If you have a soft spot for flaky pastries bursting with warm spices and fresh fruit, you’re going to adore the Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. This delightful treat combines tender, buttery layers of dough braided around a luscious spiced apple filling, all topped with a sweet, creamy vanilla glaze that takes it to the next level. It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a lazy afternoon. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and success of baking this Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. Each component plays an important role, from the flakey dough’s buttery richness to the juicy apple filling’s spiced sweetness and the glaze’s smooth finish that brings it all together beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our tender, flaky dough that holds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Just a touch for a hint of sweetness in the dough itself.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Key for that irresistible flakiness and buttery taste.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Helps bring the dough together just right without getting sticky.
- 3 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced: Fresh, crisp apples are the star of the filling with natural sweetness and texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that perfectly complement the apples.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses that classic spiced warmth essential to this Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling and keeps apples from browning.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling, so it’s nice and juicy without being runny.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Forms the sweet, glossy base of the luscious vanilla glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Smooths out the glaze for perfect drizzling consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts flavor with sweet aromatic notes in the glaze.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by mixing your flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut in that cold, cubed butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this step is key to achieving those flaky layers everyone loves. Then slowly stir in the cold water to bring the dough together. Wrap it tightly in plastic and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This rest helps the gluten relax and the butter firm up again, leading to a more tender pastry.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
While your dough chills, toss your peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. This combo creates a perfectly spiced, thickened filling that’ll stay juicy but not soggy once baked. Letting it sit for a bit allows all those delightful flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepping your work area ahead makes the next steps smooth and stress-free.
Step 4: Roll and Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough into a rectangle shape. Transfer it carefully onto the lined baking sheet. Spoon the apple mixture down the center in a neat line. Then cut 1-inch diagonal slits along both sides parallel to the filling. Fold the strips over the filling one by one—left to right, right to left—creating that gorgeous braided effect. Pinch the ends to seal everything in; this not only looks impressive but keeps all the delicious filling inside.
Step 5: Bake the Kringle
Bake your braided beauty for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and smells incredible. Once out of the oven, let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes to settle and avoid burning your mouth later!
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Vanilla Glaze
While the kringle cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. This vanilla glaze brings the perfect touch of sweetness and a shiny finish. Drizzle it evenly over the cooled pastry and allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing into that impressive braid.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon can add an extra crunch and aromatic kick. Fresh mint leaves also provide a lovely green contrast and subtle freshness to each slice.
Side Dishes
Serve your Apple Cinnamon Kringle with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee to create the ultimate cozy treat time. The kringle’s sweetness pairs beautifully with creamy or robust beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange slices on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Or serve individual portions topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for that wow factor everyone appreciates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover kringle tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days, making it perfect for enjoying the next morning’s breakfast or afternoon snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked and cooled kringle by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a delightful treat whenever you crave it.
Reheating
To bring your kringle back to life, warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the flaky crust and warms the filling, almost like it’s fresh from the oven again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully for balance, sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will give a softer, sweeter filling. Feel free to mix varieties for a complex flavor.
Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bring it back to a cool temperature before rolling. This can help save time on busy days.
What if I don’t have cornstarch to thicken the filling?
You can substitute with an equal amount of flour or arrowroot powder. Both will do a nice job thickening the apple mixture so it doesn’t get soggy during baking.
Can this recipe be doubled to serve a crowd?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake the kringle on a larger sheet or make two smaller ones. Keep an eye on the baking time—it might need a few extra minutes if thicker.
How long does the vanilla glaze stay fresh?
The glaze is best used immediately after mixing and drizzling, but any leftover glaze can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Give it a quick whisk before using again to recombine any settled ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making this Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe enough! It’s one of those comforting, feel-good bakes that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your taste buds with pure joy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself to something sweet, this kringle is sure to impress and satisfy with every flaky, spiced bite. Dive in and enjoy every delicious moment!
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Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving (1 kringle, approximately 8-10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a sweet and spiced apple mixture, braided to perfection and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert, this recipe combines tender apples, cinnamon, and a tender homemade dough baked until golden brown, then finished with a sweet vanilla drizzle.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
For the Apple Filling
- 3 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the chilled, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water while gently mixing to form a dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat the apples evenly. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Roll and Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out into a rectangle shape. Transfer this rectangle onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the apple mixture evenly down the center of the rectangle. With a sharp knife, cut 1-inch diagonal slits along both sides of the dough, parallel to the filling. Fold the strips over the apple filling alternately to create a braided effect and pinch the ends of the dough together to seal the pastry.
- Bake the Kringle: Place the shaped dough into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes resting on a wire rack.
- Prepare and Add the Vanilla Glaze: While the kringle cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and drip-free. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the cooled pastry.
- Serve: Allow the vanilla glaze to set slightly before slicing. Serve the kringle warm or at room temperature to enjoy its full flavors and flaky texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is very cold before incorporating it into the flour to ensure a flaky crust.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and texture.
- If the dough becomes too soft while working, chill it again before rolling.
- Brush the kringle with an egg wash before baking for a shinier crust (optional).
- The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
