I love a good pastry that feels like a hug. My Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is a must-try! It fills the kitchen with warm spice and sweet apple scent and makes any morning feel special.
My dad James brought a version of this to our church bake sale, and my sister Jennifer still asks for a slice every time I bake it.
What You’ll Need
- 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
My Trusted Kitchen Tools
I keep my tools simple. I use a large mixing bowl, a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter, a rolling pin, a sharp knife for the braid cuts, and a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment. I also have a small whisk for the glaze and a spatula to lift the kringle. A cooling rack helps it cool down fast. These tools make the whole process easy and calm.
I often pair this kringle with a light salad when I want a complete brunch. For a bright side I like the flavors in honey mustard quinoa apple salad with crispy shallots as a fresh match.
Bringing It All Together
- Mix the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Cut the chilled butter into the dry mix until it looks crumbly.
- Add the cold water and gently stir to form dough.
- Wrap the dough and chill it for 30 minutes.
- Toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon the apple mix down the center of the rectangle.
- Cut 1-inch diagonal slits on each side of the dough.
- Fold the strips over the filling to form a braid and seal the ends.
- Bake the kringle for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden.
- Let the baked kringle cool for ten minutes on a rack.
- Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled kringle.
- Wait for the glaze to set before you slice and serve.
Making It Your Own (Swaps & Ideas)
You can swap apples for pears or mix in dried fruit and nuts for a different bite. If you want a richer filling, add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. For a fall table, try adding a little nutmeg or ground cloves to the apple mix. If you love pumpkin flavors, you might enjoy a muffin idea from best pumpkin muffin recipes with chocolate chips for a treat that shares the same cozy mood.
Try shaping the dough into a round braid for a table centerpiece. You can also make smaller, hand-sized kringles for a party. If you like a brown sugar crunch, sprinkle a little raw sugar on top before baking.
How We Love to Serve It
I serve this kringle warm or at room temperature. I slice it into wide pieces and place them on a wooden board for guests. A hot mug of coffee or tea fits the kringle well. If I want to make it a full dessert, I place a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and the warm pastry melts gently next to it. For an extra special end to a meal, pair it with a soft pudding or caramel treat like Biscoff banana pudding with caramel to keep the sweet notes going.
Kids like the pastry with a cold glass of milk. For a brunch, I add fresh fruit and plain yogurt to balance the sweet glaze.
A Few Tips For Success
I keep the butter very cold. Cold butter makes flaky layers. Work fast when you add the water so the butter does not melt. Chill the dough if it gets soft. Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith so the filling does not turn to mush. When you braid, try to keep even strips so the filling stays put. Watch the kringle near the last five minutes of baking to avoid over browning. Let the pastry cool enough so the glaze does not run off completely.
If the filling feels too wet, add a bit more cornstarch. If the dough cracks while you roll it, chill it for a few minutes and then try again.
Saving Some For Later
You can wrap the baked and cooled kringle tightly and store it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the whole kringle wrapped well for up to one month. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 325°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. If you freeze a kringle before baking, keep it frozen and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. The glaze is best made fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for a few days in an airtight container.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I love to bake this kringle for holidays and slow weekends. The scent fills the house and the braid looks like a gift. I hope this recipe finds its way into your kitchen and becomes a small ritual for you and your family. Share slices with neighbors or keep most for yourself. Baking is love that you can taste.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I make Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is a must-try! ahead of time?
Yes. You can make the filling and the dough a day ahead. Keep them separate in the fridge. Roll and assemble on the day you plan to bake. This gives you fresh texture and the best rise.
What apples work best for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is a must-try!?
Choose firm apples that hold their shape, like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. These keep a nice bite when baked and do not turn to sauce.
Can I freeze Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is a must-try!?
Yes. Freeze the baked kringle wrapped well for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a low oven. Make the glaze fresh for the best shine and taste.
Print
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting pastry filled with sweet apples and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Mix the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Cut the chilled butter into the dry mix until it looks crumbly.
- Add the cold water and gently stir to form dough.
- Wrap the dough and chill it for 30 minutes.
- Toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spoon the apple mix down the center of the rectangle.
- Cut 1-inch diagonal slits on each side of the dough.
- Fold the strips over the filling to form a braid and seal the ends.
- Bake the kringle for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden.
- Let the baked kringle cool for ten minutes on a rack.
- Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled kringle.
- Wait for the glaze to set before you slice and serve.
Notes
You can swap apples for pears or mix in dried fruit and nuts for a different bite. Keep the butter very cold for flaky layers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: apple kringle, vanilla glaze, pastry, dessert, brunch