Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is the perfect dessert to warm up your home. With tender apples nestled in a buttery pastry and topped with a sweet glaze, it's sure to become a family favorite.

Jessica Brown

Created by

Jessica Brown

Last updated on 2025-12-23T17:45:45.916Z

This recipe for Cozy Apple Kringle is inspired by traditional Danish pastries, featuring a flaky crust filled with sweet apples and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, this kringle is topped with a decadent vanilla glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Warm, spiced apple filling that evokes nostalgic flavors
  • Flaky, buttery pastry that melts in your mouth
  • Drizzled with sweet vanilla glaze for an irresistible finish

The Perfect Fall Dessert

As autumn arrives and the days grow cooler, nothing brings more comfort than a warm dessert filled with the flavors of the season. This Cozy Apple Kringle is the ultimate embodiment of fall, capturing the essence of freshly picked apples and the aroma of cinnamon. Each bite transports you to a quaint orchard, making it a perfect treat for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

Moreover, this dessert is not just about taste; it's about the experience of baking together with loved ones. The process of preparing the flaky pastry and mixing the spiced apple filling creates lasting memories in the kitchen. From the moment the oven door opens, the delightful scent of baked apples fills the air, inviting everyone to the table.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Cozy Apple Kringle turns out perfectly, start with chilled ingredients. Keeping your butter cold is crucial for achieving that flaky, tender texture in the pastry. You can even chill your flour and mixing bowl for added assurance. Additionally, don't rush the dough-making process—allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.

When it comes to the apple filling, feel free to mix different varieties of apples for a more complex flavor profile. Tart apples like Granny Smith balance wonderfully with sweeter varieties, creating a delicious contrast that enhances the overall taste of the kringle.

Serving Suggestions

This Cozy Apple Kringle is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few serving suggestions. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. The contrast of warm kringle and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.

For a festive touch, serve the kringle with a side of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also provide a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests during holiday gatherings or family celebrations.

Ingredients

For the Pastry

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cold water

For the Filling

  • 3 cups apples, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Vanilla Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly before proceeding to the next steps.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cold water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Assemble the Kringle

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the apple filling down the center, then fold the edges over to enclose the filling, pinching to seal.

Bake and Glaze

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the warm kringle before serving.

Allow the kringle to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Storing Your Kringle

If you find yourself with leftover Cozy Apple Kringle, storing it properly is essential to maintain its delightful texture and flavor. Allow the kringle to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

For longer storage, consider freezing the kringle. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore its flaky goodness.

Variations to Try

While the classic apple filling is a favorite, feel free to experiment with different fruits to create your own unique twist on this kringle. Pears, cherries, or even a combination of berries can make for delicious alternatives. Just remember to adjust the sugar and spices according to the sweetness and flavor of the fruit you choose.

You can also play around with the glaze. Instead of a vanilla glaze, try a maple glaze or a cream cheese frosting for a richer taste. Each variation offers a new and exciting way to enjoy this comforting pastry, ensuring it never gets boring!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different fruits for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or berries for a different flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and freeze it for up to a month before using.

→ What can I use instead of butter?

You can use margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.

Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

This Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is the perfect dessert to warm up your home. With tender apples nestled in a buttery pastry and topped with a sweet glaze, it's sure to become a family favorite.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time75 minutes

Created by: Jessica Brown

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Pastry

  1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  3. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. 1/4 cup cold water

For the Filling

  1. 3 cups apples, peeled and diced
  2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Vanilla Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons milk
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cold water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 02

In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 03

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the apple filling down the center, then fold the edges over to enclose the filling, pinching to seal.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the warm kringle before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 2g