Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful treat that brings together flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet and spiced apples, all topped off with a smooth vanilla glaze. The…
Tip: save now, cook later.Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful treat that brings together flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet and spiced apples, all topped off with a smooth vanilla glaze. The layers of crisp, golden dough contrast perfectly with the tender apple filling, making every bite a little moment of joy. It’s like a cozy hug wrapped up in a pastry!
I love making this kringle when I want something special that’s a bit different from the usual apple pie or tart. The vanilla glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the fresh apple flavor inside. It’s one of those recipes that always gets people smiling, whether shared at breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert.
My favorite way to serve apple kringle is warm from the oven, maybe with a cup of coffee or tea on the side. It tastes fantastic all by itself, but if you want to make it feel like a real celebration, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. This recipe always reminds me of chilly mornings spent baking with family, filling the kitchen with the delicious smell of apples and cinnamon.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast & Milk: Active dry yeast gives the dough a nice rise for that flaky texture. Warm milk helps activate it. If you prefer, you can use whole milk or a nut milk like almond, but keep it warm for yeast to work.
Apples: I like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. You can mix both or swap with Fuji or Gala apples. Just avoid overly soft varieties to keep some bite.
Butter: Cold butter mixed into the dough creates layers. Don’t skip the cold part—it helps make the kringle flaky. You can use salted butter but reduce added salt slightly.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth to the apple filling. Feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra flavor.
Vanilla Glaze: Powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk make a simple glaze. Use vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a richer taste. Adjust milk to get a thick drizzle, not runny.
How Do You Get the Perfect Flaky Layers in the Dough?
The secret is how you mix and handle the butter into the dough. Cold butter creates steam when baking, helping form flakey layers like a puff pastry.
- Cut cold butter into flour until you have pea-sized pieces—don’t melt it!
- Mix gently and knead just until smooth. Over-kneading warms the butter and makes dough tough.
- Roll the dough evenly for consistent layers.
- Chill the dough if it gets too soft before shaping.
Taking your time here gives the dough a beautiful tender texture. It’s worth the little extra effort!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your dough and filling ingredients easily.
- Pastry cutter or fork – helps cut cold butter into flour for flaky dough.
- Rolling pin – to roll out the dough evenly to the right size.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – keeps kringle from sticking and helps even baking.
- Sharp knife – for making the decorative slits that create the braided look.
- Wire rack – cools the kringle evenly so the crust stays crisp.
- Whisk or fork – perfect for mixing the vanilla glaze until smooth.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or a mix of apples and pears for a softer, slightly sweeter filling.
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for bursts of tart sweetness.
- Try adding a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger to the apple spice mix for a different warm flavor twist.
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and diced
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (about 1.5 pounds), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk (more as needed for desired consistency)
Additional:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 20 minutes for preparation, about 1 to 1 ½ hours for the dough to rise, 40 minutes for baking, and a little time for cooling and glazing. So, plan for approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, mix the yeast and 2 teaspoons of sugar into warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a larger bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and cold diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to cut the butter into the flour until you get pea-sized lumps. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6 minutes. Shape into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add the sliced apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples soften, about 5 minutes. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into apples. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the mixture thickens. Take off the heat and let the filling cool completely.
3. Assemble the Kringle:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly, leaving about 1 inch clear on all sides. From the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Shape the log into an oval or ring on the baking sheet, pressing ends together firmly. Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits about every 2 inches along the top half of the ring, being careful not to cut fully through. Fold the strips over the filling alternately, creating a braided effect.
4. Bake:
Brush the kringle with beaten egg for a shiny finish. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze:
Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to make a drizzle-able glaze in a bowl. When the kringle is warm but not hot, drizzle the glaze over the top. Optionally, dust with extra powdered sugar.
6. Serve:
Slice the apple kringle and enjoy warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
How Should I Store Leftover Kringle?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven to refresh the crispiness of the dough.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, then cover and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and assembling the kringle.
What’s a Good Substitute for Butter in the Dough?
Butter is key for the flaky texture, but if needed, you can use a high-quality margarine or vegan butter alternative. Keep it cold, and use the same amount for best results.
