This Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful treat that’s perfect for chilly mornings or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. The flaky, buttery pastry wraps around a warm filling of spiced apples, giving you that wonderful mix of crisp, tender, and soft textures all in one bite. The vanilla glaze on top adds just the right touch of sweetness and a lovely hint of creaminess.
I love making this kringle for special breakfasts or when friends come over for coffee. There’s something so comforting about the smell of apples, cinnamon, and vanilla filling the kitchen as it bakes. I usually slice it up while it’s still a little warm and pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee—it feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s a great way to use fresh apples that are starting to get a bit soft.
One little tip I’ve learned: don’t skip the vanilla glaze! It might seem like a simple touch, but it really pulls everything together and makes the whole pastry shine. If you want to make it extra special, sprinkle a little cinnamon or chopped nuts on top of the glaze before it sets. This apple kringle has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want to share some homemade comfort with family or friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they stay firm when baked and offer a nice tart flavor. If you prefer sweeter fruit, try Fuji or Gala apples. Make sure to slice them thinly for even cooking.
Yeast Dough: The active dry yeast helps create a light, flaky texture. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry as a shortcut, though the texture will be a bit different.
Almonds: Chopped almonds add a lovely crunch inside and on top. If you have nut allergies, simply omit them or substitute with toasted oats or seeds for texture.
Vanilla Glaze: Vanilla extract gives a warm flavor depth. If you want, substitute with almond extract or add a pinch of cinnamon for a twist. Adjust milk amount for a thicker or thinner glaze.
How Do You Get the Perfect Twisted Ring Shape?
Shaping the kringle into a twisted ring can seem tricky but is key to even baking and that classic look. Here’s how I handle it:
- Roll your dough and spread filling evenly, leaving a border to seal.
- Roll up tightly as a log and pinch the ends to seal fully—this keeps filling from leaking.
- Shape into a ring on a parchment-lined sheet so it can be transferred easily.
- Use a sharp knife to make 1-inch cuts along the outer edge, then gently twist each piece away from you to show the layers and filling.
- This twisting helps bake the filling evenly and creates the beautiful, cozy look.
Don’t rush this step—taking time to twist gently keeps the dough intact and the filling inside. It’s worth it for a stunning final pastry!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining dough ingredients and apple filling separately.
- Rolling pin – helps roll out the dough evenly to the right thickness.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Sharp knife – perfect for making clean diagonal cuts on the kringle’s edge for twisting.
- Whisk – useful for mixing the vanilla glaze smoothly without lumps.
- Pastry brush (optional) – for brushing melted butter on the apples to keep them moist.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or peaches in season — they add a sweet, juicy twist you’ll love.
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for extra texture and a hint of tartness.
- Use chopped pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for a different nutty crunch.
- Mix cinnamon with a little ground cardamom or ginger to give the filling a warm, spiced edge.
Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup chopped almonds (optional, for inside and topping)
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Additional chopped almonds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 1 hour for the dough to rise, and 30-35 minutes to bake. Add about 15 minutes cooling time before glazing and serving, so plan for around 2 hours total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it froth for 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour and mix until sticky. Knead dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
2. Make the Apple Filling:
Mix sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and melted butter in a large bowl. Stir in chopped almonds, saving some for topping later.
3. Assemble the Kringle:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, sealing edges. Transfer the roll to a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape it into a ring, and pinch the ends to seal. Make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart along the ring’s edge and gently twist each section to expose the filling. Sprinkle reserved almonds on top.
4. Bake:
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and apples are tender. Let cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes.
5. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze:
Whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk or cream in a small bowl. Add more milk to reach desired drizzle consistency.
6. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the warm kringle and dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite coffee or tea. Enjoy your cozy, delicious treat!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the frozen apples well before using to avoid excess moisture that could make the dough soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels for best results.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and assembling the kringle.
How Should I Store Leftover Kringle?
Store leftover kringle in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
Can I Substitute the Vanilla Glaze?
Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze with lemon juice or milk makes a nice alternative. You can also skip the glaze and dust the kringle generously with powdered sugar after baking for a lighter finish.
