Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

This apple kringle with vanilla glaze is the kind of homey treat that makes fall afternoons feel extra special. With a tender, buttery dough braided around juicy spiced apples and topped with glossy glaze, it checks all the boxes for comfort and beautiful presentation. Whether you are making it for a holiday breakfast or sharing with friends over coffee, this recipe delivers a sweet reward.

I first baked this kringle for a cozy book club because it looked impressive, but the process was so forgiving that now I make it whenever apples are in season. The aroma alone had everyone hovering in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Gives the structure in the delicate dough so be sure to use fresh flour for best texture
• Unsalted butter: Makes the kringle flake and melt in your mouth use very cold butter and cut in quickly
• Brown sugar: Brings caramel notes to the filling for extra depth
• Cinnamon: Pairs perfectly with apples and gives the classic kringle warmth
• Lemon juice: Brightens the apple filling and keeps the apples from browning
• Fresh apples: Are the star choose crisp sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for best results
• Powdered sugar and milk: Combine for the smooth glossy glaze try to sift the sugar to avoid lumps
• Vanilla extract: Adds fragrance to the glaze and rounds out each bite

Instructions

Make the Dough:

In a large bowl vigorously whisk flour salt and sugar together then add chilled butter cubes Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse sand with some pea-sized lumps Sprinkle ice-cold water over and gently knead to bring the dough together into a rough ball Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes so the gluten can relax

Prepare the Apple Filling:

In another bowl toss diced apples with brown sugar cinnamon lemon juice and cornstarch Stir thoroughly so every apple piece is well coated The cornstarch will thicken the juice as it cooks

Roll Out and Shape:

Dust your work area generously with flour Unwrap dough and roll it into a long rectangle about a quarter inch thick Carefully transfer this to a parchment-lined baking sheet

Fill and Braid:

Spoon the apple mixture evenly in a line down the center of the dough Using a sharp knife make one-inch diagonal cuts along both sides of the dough from the filling outward Fold each strip over its neighbor alternating sides to create a beautiful braided pattern Gently pinch ends to seal

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the sheet into a preheated oven at three hundred seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit Bake until the kringle is deeply golden and bubbling at the edges about twenty-five to thirty minutes Let it cool on the tray for at least ten minutes

Mix the Vanilla Glaze:

In a small bowl whisk together powdered sugar milk and vanilla extract until no lumps remain It should be thick enough to drizzle but not stiff

Finish and Serve:

Once the kringle has cooled a bit generously drizzle glaze across the top Allow it to set so it glistens before slicing Serve warm for the best texture or leave it at room temp for easy slicing

There is something magical about the way the lemon brightens the filling here The first time my kids tasted a warm slice they insisted we pack extras for their school lunch the next day

Storage and Leftover Tips

Keep leftover kringle tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days The glaze helps keep it moist If you want to save it for longer slice it and freeze in individual portions Once thawed the slices warm nicely in a low oven You can also refrigerate for up to five days if your kitchen is very warm

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If apples are out of season try pears or even peaches for a summery vibe Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a hint of caramel with less sweetness Switch out the vanilla in the glaze for almond extract if you want a slightly different twist

Perfect Ways to Serve This

A big piece with coffee or tea is heavenly on a chilly morning Top with vanilla ice cream for dessert after dinner Pack up slices for a picnic or lunchbox treat since it stays tender and does not get soggy

This apple kringle is comfort baking at its best Simple, forgiving, and always impressive on the table Enjoy every cozy bite.

Recipe Q&A

→ What type of apples works best for this treat?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith provide a balanced flavor and maintain texture during baking.

→ How do I keep the pastry flaky?

Use cold, cubed butter and avoid over-mixing the dough. Chill dough before rolling for best results.

→ Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes, mix the filling and refrigerate it for up to a day before assembling the pastry.

→ Is it possible to freeze this pastry?

The unglazed pastry can be frozen after baking. Glaze after thawing and reheating for best freshness.

→ What is the best way to serve?

Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with extra glaze if preferred.