Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delicious, flaky pastry filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. The layers of buttery dough and tender apple filling create a perfect blend of textures that’s just irresistible. It’s the kind of treat that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make, making it a lovely choice for breakfast, dessert, or a special snack.
I love making this Apple Kringle when I want something that feels a little more special than your everyday apple pastry. The cinnamon and apple mix fills the kitchen with such a warm, comforting smell while it bakes, and the vanilla glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the filling. It’s one of those recipes that makes me feel proud and excited to share with friends and family.
My favorite way to serve this is fresh out of the oven, with a cup of coffee or tea on the side. It’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon treat. Plus, it keeps nicely for a couple of days, so you can enjoy a little moment of apple and vanilla goodness whenever you want. I promise this kringle will make you look forward to pastry time every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast: Active dry yeast is key for soft, fluffy dough. If you want a quicker option, instant yeast works too—just mix it directly with your flour.
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and balance sweetness. If you prefer sweeter, softer apples, try Fuji or Honeycrisp.
Butter: Unsalted butter in the dough and filling adds richness and flakiness. You can swap salted butter but reduce added salt slightly.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely warm flavor to dough, filling, and glaze. If unavailable, a pinch of vanilla bean powder or even almond extract can work.
Flour: Use all-purpose flour for structure, but pastry flour can make the dough even more tender if you have it on hand.
How Do I Shape and Twist the Kringle for Those Perfect Layers?
Shaping makes the kringle special and shows off the yummy filling.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle evenly—about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the apple filling but leave a 1-inch border so it seals well.
- Roll it tightly from the long side to form a log—this helps layers stay tight and flaky.
- Form the log into a ring on the tray, pinch the ends to seal, and tuck them under for a neat look.
- Use a sharp knife to cut slits around the ring, about 1 inch apart, cutting halfway through.
- Twist each cut section slightly to reveal the filling—this makes the classic braided effect.
A sharp knife and gentle twisting are key—too rough and you can tear the dough. Take your time and have fun making it look pretty!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your dough and filling ingredients easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredient amounts just right.
- Rolling pin – helps roll out the dough evenly to the right size and thickness.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – keeps the kringle from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Sharp knife – perfect for making clean slits in the dough before twisting the kringle.
- Pastry brush – to apply butter or egg wash if you want a shiny finish on your kringle.
- Wire rack – lets your kringle cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or peaches for a different fruity twist; they add a unique sweetness and texture.
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunchiness and a nutty flavor.
- Mix in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy texture and tart bite.
- Try adding a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger to the filling for extra spice warmth, great in fall or winter.
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples (preferably tart variety like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken)
- Pinch of salt
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 2 1/2 to 3 hours total. This includes 15 minutes prep, 1 to 1 1/2 hours for the dough to rise, 10 minutes to cook the filling, about 30 minutes to bake, and additional cooling and glazing time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit until bubbly, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture together. Slowly add 3 1/2 cups flour and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes adding a little more flour if needed until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, flour, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring now and then, until the apples are tender and the mixture thickens (around 8-10 minutes). Then, remove from heat and let it cool completely.
3. Shape the Kringle:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch of border. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Form this log into a ring on the baking sheet, sealing the ends and tucking them under. With a sharp knife, make 1-inch spaced cuts halfway through the ring’s outer edge and twist each strip slightly to show off the filling.
4. Bake:
Bake your kringle for 25-30 minutes or until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool for about 20-30 minutes.
5. Make the Vanilla Glaze:
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled kringle.
6. Serve:
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your flaky, sweet apple kringle topped with delicious vanilla glaze!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the filling, which can make the dough soggy. Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the next day.
How Should I Store Leftover Kringle?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven to revive the crispiness.
Can I Substitute Milk in the Dough?
Yes, you can substitute milk with an equal amount of any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to make it dairy-free. Just make sure it’s warm when added to activate the yeast properly.