Apple Kringle Recipe – Flaky Pastry with Spiced Apples & Vanilla Glaze
This Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a festive pastry that wraps warm spiced apples in flaky layers of dough, finished with a sweet vanilla drizzle. Inspired by Scandinavian baking traditions, this kringle is perfect for fall mornings, holiday brunches, or dessert tables. The filling combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and tender apples, while the glaze adds a creamy finish that melts into every bite. Serve warm with coffee or tea for a comforting seasonal treat.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (or homemade Danish dough)
Filling:
- 3–4 Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples (peeled & diced)
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until tender (8–10 min). Stir in cornstarch and cook 1–2 more minutes. Let cool.
- Shape Pastry: Roll out puff pastry into a rectangle. Cut into strips or shape into an oval ring. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Assemble Kringle: Spoon apple filling down the center. Fold edges over and seal. Shape into a ring if using strips.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Let kringle cool slightly, then drizzle glaze. Garnish with nuts or cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- Use cold pastry for best flakiness.
- Don’t overfill—leaks can happen!
- Seal edges well to prevent oozing.
- Let cool before slicing to avoid sogginess.
- Glaze just before serving for best texture.
- Add a pinch of cardamom or clove for deeper spice.