Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze: Danish Bakery Magic at Home

Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze the answer to complicated pastries that require culinary school training and store-bought versions that taste nothing like the real thing. Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, and if you’ve been intimidated by laminated dough or disappointed by dry, flavorless pastries that crumble into a mess, this recipe will open a whole new world of baking possibilities. I discovered kringle during a trip to Wisconsin, where these beautiful oval pastries are practically a state treasure, and I became obsessed with recreating that buttery, flaky perfection at home.

This recipe promises layers upon layers of tender, buttery pastry wrapped around sweet-tart apple filling and finished with a silky vanilla glaze that makes every bite feel like a celebration. The technique is more approachable than traditional Danish pastry, using a simplified method that delivers professional results without the stress. After perfecting this through countless batches, I’ve mastered the balance that creates those signature flaky layers, prevents soggy bottoms, and produces a pastry that looks as impressive as it tastes.

I’ll guide you through the dough technique, preparing the perfect apple filling, shaping the traditional oval, and applying that gorgeous glaze. Whether you’re planning a special breakfast, bringing something impressive to brunch, or simply want to tackle a rewarding baking project, this apple kringle with vanilla glaze will become your signature showstopper.

Why This Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe Works

This Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze transforms Danish bakery tradition into something achievable for home bakers while delivering authentic flavor and texture.

• Simplified lamination technique creates flaky layers without complexity No need for precise temperature control or multiple folds over several days
• Apple filling balances sweet and tart perfectly Fresh apples combined with warm spices create depth without being cloying
• Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining Prepare dough the night before and bake fresh in the morning
• Impressive presentation that belies its simplicity Looks like you spent hours at a professional bakery
• Vanilla glaze adds sweetness without overwhelming The perfect finishing touch that enhances rather than masks the pastry
• Feeds 8-10 people generously One kringle serves a crowd, making it economical for gatherings

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Quality ingredients elevate this pastry from good to extraordinary, especially when it comes to butter and apples.

Best Apples for This Recipe

For Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze, firm, tart apples are essential. Granny Smith apples are ideal they hold their shape during baking and provide tangy contrast to the sweet pastry and glaze. Honeycrisp apples work beautifully if you prefer slightly sweeter filling with excellent texture retention.

Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh – they turn to mush when baked and make the filling watery. You need apples that maintain structure and don’t release excessive moisture, which would make the pastry soggy.

Buying Tips

Choose European-style butter with higher fat content (82-84%) if possible. It creates more tender, flavorful pastry than standard American butter (80% fat). The butter must be very cold when laminating freeze it for 10 minutes before use if your kitchen is warm.

For the dough, use all-purpose flour rather than bread flour. Lower protein content creates more tender pastry. Fresh yeast is crucial; check expiration dates carefully. Buy pure vanilla extract for the glaze, not imitation the delicate glaze really showcases the vanilla flavor.

Substitutions

Can’t find European butter? Standard unsalted butter works, though the pastry will be slightly less rich. For dairy-free versions, use plant-based butter sticks (not spreads) with similar fat content. The texture will differ slightly but can still be delicious.

If you can’t tolerate yeast, this particular recipe requires it for proper texture there’s no good substitution. However, you could try puff pastry as a shortcut base, though it won’t be authentic kringle.

Ingredients & Prep for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Dough Prep Essentials

Proper preparation ensures your Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze has those signature flaky layers. All dough ingredients except butter should be cold but not frozen. Cut butter into small cubes and keep refrigerated until the moment you need it. Have ice water ready rather than room temperature water cold ingredients are crucial for creating distinct butter layers.

Clear refrigerator space before starting. You’ll need room for the dough to chill between steps, which is non-negotiable for proper texture.

Main Dough Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
• ½ cup cold whole milk
• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 large egg, cold
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Apple Filling Ingredients

• 3 cups peeled, diced apples (about 3 medium Granny Smith)
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Vanilla Glaze Ingredients

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Pantry Staples

Quality ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in the filling fresh spices have more aromatic oils. Lemon juice prevents apples from browning and adds brightness that balances sweetness. Keep instant yeast on hand; it can be mixed directly into dry ingredients unlike active dry yeast. Pure vanilla extract in both filling and glaze ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Pre-Baking Prep for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Before starting your Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze, ensure all ingredients are properly chilled. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Measure and organize all ingredients so nothing gets forgotten mid-process. Have a rolling pin, pastry brush, and sharp knife ready.

Prepare the apple filling first so it can cool while you work with the dough. Hot filling will melt the butter in the pastry and ruin the layers.

Apple Filling Preparation for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to release some moisture.

Step 2: Drain off any accumulated liquid (this prevents soggy pastry). Stir in melted butter. Set aside to cool completely while preparing dough.

Dough Method for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together cold milk, cold water, and egg.

Step 4: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth. The dough will be slightly sticky that’s correct.

Step 5: Pat dough into a rectangle about 8×10 inches. Scatter cold butter cubes evenly over two-thirds of the dough. Fold the unbuttered third over the middle, then fold the remaining third over that, like a letter. You now have three layers.

Step 6: Turn dough 90 degrees, roll into a rectangle again (about 8×12 inches), and fold into thirds once more. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, chilling for 20 minutes between each. After the final fold, refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Shaping the Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Step 8: On a lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough into a large rectangle approximately 12×18 inches. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick.

Step 9: Spread cooled apple filling down the center third of the dough lengthwise, leaving 2 inches clear at each end.

Step 10: Cut diagonal strips about 1 inch wide on both sides of the filling, angling from the filling toward the outer edge. Fold the top and bottom ends over the filling, then alternately fold the strips over the filling, creating a braided appearance.

Step 11: Carefully transfer to prepared baking sheet, shaping into an oval ring. The ends should meet but don’t need to connect perfectly. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes until puffy.

Baking the Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Step 12: Preheat oven to 375°F during the last 15 minutes of rising. Brush the risen kringle with beaten egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water).

Step 13: Bake for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown. The pastry should sound hollow when tapped and be cooked through with no doughy spots. If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Step 14: Transfer on the parchment paper to a wire rack to cool for at least 20 minutes before glazing.

Glazing Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Step 15: While kringle cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, vanilla, and salt. Add more milk ½ teaspoon at a time if needed to reach drizzling consistency.

Step 16: Drizzle glaze generously over the warm (not hot) kringle in a zigzag pattern. Let glaze set for 10 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Avoiding Soggy or Tough Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Keep everything cold during dough preparation warm butter melts into the dough instead of creating layers. Don’t skip chilling times between folds; this allows gluten to relax and keeps butter firm. Drain excess liquid from apple filling thoroughly before using.

Work quickly when rolling and shaping to prevent butter from warming. If the dough becomes sticky or buttery during rolling, refrigerate for 15 minutes before continuing. Underbaking creates doughy texture; ensure the pastry is deep golden brown all over.

Tool Recommendations

A heavy rolling pin provides better leverage for rolling laminated dough. Use a bench scraper to handle sticky dough and keep your work surface clean. Parchment paper is essential for easy transfer of the delicate shaped kringle. A pastry brush applies egg wash evenly without tearing the dough.

Storage & Serving

Store leftover Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. The pastry stays remarkably fresh thanks to the butter content. Reheat individual slices in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore flakiness.

You can freeze unbaked shaped kringle (before final rise) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, let rise, and bake as directed. Baked kringle freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.

Flavor Variations for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Cherry Almond Kringle

Replace apple filling with cherry pie filling and add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the glaze. Sprinkle with sliced almonds before baking for authentic Wisconsin-style kringle.

Pecan Caramel

Use diced pears instead of apples and add ½ cup chopped pecans to the filling. Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of vanilla glaze for decadent results.

Mixed Berry

Combine 3 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) with sugar and cornstarch instead of apple filling. Use lemon glaze (add lemon zest and juice) for bright flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze shines as a centerpiece for breakfast or brunch. Serve slices on a beautiful platter with fresh coffee and hot tea. The pastry pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert service.

Present the whole oval kringle on a cake stand before slicing it’s a stunning visual that deserves to be showcased. Garnish the serving platter with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for elegant presentation.

This pastry is perfect for holiday breakfasts, Mother’s Day brunch, special weekend mornings, or anytime you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. It also makes an extraordinary hostess gift wrap the cooled, glazed kringle in cellophane and tie with a beautiful ribbon.

Cut into generous slices and serve alongside fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or savory egg dishes for a complete brunch spread.

FAQs About Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Can I make Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze without overnight chilling? You can, but overnight chilling develops better flavor and makes the dough easier to work with. If rushed, chill for at least 2 hours total (30 minutes after each fold) for acceptable results.

Why is my kringle doughy in the middle? It’s underbaked. Kringle needs the full baking time to cook through all those layers. The outside browns quickly, but the inside needs time to set. If browning too fast, reduce temperature to 350°F and bake longer.

Is this Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze safe during pregnancy? Yes! All ingredients are pregnancy-safe when the pastry is fully baked. The egg wash cooks completely during baking.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry? It’s not authentic kringle, but it works as a time-saving shortcut. The texture will be different lighter and less rich than true kringle dough. Follow package instructions for rolling and baking times may differ.

How do I know when it’s done? The kringle should be deep golden brown all over, sound hollow when tapped, and show no pale or doughy spots. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the pastry (not filling) should read at least 190°F.

Can I make the dough ahead? Absolutely! Prepare through the final fold and refrigerate for up to 2 days before shaping and baking. This actually improves flavor development.

Conclusion

Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze brings Danish bakery tradition into your home kitchen with achievable techniques and spectacular results. Every flaky layer, every bite of spiced apple filling, every drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze creates an experience that makes special occasions truly memorable. At dishfoody.com, I believe some recipes are worth the extra effort, and this showstopper definitely qualifies.

Ready to impress everyone with your baking skills? Clear your weekend, gather your ingredients, and create something truly special. The look on people’s faces when they see (and taste) this beautiful pastry makes every minute worthwhile! I’d love to see your gorgeous kringles tag me in your photos!

Join over 5,000 home cooks who’ve discovered the joy of impressive baking projects! Looking for more special pastries? Try my Cheesecake Factory Italian Lemon Cream Cake or Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf next they’re perfect for anyone who loves creating bakery-worthy treats at home. Let’s keep baking beautiful memories together!

Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze: Danish Bakery Magic at Home

Print Recipe

A flaky Danish-style pastry filled with sweet cinnamon apples and finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze a cozy and impressive treat for breakfast or dessert.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Danish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• — Vanilla Glaze —
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• 2. In a skillet, melt butter and cook apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until tender (about 5–7 minutes). Cool slightly.
• 3. Place one puff pastry sheet on baking sheet. Spread apple filling down the center.
• 4. Top with second puff pastry sheet, sealing edges with a fork. Cut slits across the top for venting.
• 5. Brush with beaten egg for golden color.
• 6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
• 7. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
• 8. Drizzle glaze over cooled Kringle and slice to serve.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling.
• Best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
• You can prepare the apple filling ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze, Danish pastry, apple dessert