Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Apple Kringle is a traditional Danish pastry filled with sweet spiced apples and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this flaky and aromatic treat will become a beloved favorite. Its balance of tender fruit filling and buttery pastry makes it a delightful experience for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, stirring gently until the dough comes together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 1/4 inch thick rectangle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: Spoon the apple filling down the center of the dough, leaving edges free. Cut 1-inch diagonal slits on each side of the dough. Fold the strips alternately over the filling to create a braided effect. Pinch the ends to seal.
- Step 5: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on the sheet for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled Kringle. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Use chilled butter and handle the dough gently to keep the pastry flaky and light.
- Try alternative fillings like pears, berries, or add nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for stability.
- Adding a layer of sweetened cream cheese under the fruit filling adds richness and creaminess.
Storage
Allow the Kringle to cool completely before storing. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for about a week. Reheat gently in the oven to restore flakiness. For longer storage, freeze wrapped tightly for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides apples for the filling?
Yes, you can use pears, berries, or a combination of fruits. Just adjust the sugar level depending on their natural sweetness and moisture content.
How do I keep the pastry flaky and light?
Make sure to use chilled butter and avoid overworking the dough. Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps relax the gluten and maintain flakiness.
PrintApple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a traditional Danish pastry that features a flaky, buttery dough filled with spiced, sweet apples and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect as a comforting breakfast treat, dessert, or snack, this pastry combines the rich flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar with a creamy glaze that enhances every bite. Its braided design not only looks stunning but also seals in the delicious apple filling, making it an irresistible delicacy to enjoy warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 Kringle (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Danish
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preparing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Add 1 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 1/4 cup cold water and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and relax the dough.
- Making the Apple Filling: While the dough chills, peel and dice 3 medium-sized apples. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix until the apples are evenly coated and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Assembling the Apple Kringle: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, large enough to hold the filling. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the apple filling down the center of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space on each side. Make diagonal 1-inch cuts along the sides of the dough to create flaps.
- Braiding and Sealing: Carefully fold the diagonal flaps over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided appearance. Pinch the ends firmly to seal in the filling and prevent leakage during baking.
- Baking the Kringle: Bake the assembled kringle in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to let the filling set.
- Preparing the Vanilla Glaze: While the kringle cools, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency by adding more milk one teaspoon at a time if too thick.
- Glazing the Apple Kringle: Drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the slightly cooled kringle using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use chilled butter and avoid overworking the dough to achieve maximum flakiness.
- Dice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and soft filling.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent over-browning as ovens vary.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze wrapped kringle for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in fridge before reheating in oven.
- Customize the filling with pears, berries, nuts, or add a cream cheese layer for variations.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and consider adding xanthan gum.
Keywords: Apple Kringle, Vanilla Glaze, Danish Pastry, Spiced Apple Filling, Breakfast Pastry, Baked Dessert

