If you’ve ever wanted to impress friends and family with a stunning, flaky dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling wrapped in buttery pastry, all topped with a silky vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. It’s a bakery-worthy treat that’s surprisingly simple to make at home, and it will quickly become a beloved favorite perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and balance to your Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. These simple, pantry-friendly items come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and that irresistible flaky texture.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough without overpowering the filling.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness in every bite.
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Creates tender, flaky layers throughout the pastry.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making the dough extra soft and flavorful.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced: The star of the filling, providing natural sweetness and texture.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the apple filling.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth that perfectly complements the apples.
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds just a hint of spice to elevate the filling’s aroma.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling and keeps the apples from browning.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base of the vanilla glaze, giving it smooth sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more): Helps achieve that perfect pourable glaze consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor to the glaze that ties everything together.
How to Make Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks crumbly, almost like coarse sand. This step is key for that flaky pastry texture. Stir in the sour cream, which adds moisture and a subtle tang. Form everything into a ball, wrap it tightly, and chill it in the fridge for an hour. This chilling step helps the butter stay cold, resulting in perfect layers during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, toss your peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. This combination creates a filling bursting with warm spice and sweetness, plus the lemon juice keeps the apples fresh and vibrant. Setting this aside lets the flavors meld beautifully before assembly.
Step 3: Assemble the Kringle
On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a roughly 10 by 14 inch rectangle. Spread your luscious apple filling down the center in an even layer. Carefully fold the longer sides over the filling, pinching the edges to seal in all that deliciousness. For those who love a classic look, gently shape it into an oval—it adds a lovely rustic charm to your kringle.
Step 4: Bake
Transfer your kringle to a baking sheet and pop it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry turns a gorgeous golden brown and fills your kitchen with the scent of baked apples and spices. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to glazing.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
Whisk the powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and glistening. The glaze should be thick enough to hold its shape but still drip slowly off your spoon. Drizzle this over your cooled kringle in elegant lines or a generous layer—either way, it adds that extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish to your masterpiece.
How to Serve Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or sliced almonds over the glaze right after drizzling while it’s still wet. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar also adds visual appeal and a hint of extra warmth. Fresh apple slices or a sprig of mint on the side give it a fresh pop of color that impresses everyone at the table.
Side Dishes
This Apple Kringle pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside crispy bacon or a creamy latte to balance the sweet and spicy flavors with savory or bold notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your kringle into generous wedges and serve it on a rustic wooden board with additional apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming presentation. You can also stack smaller kringle pieces on a tiered tray for a festive gathering or even cut it into bite-sized squares for easy finger food at brunch parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Apple Kringle tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two days to maintain the flaky texture before it starts to soften. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option, though the pastry might lose a bit of its crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked kringle by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth and flakiness, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the crispy layers without drying out the filling. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith add a lovely tang and hold their shape well, while sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp bring a natural sweetness. Mixing apples can create a more complex filling flavor.
Is there a substitute for sour cream in the dough?
Yes, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt or crème fraîche instead. Both provide similar moisture and tang, keeping the dough tender and flavorful.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated. Just make sure it is tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling out.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Chilling the dough before rolling and baking helps create a flaky texture that resists sogginess. Also, make sure not to overfill your kringle as excess moisture can seep into the dough.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the apple filling?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add delightful texture and extra flavor. Just mix them into the filling before assembling your kringle.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade pastries, and this Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is one that will have you feeling proud every time you pull it from the oven. Its flaky, buttery crust wrapping around spiced apples with a smooth vanilla glaze makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this delightful recipe is one to keep coming back to again and again.
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Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful, flaky pastry filled with spiced apple filling and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfectly balancing sweet and tangy flavors with a tender, buttery dough, this pastry makes an elegant dessert or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup sour cream
Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the sour cream until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour to chill and firm up.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well to evenly coat the apple pieces with the spices and sugar. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Kringle: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a roughly 10 by 14-inch rectangle. Spoon the apple filling down the center of the dough, leaving space on the edges. Fold the long sides of the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside. Shape the dough with filling into an oval if desired for a classic look.
- Bake: Place the assembled kringle onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack to set.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the milk quantity to reach desired consistency. Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the cooled kringle before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith to provide a nice balance against the sweet glaze.
- Make sure the butter is very cold before cutting into the flour to get a flaky texture.
- You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated to save time.
- If the glaze is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until you achieve the desired drizzle consistency.
- Store leftover kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
