As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, I often find myself craving the warm, comforting flavors of homemade treats. That’s exactly how I stumbled upon this delightful Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze. Imagine sitting down with a piece of this flaky Danish pastry, where the tender dough gives way to sweet, spiced apples, all elegantly finished off with a silky glaze. The scent of cinnamon wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace that’s undeniably inviting.
This recipe has become a staple in my home, perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon escape. What I love most is its versatility – it impresses both family and guests while being incredibly easy to whip up. If you’re searching for a way to elevate your baking and bring a taste of Denmark to your kitchen, join me in making this delectable Apple Kringle that promises to delight with every bite!
Why is Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze special?
Heavenly Aroma: The scent of fresh-baked apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, making it an irresistible treat.
Flaky Perfection: The delicate, flaky pastry is easy to achieve, even for novice bakers, thanks to chilled ingredients!
Sweet & Spiced: Enjoy a balance of sweetness and warming spices from cinnamon, creating a nostalgic flavor profile.
Versatile Delight: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this kringle satisfies any craving.
Impressive Presentation: The braided appearance makes it a show-stopper for gatherings, ensuring you’re the star baker!
Quick & Simple: With a straightforward preparation process, you’ll be enjoying your delicious creation in no time!
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Ingredients
For the Dough
• All-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the dough; measure precisely for the best results.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; you can use regular table salt or sea salt.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness; use granulated sugar for a balanced taste.
• Unsalted butter – Creates a flaky texture; ensure it’s chilled and cubed before use for optimal flakiness.
• Cold water – Binds the dough; make sure it’s icy to keep the pastry tender.
For the Apple Filling
• Apples (3 medium-sized, peeled and diced) – The star of this apple kringle; Granny Smith apples are fantastic for a tart contrast.
• Brown sugar – Adds depth of sweetness to the filling, enhancing the apple flavor.
• Cinnamon – Brings warmth and spice, essential for that comforting dessert experience.
• Lemon juice – Brightens the flavor of the apples, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Cornstarch – Acts as a thickener for the apple filling to absorb excess moisture.
For the Glaze
• Powdered sugar – Essential for making the vanilla glaze; adds sweetness and smoothness.
• Milk – Used in the glaze for a creamy texture, making it perfect for drizzling.
• Vanilla extract – Adds aromatic flavor to the glaze; it’s a must for the ultimate finish.
Explore the flavors of this Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze, and let your taste buds be delighted!
How to Make Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
-
Prepare Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing gently until just combined. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
-
Make Filling: In a separate bowl, mix diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until apples are well-coated, and then set aside to let the flavors mingle.
-
Roll Out Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Carefully transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
-
Assemble Kringle: Spoon the apple filling evenly down the center of the dough rectangle. Cut diagonal slits on both sides of the filling. Fold the dough flaps over the filling, alternating sides to create a lovely braided effect, and ensure to seal the ends tightly.
-
Bake: Place the kringle in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky. Once baked, allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
-
Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this delicious glaze over the cooled kringle to enhance its sweetness.
-
Serve: Let the glaze set slightly before slicing the kringle. Serve it warm or at room temperature for your loved ones to enjoy!
Optional: Sprinkle with chopped nuts for added crunch before serving!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time on busy mornings or gatherings! You can make the dough and apple filling up to 24 hours in advance. After combining the flour, salt, and sugar, simply cut in the cold butter and form the dough, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For the filling, mix the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch—the flavor will develop beautifully as it sits. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the chilled dough, assemble the kringle, and bake as instructed. This method ensures you’ll enjoy a fresh, flaky treat that tastes just as delicious with minimal last-minute effort!
Apple Kringle Variations
Feel free to give your Apple Kringle a personal twist with these delightful variations!
-
Pear Option: Substitute apples with pears for a sweeter, juicier filling that still sings of comfort.
-
Berry Bliss: Use fresh blueberries or raspberries in place of apples for a vibrant flavor explosion that brightens up every bite.
-
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for a delightful crunch that complements the soft pastry beautifully.
-
Creamy Delight: Blend softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla for a luscious layer beneath the apple filling. It adds a rich, creamy dimension that’s simply irresistible!
-
Gluten-Free Magic: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and add a touch of xanthan gum for that perfect flaky texture, making this treat accessible to all.
-
Spiced Twist: Blend in a hint of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon to deepen the warming flavors of the filling.
-
Cran-Apple Fusion: Mix diced cranberries with the apples for a tart and sweet balance that dances on your palate.
-
Cinnamon Roll Infusion: Drizzle a cinnamon roll-inspired filling made with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of melted butter into your apple filling for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Room Temperature: Store leftover Apple Kringle tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its delicious flakiness.
Fridge: If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the kringle for about a week, wrapped well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the kringle tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months.
Reheating: To enjoy it warm, reheat the thawed Apple Kringle in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until the pastry is heated through and crisp again.
Expert Tips for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
- Chill Everything: Use chilled butter and cold water in the dough to maintain flakiness. This crucial step will ensure your Apple Kringle is delightfully tender.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dough, mix just until combined. Overworking can lead to a tough pastry, so treat it gently!
- Use a Parchment Liner: Baking on parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes for an easy clean-up. No more stuck dough worries!
- Monitor Baking Time: Ovens vary, so check your Apple Kringle periodically as it bakes. Avoid over-baking for the perfect golden crust.
- Cool Before Glazing: Allow the kringle to cool slightly before drizzling with glaze. This way, it sets nicely while providing a beautiful finish!
What to Serve with Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze?
As you indulge in a slice of this delightful pastry, consider pairing it with these complementary options to round out your meal.
- Rich Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the sweet, spiced flavors of the kringle, creating a cozy breakfast experience.
- Earl Grey Tea: The floral notes of Earl Grey provide a delightful counterbalance, adding sophistication to your afternoon treat.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with warm kringle makes for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing fruits like berries and citrus can cleanse the palate, bringing a colorful balance to the richness of the kringle.
- Walnut Topping: Sprinkle crushed walnuts on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the flaky pastry and sweet filling.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: For a seasonal twist, pair it with a pumpkin spice latte to embrace those warm autumn flavors.
- Custard Sauce: Serve with a luscious homemade vanilla custard that adds creaminess, enhancing the rich textures of the kringle.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of chocolate complements the sweet apples, providing a decadent touch that’s hard to resist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Top your slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra layer of flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the apple filling.
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe FAQs
What apples are best for Apple Kringle?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Apple Kringle, I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their natural tartness. They balance the sweetness of the brown sugar perfectly. If you prefer a sweeter option, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well. Just remember to peel and dice them to ensure even baking!
How should I store leftover Apple Kringle?
You can keep your leftover Apple Kringle tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to preserve its freshness longer, refrigerate it, wrapped well, for about a week. Just be sure to keep it sealed to avoid drying out!
Can I freeze Apple Kringle?
Yes, you can freeze Apple Kringle for future enjoyment! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back its delicious crispy texture.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough becoming too sticky, it may be due to the temperature of your ingredients or an inaccurate measurement of flour. Make sure your butter and water are very cold, and you can add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches the desired consistency. Remember, it should be moist but not sticky.
Can I make Apple Kringle gluten-free?
Certainly! To create a gluten-free Apple Kringle, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to include xanthan gum (according to the package instructions) to help achieve that flaky texture! This way, your gluten-free friends can enjoy this tasty treat just as much as everyone else.
Is the vanilla glaze necessary?
While the vanilla glaze adds a delightful sweetness and creaminess to the Apple Kringle, it’s absolutely optional! For a lighter version, you can simply dust the kringle with powdered sugar after baking or serve it without any topping. The kringle is still lovely on its own!
Irresistible Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing gently until just combined. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until apples are well-coated, and then set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
- Carefully transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the apple filling evenly down the center of the dough rectangle.
- Cut diagonal slits on both sides of the filling. Fold the dough flaps over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided effect.
- Place the kringle in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled kringle.
- Let the glaze set before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.