Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful pastry that combines flaky, buttery layers of dough filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. The swirl of apples inside makes every bite sweet and comforting, while the smooth vanilla glaze on top adds just the right touch of sweetness to finish it off. It’s the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma and makes any morning feel special.
I love making this kringle when I want to impress guests without a lot of fuss. The best part is how the apples stay soft but still have a bit of texture, and that vanilla glaze makes the whole thing shine. I usually serve it with a cup of coffee or tea, and it always disappears quickly—everyone seems to agree it’s a perfect balance of fruity and sweet.
One tip I always follow is to make sure the dough is really flaky and the apples are perfectly spiced but not too mushy. It’s fun to watch the layers pull apart as you slice it, revealing the beautiful swirls inside. This Apple Kringle feels like a special treat for the weekend, but honestly, I wouldn’t blame you if it became a regular part of your breakfast or dessert routine!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dough butter: Cold, unsalted butter makes the dough flaky. Think of it like tiny pockets of fat that create layers when baked. If you want, use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best—they hold their shape and balance the sweetness. You can try Fuji or Honeycrisp, but softer apples may get mushy.
Cornstarch in filling: This helps thicken the juices from the apples so the filling isn’t soggy. You can swap with arrowroot powder if you prefer.
Vanilla glaze: Simple powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla come together for that sweet finish. For a dairy-free glaze, use almond or oat milk instead.
How Do You Create the Perfect Braid for Your Kringle?
The braided look is not just pretty—it helps keep the apples inside while baking. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make even diagonal cuts on both sides of the filling, about 1 inch apart.
- Start at one short end, folding strips over the apples, alternating each side like wrapping a present.
- Overlap the dough strips a bit so the braid holds together well.
- Pinch the ends firmly to seal the kringle and keep the filling from leaking.
Taking your time with the braid means your kringle bakes up beautifully with a neat, golden crust and no messy spills.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a rimmed one helps catch any drips from the filling during baking.
- Parchment paper – keeps the kringle from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife – perfect for making those clean diagonal cuts for the braid.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll want one for the dough and another for the apple filling.
- Pastry cutter or fork – great for cutting butter into flour quickly and evenly.
- Whisk – helps to mix the vanilla glaze smooth without lumps.
- Rolling pin – to roll out the dough evenly into a rectangle.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for extra crunch and a nutty taste.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for a sweet, chewy surprise.
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Use pears instead of apples for a milder, softer fruit filling that still pairs well with the glaze.
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 large egg
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples (tart varieties like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (more if needed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembling:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time. You’ll need to chill your dough for at least 1 hour, then bake the kringle for 35-40 minutes. Cooling for 15 minutes before glazing adds a bit more time. Overall, set aside about 2 hours to make this delicious treat from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter. Whisk the egg and cold water together in a small bowl. Add this to the flour mixture and stir gently until the dough just starts to come together. Don’t overmix! Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap it, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
2. Making the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and nutmeg if you like. Let this mixture sit so the flavors meld.
3. Rolling and Assembling:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12 x 16-inch rectangle. Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread the apple filling evenly down the center, leaving about 2 inches of dough free on each side. With a sharp knife, cut diagonal strips about 1 inch apart on both sides of the filling.
4. Braiding the Kringle:
Starting at one end, fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to braid the dough over the apples. Overlap the strips slightly and pinch the ends to seal.
5. Baking:
Beat the egg and water together to make an egg wash and brush it generously over the braided dough. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the dough is golden and apples are bubbly.
6. Preparing the Vanilla Glaze:
While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding a little more milk if needed.
7. Glazing and Serving:
Let the kringle cool for 15 minutes after baking, then drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your flaky, sweet Apple Kringle with a smooth vanilla glaze!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry Instead of Making Dough from Scratch?
Yes, frozen puff pastry is a great shortcut! Just thaw it according to the package instructions before rolling out. Keep it well chilled while assembling to maintain flakiness.
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Kringle?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven to keep the crust crisp.
Can I Substitute Other Fruits for Apples?
Absolutely! Pears work especially well. Just adjust baking time slightly if they’re softer. Avoid fruits that release too much juice unless you add extra thickener.
How Can I Make the Vanilla Glaze Thicker or Thinner?
To thicken the glaze, add more powdered sugar a little at a time. To thin it out, add a few drops of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
