-baked aroma fills your kitchen.
- Versatile: great warm or at room temperature.
- Freezes well for later enjoyment.
- A delightful twist on traditional pastries.
"This kringle tastes incredible and is so simple to make!"
How this recipe comes together
Making this apple kringle is a straightforward process that anyone can master. First, you prepare the flaky dough, then fill it with a sweet apple mixture, and finally bake it until golden brown. Topped off with a generous drizzle of vanilla glaze, this treat is not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious.
What you’ll need for apple kringle
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over the dish’s saltiness.
- Apples: For a flavor twist, combine sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Cornstarch: This helps thicken the filling but can be substituted with all-purpose flour in a pinch.
- Powdered sugar: For a richer glaze, consider adding cream cheese to the mixture.
Step-by-step instructions for apple kringle
To make this delightful apple kringle, follow these simple steps. You’ll be savoring a slice in no time!
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar until combined.
- Cut in the chilled, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overmixing.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the apple filling. In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until the apples are well-coated, then set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring it covers most of the sheet.
- Spoon the apple mixture down the center of the dough, leaving space on the edges.
- Cut 1-inch diagonal slits on both sides of the dough, then fold them over the filling in a braided pattern. Press to seal the ends.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the kringle to cool for about 10 minutes before preparing the glaze.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm kringle, allowing it to set before slicing.
Helpful cooking tips
- Keep the butter cold while making the dough for a flakier texture.
- Chill the dough long enough for it to be easier to handle.
- Double-check for proper sealing before baking to avoid leaks during cooking.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Serving suggestions for apple kringle
This apple kringle shines on its own, but you can elevate it even further! Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. For a lovely presentation, slice it into generous pieces and drizzle additional glaze on top before serving. Pairing it with a warm cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & reheating tips
To keep your apple kringle fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend its life, consider freezing individual slices—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in the oven, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
How to fix common issues
If you encounter any issues while making your apple kringle, here are some common fixes:
- Dry dough: If the dough seems too crumbly, you may need to add a little more cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
- Soggy filling: Ensure that you properly drain the apples after cutting to avoid excess moisture.
- Overcooked crust: If your kringle starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during baking.
- Underbaked center: If the outside looks done but the inside is still raw, lower your oven temperature and bake a little longer.
Recipe variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Some ideas for variations include adding nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the apple filling for added texture. You could also incorporate spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile. For a playful twist, consider adding a handful of raisins or cranberries to the filling for additional sweetness and color.
Common questions
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes! This kringle is highly adaptable, and you can try using other fruits like pears, berries, or even peach slices in place of apples. Just be sure to adjust any sugar amounts based on the sweetness of the fruits you choose.
How do I ensure my kringle dough is flaky?
To achieve a beautifully flaky dough, always use cold ingredients and handle the dough as little as possible. This keeps the butter in larger clumps, which creates steam and results in a tender, layered pastry.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This not only saves time but will also allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just remember to roll it out when you’re ready to assemble the kringle!
Is this recipe good for baking with kids?
Definitely! Making apple kringle is a fun activity to do with kids. They can help with mixing, measuring, and most importantly, assembling and decorating the kringle with the glaze. Just ensure to supervise them during the baking process.
What’s the best way to serve leftover apple kringle?
Leftover apple kringle can be delicious even days later. Simply give it a quick warm-up in the microwave or oven, then serve it with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle with extra glaze for an indulgent treat!
Apple Kringle
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar until combined.
- Cut in the chilled, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overmixing.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the apple filling. In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until the apples are well-coated, then set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring it covers most of the sheet.
- Spoon the apple mixture down the center of the dough, leaving space on the edges.
- Cut 1-inch diagonal slits on both sides of the dough, then fold them over the filling in a braided pattern. Press to seal the ends.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the kringle to cool for about 10 minutes before preparing the glaze.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm kringle, allowing it to set before slicing.