Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a sweet, smooth vanilla glaze. The combination of crisp layers and soft apple filling makes it a perfect treat any time you want a little comfort in your day.
I love making this kringle when the air turns cool because it fills the house with that warm, homemade aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. It’s one of those recipes that everyone always asks for again, and I find the best part is letting the vanilla glaze slowly melt over the warm pastry right before serving.
My favorite way to enjoy this apple kringle is fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s a simple pleasure that feels like a warm hug, especially when shared with family or friends during a cozy afternoon. If you want a little extra fun, try adding some chopped nuts inside the filling for a nice crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweet glaze. Honeycrisp is sweeter and softer when baked. If you don’t have these, Fuji or Gala are good choices.
Yeast: Active dry yeast is important for the dough to rise and become fluffy. If you prefer, instant yeast can be used but reduce the warm milk by a couple of tablespoons.
Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level better. For a dairy-free option, margarine or coconut oil could work, but expect a slightly different texture.
Vanilla Glaze: Powdered sugar and vanilla keep the glaze smooth and flavorful. You can swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free glaze.
How Do You Shape and Twist the Kringle for Those Perfect Layers?
Getting the twisting right gives the kringle its beautiful look and lets the filling peek through. Here’s how I do it:
- After spreading the filling, roll the dough from the long edge to make a tight log. Seal the edges well to prevent leaks.
- Form the log into a circle, pinching the ends to join tightly so it holds shape while baking.
- Cut almost through the dough at even intervals around the ring, keeping the bottom intact so it doesn’t fall apart.
- Carefully twist each cut segment away from the center. This shows the layers and filling beautifully and creates a lovely texture.
- Let the kringle rise again before baking to keep it light and flaky.
Take your time twisting gently to avoid tearing the dough. This step really makes the kringle impressive and tasty!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining your dough and apple filling easily.
- Rolling pin – helps you roll the dough out evenly into a rectangle.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Sharp knife or bench scraper – perfect for cutting the dough cleanly for twisting.
- Whisk – for mixing your vanilla glaze smooth and lump-free.
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap – to cover the dough while it rises and keeps it moist.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pears instead of apples for a softer, sweeter filling with a subtly different flavor.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a crunchy texture and nutty taste.
- Mix in some raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and chewiness.
- Try swapping cinnamon for cardamom or ginger for a warm, spiced twist.
Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kringle Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ tbsp whole milk (more if needed)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For garnish:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare, plus 1 to 1 ½ hours for the first rise and 30 minutes for the second rise. Baking takes 35-40 minutes, and cooling plus glazing adds around 15 minutes. Overall, plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising and baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it gets foamy, which means the yeast is active. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Then add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Stir until you have a shaggy dough.
2. Knead and Let it Rise:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a buttered bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and set it somewhere warm to rise. Let it double in size, which will take about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the thin apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This makes the delicious filling for your kringle.
4. Roll and Assemble:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the risen dough on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a little border on the edges.
5. Shape the Kringle:
Roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it well. Transfer your log to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape it into a ring and pinch the ends together to secure.
6. Cut and Twist:
Cut the ring nearly all the way through at intervals of 1 ½ to 2 inches, leaving about ¼ of the dough uncut at the bottom. Gently twist each segment away from the center so the layers and filling are visible.
7. Second Rise:
Cover loosely with a clean towel and let the kringle rise for another 30 minutes while the oven preheats.
8. Bake the Kringle:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the kringle is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Make the Vanilla Glaze:
While the kringle bakes, whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Add milk little by little to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able glaze.
10. Glaze and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the kringle cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top, then dust with powdered sugar if you like. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Enjoy your cozy apple kringle – the perfect mix of flaky crust, tender apples, and sweet vanilla glaze!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the dough soggy. Pat the apples dry with paper towels before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it covered. Just bring it to room temperature and let it rise before rolling 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. To keep it fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days and reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
You can substitute 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free version, but the texture might be slightly different. Bread flour will give a chewier dough, while pastry flour makes it more tender.
