Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful pastry that brings together flaky layers of buttery dough filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple slices. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, it’s the kind of treat that feels both special and homey at the same time. The combination of crisp apples and the tender, twisted pastry is really what makes this dessert stand out.
I love making this apple kringle when I want to share something a little different but still familiar with family and friends. There’s something so satisfying about pulling apart those layers and tasting the cozy cinnamon and apple mix with every bite. I usually bake it fresh in the morning, and by the time the glaze sets, the whole kitchen smells amazing—almost like fall wrapped up in one dish.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy it is with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or afternoon snack. It’s perfect for a casual weekend at home or even to bring to a get-together because it looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to slice and serve. Honestly, I’ve noticed it always disappears fast—guess that vanilla glaze makes it hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet glaze. If you prefer sweeter apples, Honeycrisp or Fuji work well too. Just be sure to peel and dice them evenly for consistent cooking.
Butter & Sour Cream: Cold butter helps create flaky layers in the dough. Sour cream adds moisture and tang—if you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt makes a good substitute and keeps the dough tender.
Vanilla Glaze: This simple drizzle brightens the kringle. If you want, swap milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. You can also add a little lemon zest to the glaze for a fresh twist.
How Do You Create the Perfect Braided Look on the Kringle?
The braiding gives the kringle its classic, pretty shape but can feel tricky at first. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- After rolling the dough with filling and shaping into a ring, slice diagonal cuts on the top carefully—don’t cut all the way through!
- Lift each slice gently and fold it over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided pattern.
- Work slowly so the dough doesn’t tear, and pinch ends tightly to seal filling inside.
This step seals in the delicious apple filling while making your kringle look inviting and neat. Practice makes perfect, but taking your time here really pays off!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining dough and filling ingredients easily.
- Rolling pin – helps you roll out the dough evenly to the right size.
- Baking sheet – a flat surface to bake the kringle without spills.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Sharp knife – essential for making clean cuts when braiding the dough.
- Pastry brush – perfect for applying the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Whisk – keeps your vanilla glaze smooth and lump-free.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try pear or peach slices instead of apples for a sweeter, softer filling.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Mix cream cheese into the filling for a tangy twist and creamy texture.
- Sprinkle ground cardamom or ginger with the cinnamon to add warm spice notes.
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kringle Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar or sanding sugar for sprinkling (optional)
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep, plus 1 hour for chilling the dough and 30-35 minutes for baking. After baking, allow about 10 minutes to cool before glazing. Plan about 2 hours total to complete and enjoy your Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Starter
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, which means the yeast is ready to use.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. Then, whisk sour cream and the egg in a separate bowl. Add the yeast mixture and sour cream mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until you form a dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Form into a ball, cover, and chill for at least 1 hour.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling
Mix the diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Toss well so that all apple pieces are coated with the spices and sugars.
4. Shape the Kringle
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 by 16 inches. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a one-inch border. Carefully roll the dough into a log along the long edge. Form it into an oval ring and pinch the ends tightly to seal. Place the kringle on your baking sheet.
5. Cut and Braid the Kringle
Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts about half an inch deep on the top side of the ring, slicing toward the center but not cutting all the way through. Gently lift each slice and fold it over the filling to create a pretty braided effect.
6. Bake the Kringle
Brush the entire dough with beaten egg for a glossy brown finish. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if you like added crunch and sparkle. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Make the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken, as needed.
8. Glaze and Serve
Let the kringle cool about 10 minutes after baking. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm pastry. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature — perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with the sugar and spices to avoid excess moisture that can make the dough soggy.
Can I Prepare the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before rolling it out and assembling the kringle.
How Should I Store Leftover Kringle?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the crust crisp.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream in the Dough?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt works great as a substitute and will keep the dough moist while adding a nice tangy flavor.
