Homemade Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

If you’ve ever dreamed of slicing into a delightfully flaky pastry filled with warm, spiced apples, then this Homemade Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is just what you need. This Scandinavian-inspired treat combines tender layers of buttery dough with a sweet apple filling, all topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that adds the perfect touch of indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or looking for a special dessert to cozy up with, this recipe is both approachable and impressive, making it sure to become a household favorite. Let’s dive into why this homemade apple kringle recipe will quickly become your go-to sweet sensation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flaky and Buttery Layers: The perfectly folded dough bakes into irresistible layers that offer a crisp, tender bite every time.
• Warm Apple Comfort: Filled with cinnamon-spiced apples that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.
• Sweet Vanilla Glaze: Drizzled with a simple yet luscious glaze that balances the tartness of the apples beautifully.
• Impressive Yet Easy: Despite its elegant appearance, this Homemade Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is surprisingly beginner-friendly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a festive treat, it fits seamlessly into your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Homemade Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the flaky texture, rich flavor, and beautiful presentation that make this pastry unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure for tender, flaky dough that’s easy to work with.
• Cold unsalted butter: Creates flaky layers when folded into the dough.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and slight tang, keeping the pastry soft and flavorful.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling just enough without overpowering.
• Apples: Crisp and tart varieties like Granny Smith work best for a balanced filling.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that elevate the apple filling’s flavor.
• Lemon juice: Enhances freshness and prevents apple browning.
• Egg: Used for the dough and egg wash to achieve that shiny golden crust.
• Vanilla extract: Key to the rich, aromatic vanilla glaze topping.
• Powdered sugar: Creates a silky, sweet glaze to finish the kringle.

Variations for Homemade Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

One of the best parts about this homemade apple kringle recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste buds or dietary needs. Experiment with different fillings and toppings to make this classic your own.

• Different fruit fillings: Swap apples for pears, peaches, or even mixed berries for a fruity twist.
• Nutty crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for an extra layer of texture.
• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
• Spice it up: Increase cinnamon or add ground cloves and cardamom for a more aromatic filling.
• Maple glaze option: Substitute vanilla extract for maple syrup in the glaze for a cozy fall flavor.

How to Make Homemade Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and cold unsalted butter, cutting the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then stir in the sour cream and egg yolk, kneading gently until the dough comes together. Chill this for at least an hour to make rolling easier and to maintain the butter’s coldness for flakiness.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Meanwhile, peel, core, and dice your apples. Toss them with cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a little sugar to balance their natural tartness. This mixture will become the warm, spiced center of your kringle.

Step 3: Roll and Assemble the Kringle

Roll the chilled dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the dough into thirds, then gently roll it out again to create flaky layers. Form this into an oval or rectangle and transfer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Brush the assembled kringle with an egg wash to encourage a glossy, golden crust. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and deeply browned. The aroma alone will have you eager to enjoy a slice!

Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with vanilla extract and a splash of milk until smooth and pourable. Once the kringle has cooled slightly, drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top to add sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

• Keep butter cold: Always use chilled butter and dough to create the flaky layers characteristic of kringle.
• Don’t overfill: Too much apple filling can make the pastry soggy or leak during baking.
• Use a sharp knife: Score the top of the dough lightly to allow steam to escape and prevent sogginess.
• Let it cool before glazing: Slight cooling prevents the glaze from melting and sliding off, ensuring that perfect final look.
• Choose tart apples: Varieties like Granny Smith balance sweetness nicely and hold their shape well when baked.

How to Serve Homemade Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh apple slices on top for a delicate and inviting presentation that highlights the fresh apple flavor inside the kringle.

Side Dishes

This Homemade Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm cup of spiced chai, which complement the pastry’s sweet and spiced notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual mini kringles for brunch parties or holidays, or accompany slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps keep the crust from becoming too soft and maintains the freshness of the filling.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the completely cooled kringle tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To restore the flaky texture, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

You can, but fresh apples provide a fresher flavor and better texture. If using canned filling, drain excess liquid to prevent soggy dough.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes! This Homemade Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze breaks down every step clearly and does not require advanced baking skills.

Can I make this kringle dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with a vegan alternative and use plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream, though texture may vary slightly.

What is the best apple variety to use?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples are ideal since they hold their shape well and offer a balanced sweet-tart taste.

How do I get a shiny crust on the kringle?

An egg wash applied before baking creates that attractive golden shine, enhancing both appearance and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is one of those special pastries that feels both comforting and festive. Its flaky, buttery crust paired with the warmly spiced apple filling and sweet glaze creates layers of taste and texture that are absolutely irresistible. Whether as a centerpiece for your next brunch or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and happy sighs at every bite. So grab your rolling pin and fresh apples—your perfect homemade apple kringle awaits!

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