Apple Kringle Recipe – Flaky Pastry with Spiced Apples & Vanilla Glaze

Why Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Is the Ultimate Fall Pastry

As the crisp air settles in and leaves turn golden, there’s nothing more comforting than the scent of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. Enter the Cozy Apple Kringle—a flaky, golden pastry wrapped around tender spiced apples and finished with a dreamy vanilla glaze. It’s nostalgia baked into every bite.

This pastry is a celebration of fall’s finest flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or simply curling up with a warm drink. The contrast of buttery layers, gooey apple filling, and sweet glaze makes it irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, the Apple Kringle brings warmth, joy, and a touch of elegance to any table. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a seasonal ritual that invites you to slow down and savor the sweetness of autumn.

What Is an Apple Kringle?

An Apple Kringle is a ring-shaped Danish pastry that combines the festive charm of Scandinavian baking with the cozy flavors of American apple pie. Traditionally made with laminated dough, it’s filled with a luscious apple-cinnamon mixture and baked to golden perfection.

The kringle’s signature oval shape makes it ideal for sharing, while its layered texture offers a satisfying bite that’s both crisp and tender. The apple filling—spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg—evokes the warmth of fall, and the vanilla glaze adds a sweet finish that ties everything together.

Popular in Midwest bakeries and holiday tables, the Apple Kringle is beloved for its crowd-pleasing flavor and beautiful presentation. It’s a pastry that feels both rustic and refined, making it a standout centerpiece for any seasonal celebration.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to craft your own Apple Kringle:

Pastry:

• Puff pastry (store-bought or homemade Danish dough)

Filling:

• 3–4 tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Tip: Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the glaze and add a bright, fresh flavor to the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel and dice apples. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until apples are tender and juices thicken, about 8–10 minutes. Stir in cornstarch and cook 1–2 more minutes. Let cool.

2. Shape the Pastry: Roll out puff pastry into a large rectangle. Cut into strips or shape into an oval ring. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Assemble the Kringle: Spoon apple filling down the center. Fold edges over the filling, overlapping slightly, and press to seal. Shape into a ring if using strips.

4. Bake: Brush with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

5. Glaze and Garnish: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Let kringle cool slightly, then drizzle glaze generously. Sprinkle with nuts or extra cinnamon if desired.

Tip: Allow the kringle to cool for 10–15 minutes before glazing to prevent the icing from melting too quickly.

Taste & Texture Profile

The Apple Kringle offers a symphony of textures and flavors:

• Pastry: Buttery and flaky, with crisp edges and tender layers
• Filling: Soft, spiced apples that melt in your mouth
• Glaze: Sweet and creamy, with a hint of vanilla
• Crunch: Optional nuts add a delightful contrast

Each bite is warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting—like a hug in pastry form. The balance of tart apples and sweet glaze creates a harmonious flavor that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a treat that captures the essence of fall in every slice.