Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Introduction
Apple Kringle is a delightful Danish pastry featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple mixture. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, this treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave a comforting baked good.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Add the cold water and gently mix until a dough forms. Wrap the dough and chill it for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface and transfer it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: Spoon the apple mixture down the center of the dough. Cut 1-inch diagonal slits along each side of the dough. Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided effect, and seal the ends.
- Step 5: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: While the kringle cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pastry.
- Step 7: Allow the glaze to set before slicing. Serve the kringle warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flakiness, use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible.
- Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the apple filling for added texture.
- Substitute the apples with pears or peaches for a different fruit twist.
- If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
Storage
Store leftover Apple Kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or microwave before serving to restore its flaky texture and warm filling.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the filling nicely.
PrintApple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
This Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful Scandinavian-inspired pastry featuring a flaky, buttery dough filled with a sweet and spiced apple mixture, braided to perfection and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect as a breakfast treat or a dessert, it offers a beautiful balance of tender apples, cinnamon warmth, and a sweet glaze that adds a luscious finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
Filling Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Slowly add the cold water and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir until the apples are evenly coated and set the mixture aside to develop flavor.
- Preheat Oven and Roll the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a flat surface and roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Transfer the rolled dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy handling and baking.
- Assemble the Kringle: Spoon the apple filling evenly down the center of the dough rectangle. Using a sharp knife, cut 1-inch diagonal slits along both sides of the dough, creating strips. Fold the strips alternately over the filling to form a braided pattern, making sure to seal the ends to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Bake the Kringle: Place the prepared kringle in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: While the kringle cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the cooled kringle. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the apple kringle warm or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky dough texture.
- Chilling the dough before rolling helps prevent shrinking during baking.
- The lemon juice in the filling prevents the apples from browning and adds a subtle tang.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a vegan butter and milk with a plant-based milk.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Keywords: Apple Kringle, Vanilla Glaze, Scandinavian Pastry, Braided Apple Pastry, Easy Apple Dessert, Flaky Apple Pie, Traditional Kringle

