Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Cozy Apple Kringle, topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for any occasion, this pastry is sure to please your taste buds and warm your heart.

Natalie Briggs

Created by

Natalie Briggs

Last updated on 2025-12-21T07:10:57.729Z

This Cozy Apple Kringle is inspired by traditional pastries that are perfect for chilly days. The combination of sweet apples and a flaky crust, drizzled with vanilla glaze, creates a delightful dessert that everyone will love.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Warm, spiced apple filling that evokes nostalgia
  • Flaky, buttery pastry that melts in your mouth
  • Beautifully drizzled with homemade vanilla glaze

A Taste of Tradition

The Cozy Apple Kringle is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons. This delightful pastry is rooted in tradition, inspired by generations of bakers who have perfected the art of making flaky pastries filled with sweet, spiced apples. Each bite offers a perfect blend of warmth and nostalgia, making it an ideal choice for holiday celebrations or simply as a comforting dessert after dinner.

Using fresh, seasonal apples enhances the taste and texture of this dish. The combination of brown sugar and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a filling that is both comforting and invigorating, allowing you to savor the experience of homemade goodness with every slice. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying it with a cup of tea, this kringle is sure to become a family favorite.

Perfect Pastry Techniques

Achieving a flaky, buttery pastry is an art that requires a few simple techniques. The key to a successful kringle lies in the cold butter, which, when combined with flour, creates a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Be sure to handle the dough as little as possible to maintain its lightness. Refrigerating the dough before rolling it out is essential, as it helps the butter firm up, ensuring those beautiful, flaky layers when baked.

When assembling the kringle, don’t be afraid to get creative with the shape and presentation. While the traditional form is delightful, you can experiment with twists or braids to add a personal touch. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows for even more delicious caramelization of the crust.

Serving Suggestions

After drizzling the kringle with a homemade vanilla glaze, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. The contrast of warm pastry and cold toppings creates a delightful experience that will elevate your dessert game. Additionally, serving it alongside a warm beverage, such as spiced cider or hot chocolate, enhances the cozy feel and makes it perfect for chilly days.

For special occasions, consider garnishing the kringle with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted walnuts for added texture and flavor. Not only does this create a stunning presentation, but it also invites your guests to indulge in a truly memorable dessert that embodies the essence of comfort and warmth.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start to ensure a smooth baking experience.

For the Apple Filling

  • 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Pastry

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

For the Vanilla Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure you have everything ready before you start mixing and baking.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your delicious Cozy Apple Kringle.

Prepare the Apple Filling

In a bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Make the Pastry

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough forms. Divide into two balls, flatten them into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Assemble the Kringle

Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Place the apple filling down the center of the dough and fold the sides over to cover the filling. Repeat with the second disc of dough.

Bake the Kringle

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled kringles on a lined baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary.

Glaze and Serve

Once the kringles are cool, drizzle with the vanilla glaze and slice. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade Cozy Apple Kringle with a cup of tea or coffee!

Storage Tips

To keep your Cozy Apple Kringle fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for up to a week. Just be sure to reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its delightful flakiness before serving.

For longer storage, you can freeze the kringle before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize the apple filling to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of tartness, or incorporating nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different spices, such as ginger or allspice, to give it a unique twist that reflects your personal flavor profile.

If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute some of the sugar in the filling with honey or maple syrup, and use whole wheat flour for the pastry. This maintains the essence of the Cozy Apple Kringle while providing a slightly more nutritious option without sacrificing flavor.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pastry?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry can be a convenient alternative if you're short on time.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling and pastry in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked kringle. Just wrap it tightly and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Cozy Apple Kringle, topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for any occasion, this pastry is sure to please your taste buds and warm your heart.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time70 minutes

Created by: Natalie Briggs

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Apple Filling

  1. 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
  2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  3. 1 tsp cinnamon
  4. 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  5. 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Pastry

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

For the Vanilla Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tbsp milk
  3. 1 tsp vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 02

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough forms. Divide into two balls, flatten them into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 03

Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Place the apple filling down the center of the dough and fold the sides over to cover the filling. Repeat with the second disc of dough.

Step 04

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled kringles on a lined baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 05

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary.

Step 06

Once the kringles are cool, drizzle with the vanilla glaze and slice. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 3g