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
Scale
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.
