Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with warm, spiced apples that smell like fall in every bite. The golden layers of dough give way to tender chunks of apple sweetened just right, all topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that adds a gentle, creamy touch. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
I love making this kringle when the weather starts to get cooler because the cinnamon and apple filling fills the house with the best kind of cozy smell. I usually slice it up while it’s still a little warm so the glaze melts into the cracks, and I swear it tastes even better that way. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but is actually pretty simple to pull off, which makes it my go-to for sharing with friends.
My favorite way to serve this is with a cup of hot coffee or tea on a lazy weekend morning. It’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up, and I almost always have to make two because everyone wants seconds. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that feels a little fancy but is totally comfy and familiar, this apple kringle is a wonderful choice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like using Granny Smith for their tartness and firmness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work well too. If you want it sweeter, Gala is a nice choice. Avoid super soft apples—they can get mushy when baked.
Butter: Use cold, unsalted butter for the flaky kringle layers. Cold butter creates pockets of steam while baking, which gives the dough its light texture. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan butter for a similar effect.
Sour Cream: It adds moisture and a slight tang to the dough, making it tender but still sturdy. You can swap with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if needed.
Vanilla Glaze: Powdered sugar with milk and vanilla keeps it simple and sweet. For a dairy-free glaze, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.
How Do You Get the Dough Flaky and Tender?
The secret to flaky kringle dough is handling the butter right and not overworking the dough.
- Keep butter cold and cut into small cubes before mixing with the flour.
- Mix just until you see pea-sized clumps of butter; don’t overmix. These bits melt in the oven and create layers.
- Chill the dough at least an hour so it’s easier to roll and holds shape when baked.
- Roll gently on a floured surface to avoid sticking and uneven thickness.
Taking these steps means your kringle bakes up light, crispy, and tender on the inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Rolling pin – helps you spread the dough evenly to the right size without tearing.
- Sharp knife – perfect for making clean, even cuts to twist the kringle edges.
- Baking sheet – a flat, sturdy tray to bake your kringle without warping.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing dough, filling, and glaze separately.
- Whisk – great for mixing the glaze smoothly without lumps.
- Pastry brush – helps you apply the egg wash evenly for a golden, shiny crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or a mix of both for a sweeter, softer filling with a bit of variety.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins to bring a touch of tartness and chewy texture.
- Sprinkle some ground cardamom or ginger along with cinnamon for warm spice twists.
Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kringle Pastry:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped into chunks
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare the dough and filling, plus 1 hour chilling time. Baking takes about 35-40 minutes, and then you’ll want to let it cool for 10-15 minutes before adding the glaze. All together, plan for around 2 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Kringle Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits. In another bowl, whisk the sour cream, egg, and vanilla. Add this wet mix to the flour and blend gently just until it starts forming dough. Don’t overmix! Shape into a disc, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
Mix the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla in a big bowl. Toss well so the apples are nicely coated. Set aside for the flavors to blend.
3. Roll, Fill, and Shape:
On a floured surface, roll the dough to a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the apple filling over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border all around. Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the edges closed. Form the roll into a ring or oval shape and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Use a sharp knife to make diagonal cuts about 1 to 2 inches apart along the log’s length. Carefully lift each strip and twist it to reveal the filling, alternating twists left and right to create a braided look.
4. Apply Egg Wash and Bake:
Whisk together the egg and water, then brush the kringle’s surface all over. Bake it in the oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, until the crust is golden and cooked through.
5. Make the Vanilla Glaze and Finish:
While the kringle bakes, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust milk to get the right drizzle texture. Once the kringle is out of the oven and warmed, let it cool 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the top and allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your warm, flaky apple kruingle with a sweet vanilla glaze—truly a cozy treat perfect for sharing or a special breakfast!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the kringle soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The kringle dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and assembling. Just bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling out.
How Should I Store Leftover Kringle?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream in the Dough?
Yes! Greek yogurt or buttermilk are good substitutes that will keep the dough tender and flavorful without changing the texture too much.
