There’s something undeniably magical about pulling a golden, buttery Apple Kringle from the oven on a crisp morning. This Scandinavian-inspired pastry features layers of flaky dough cradling tender, caramel-kissed apple slices, all drizzled with a silky vanilla glaze that dances on your palate. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet fruit and rich pastry, balanced by just a hint of cinnamon warmth. If you’ve ever dreamt of mastering a showstopping dessert that feels both cozy and elegant, this Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze will become your new go-to recipe. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply want to treat yourself, these warm, fragrant layers wrap you in comfort from the very first slice.
As someone who loves filling my kitchen with comforting aromas and sharing stories over a slice of something special, I can’t help but smile at how this recipe brings people together. The process of rolling out the dough, folding in the cinnamon-sugar-coated apples, and brushing on that golden egg wash feels almost meditative—like baking therapy. When the kringle emerges from the oven, its crisp exterior gives way to pillowy layers beneath, and once you drizzle on that luscious vanilla glaze, you’ve created a dessert that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Grab your apron, warm up the oven, and let’s dive into the simple yet rewarding steps that will have you savoring every bite of this homemade delight.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE KRINGLE WITH VANILLA GLAZE
Before we start rolling out dough and stirring up glaze, let’s meet the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flaky pastry, tender fruit, and sweet, creamy finish.
- All-purpose flour
This pantry staple forms the backbone of our pastry, providing the structure and strength needed for those signature flaky layers. Choosing a good-quality flour helps achieve a tender crumb that holds its shape under the weight of the filling.
- Salt
A small amount of salt enhances all the flavors in the kringle, from the sweetness of the apples to the richness of the butter. It’s the unsung hero that keeps the pastry from tasting flat.
- Sugar
A touch of granulated sugar in the dough adds subtle sweetness and helps brown the pastry beautifully during baking, giving that irresistible golden crust.
- Unsalted butter
The key to flakiness, cold, cubed butter creates pockets of moisture that turn to steam in the oven. This lifts the dough into airy, delicate layers—so keep it chilled until you’re ready to mix.
- Sour cream
Adding moist richness, sour cream tenderizes the dough and gives it a slight tang, which balances the sweetness of the filling and contributes to a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract
Used both in the dough and the glaze, vanilla adds fragrant warmth and depth, tying together the buttery pastry and cinnamon-spiced apples with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- Apples
Thinly sliced and perfectly ripe, apples provide the tender, fruity filling that contrasts the crisp pastry. Select firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Brown sugar
Combined with cinnamon, brown sugar caramelizes slightly as the kringle bakes, coating the apple slices in a sticky, sweet layer that’s utterly addictive.
- Ground cinnamon
A classic partner to apples, cinnamon infuses the filling with cozy spice, evoking memories of fall baking and holiday gatherings.
- Egg
Beaten egg wash gives the kringle its glossy, golden-brown exterior. It also helps seal the seams, ensuring your filling stays snug inside.
- Powdered sugar
The foundation of our vanilla glaze, powdered sugar dissolves smoothly and gives a cloud-like sweetness that complements the warm pastry.
- Milk
Just a splash of milk thins the glaze to a silky consistency, making it easy to drizzle and allowing it to set with a slight sheen.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE KRINGLE WITH VANILLA GLAZE
Baking this Apple Kringle brings together a simple dough, a spiced apple filling, and a creamy vanilla glaze in a seamless dance of flavors and textures. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning centerpiece dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar until evenly combined. This ensures that every bite of pastry has consistent flavor and structure.
2. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This is key to achieving those tender, flaky layers.
3. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the dough just begins to come together. Avoid overmixing to keep the pastry light.
4. Gather the dough into a rough disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This rest period firms up the butter and relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to roll.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. A preheated oven ensures that the kringle puffs properly right away.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches, working quickly to keep the butter cold.
7. Arrange the sliced apples down the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border free on all sides for folding.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples for that signature spiced sweetness.
9. Fold the short sides of the dough over the apples, then fold the long sides, overlapping slightly, to fully enclose the filling—this gives the kringle its distinctive, braided appearance.
10. Carefully transfer the assembled kringle seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with the beaten egg. This creates a lustrous, golden crust.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until the pastry is deeply golden and the apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
12. Let the kringle cool slightly on a wire rack so the filling can settle.
13. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
14. Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the kringle, allowing it to cascade over the sides before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE KRINGLE WITH VANILLA GLAZE
Serving this Apple Kringle is almost as delightful as baking it. The pastry looks magnificent on any table and invites everyone to gather around. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, dessert party, or cozy family gathering, these suggestions will help you present your creation in the most irresistible way.
- Warm with vanilla ice cream
Slice the kringle while it’s still slightly warm. Serve each portion with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts slowly into the cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a luscious contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Dust with extra cinnamon sugar
For a little extra sparkle, mix a pinch of cinnamon and sugar, then lightly sift it over the cooled glaze. This adds a hint of crunch and visually enhances the warm brown tones of the pastry.
- Pair with spiced coffee or chai
Complement the sweet, buttery layers with a hot beverage. A spiced latte or chai tea latte highlights the cinnamon and vanilla notes, making each bite feel even more comforting.
- Garnish with toasted nuts
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the glazed top right before serving. The nutty crunch adds delightful texture and a hint of earthy flavor that balances the sweet filling.
HOW TO STORE APPLE KRINGLE WITH VANILLA GLaze
Once you’ve enjoyed that first indulgent slice of Apple Kringle, you’ll want to keep the remainder fresh and delicious. Proper storage ensures that the pastry stays tender, the apples remain juicy, and the glaze holds its creamy sweetness.
- Room temperature
If you plan to enjoy the kringle within a day, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container on the counter. This keeps the crust crisp while preventing the filling from drying out.
- Refrigeration
For longer freshness—up to 3 days—place the cooled kringle in an airtight container or wrap it securely in foil and refrigerate. Bring slices to room temperature or pop them in a warm oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes before serving.
- Freezing
To preserve your kringle for up to one month, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore flakiness.
- Reheating tips
Whether from the fridge or freezer, reheat slices on a baking sheet in a low oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave. This ensures the pastry layers stay crisp instead of turning soggy.
CONCLUSION
This Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze has everything we crave in a homemade dessert: flaky, buttery layers; sweet, spiced apples; and a creamy, fragrant drizzle of vanilla glaze that ties it all together. From whisking together the simple dough ingredients to folding in those irresistible apple slices and finishing with a glossy egg wash, each step builds toward a stunning centerpiece that’s perfect for fall brunches, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself. The optional add-ins—like chopped pecans, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or a side of vanilla ice cream—allow you to customize this classic Scandinavian pastry to your taste. With a total active time that fits nicely into a weekend baking session (about an hour of prep, 35 minutes in the oven, plus a restful chill), it’s both approachable and impressive, even for intermediate bakers.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later reference—you’ll find the handy recipe details, ingredient list, and step-by-step instructions all in one place. You can also bookmark it if you’re working from a tablet or computer. If questions pop up while you’re rolling and folding or if you need help troubleshooting dough consistency or glaze thickness, you’ll find a FAQ section below to guide you through common queries. I’d love to hear how your kringle turns out, so please leave a comment with your feedback, questions, or any creative twists you tried. Happy baking!
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Description
Experience the warm, buttery layers of this Apple Kringle, filled with tender caramelized apples and a luscious vanilla glaze that ties it all together beautifully.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
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Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the dough comes together.
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Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 12x16 inches.
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Arrange the sliced apples down the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border on all sides.
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Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the apples.
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Fold the short sides of the dough over the apples, then fold the long sides, overlapping slightly, to enclose the filling.
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Place the kringle seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the apples are tender.
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Allow the kringle to cool slightly on a wire rack.
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Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the kringle before serving.
Note
- Kringle is a traditional Scandinavian pastry perfect for holidays or special gatherings.
- For an extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the apple filling.
- Substitute pears for apples for a different flavor profile.
- Vanilla ice cream makes a delicious accompaniment to warm slices of Apple Kringle.
