If you’re craving a treat that combines flaky pastry with sweet, tender apples and a luscious vanilla glaze, then this Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is exactly what you need. This delightful Danish-inspired pastry is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, delivering layers of buttery dough wrapped around a cinnamon-spiced apple filling and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a straightforward way to enjoy a bakery-quality pastry in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky and Buttery Crust: Every bite features a perfectly layered, golden crust that melts in your mouth.
- Sweet and Spiced Apple Filling: The tender apples mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg create a comforting and flavorful center.
- Easy Vanilla Glaze: A simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and a silky finish to the pastry.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the filling or glaze to fit your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create layers of flaky dough, gooey apple goodness, and a smooth vanilla glaze. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the texture and flavor of this Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the tender and flaky pastry base.
- Cold Butter: Gives the dough its signature layers and rich taste.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and the apple filling just enough.
- Fresh Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic warming spices that enhance the apple filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds aroma and depth to the glaze.
- Milk or Cream: Used in both the dough and glaze to keep things moist and rich.
- Powdered Sugar: The base for the soft and sweet vanilla glaze.
- Egg Wash: For brushing the crust, ensuring a beautiful golden shine.
- Lemon Juice: Helps brighten the apples and balance sweetness.
Variations for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
This recipe is easily adaptable, making it a fun canvas for your creative baking ideas. Feel free to swap or add ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for a crunchy texture.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use a dairy-free milk alternative for the glaze.
- Berry Infusion: Mix fresh or frozen berries with the apple filling for a fruity surprise.
- Spice It Up: Add ground cloves or ginger to the apple mixture to enhance the warmth of the spices.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make a safe and tasty version for gluten-free diets.
How to Make Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the flour and cold butter, cutting the butter into the flour until pea-sized pieces form. This creates layers for the flaky crust. Add a bit of sugar and cold water to bring the dough together, then chill it for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
Peel and dice the apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let the mixture sit so the apples soften slightly and absorb the spice flavors before baking.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Kringle
Roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Spread the apple filling evenly in the center, leaving space around the edges. Fold the sides over the filling to create a neat, elongated pastry, sealing the edges well.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the kringle on a lined baking sheet and brush with egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
While the kringle cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over the warm pastry for that irresistible vanilla touch.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keep butter and water cold to ensure a flaky, layered pastry texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Use just enough apple filling for easy folding without leakage during baking.
- Chill Dough Properly: Rest the dough between steps to prevent shrinking and to maintain structure.
- Bake on Parchment: This avoids sticking and makes clean-up easier.
- Customize the Glaze Consistency: Adjust with more powdered sugar or milk to get the perfect thickness for drizzling.
How to Serve Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts like almonds on top of the glaze to add a little texture and color contrast, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve the kringle with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence, or pair it with a cup of your favorite coffee or spiced tea to complement the warm flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the kringle into individual servings and arrange on a wooden platter for brunch, or wrap slices beautifully for gifting to friends and family during the holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain its crisp pastry texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unglazed kringle wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking and glazing.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to revive the flaky texture and soften the filling without making the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use premade puff pastry instead of making dough from scratch?
Absolutely! Premade puff pastry works wonderfully and saves time, giving you that signature flaky texture quickly and easily.
What apples are best for this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking without turning mushy and provide a nice balance to the sweet glaze.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for pastries, you can enjoy this Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator, but avoid too long as the apples may release excess liquid which could affect the pastry.
How thick should the vanilla glaze be?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable, so it drizzles smoothly over the pastry without running off.
Final Thoughts
Making Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze at home is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to fill your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. This pastry delivers the perfect combination of flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and smooth vanilla sweetness, promising to become a beloved favorite for your family and friends. Give this recipe a try—you’re just a few steps away from a delicious homemade delight!
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Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a flaky, buttery Danish-inspired pastry filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a smooth, luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe offers a homemade bakery-quality treat that’s easy to prepare and customizable to your preferences.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold water (approximately)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Apple Filling
- 3 cups peeled, peeled and diced firm apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine the flour, cold cubed butter, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until pea-sized pieces form. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Shape it into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples. Toss them with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes so the apples soften slightly and absorb the spices.
- Roll and Shape the Kringle: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Spread the apple filling evenly down the center, leaving about 2 inches of space along the edges. Fold the sides of the dough over the apples, overlapping slightly, and seal the edges well to prevent leakage.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer the shaped kringle to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the surface with beaten egg wash for a glossy golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: While the kringle cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm pastry, allowing it to set before serving.
Notes
- Use cold ingredients for the dough to ensure a flaky, layered crust.
- Do not overfill the pastry to avoid leakage during baking.
- Chill the dough properly between steps for better structure and reduced shrinking.
- Bake the kringle on parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed for perfect drizzling.
- Premade puff pastry can be used as an easy shortcut without compromising flavor or texture.
- For vegan versions, substitute cold butter with vegan margarine and use dairy-free milk for the glaze.
- You can add nuts, berries, or additional spices to customize the filling.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of kringle)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
