Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delicious, flaky pastry filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a sweet, smooth vanilla drizzle. The layers of buttery dough and soft apple filling make each bite a perfect mix of crisp and soft textures that feels just right for a cozy afternoon treat.
I love making this Apple Kringle because it fills the kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and baked apples. It’s one of those pastries that feels special but isn’t hard to make, which makes it my go-to when I want to impress friends or just treat myself. The vanilla glaze adds just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples without being too much.
My favorite way to enjoy this kringle is warm with a cup of coffee or tea. I like to slice a piece right out of the oven when the glaze is still a little melty—that’s when it tastes the best! It also makes for a wonderful holiday dessert or a weekend breakfast that feels extra cozy and festive.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Puff Pastry
- This is the base that gives your kringle its flaky, buttery layers. You can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience. If you prefer, homemade puff pastry will give extra flakiness but takes more time.
- Apples
- Granny Smith apples are tart and hold texture well, which I love. For sweeter kringles, mix in Fuji or Honeycrisp apples. Avoid very soft varieties like McIntosh that turn mushy when baked.
- Spices
- Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warm flavor. If you like, add a pinch of cloves or ginger for a slightly different twist. These spices make the filling comforting and aromatic.
- Butter & Vanilla
- Melted butter adds richness to the filling, and vanilla extract brightens the flavors. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter substitute and vanilla as usual for great taste.
- Vanilla Glaze
- Powdered sugar mixed with vanilla and milk creates a smooth topping. For a thicker glaze, add less milk. For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk instead.
How Do You Make the Kringle’s Braided Shape Without It Falling Apart?
Creating the braided shape might seem tricky but it’s just about timing and gentle handling:
- After layering the filling between puff pastry sheets, cut even strips on the sides but leave the center intact to hold the filling.
- Lift strips one at a time and fold them over the center filling, alternating sides like braiding hair. This keeps the filling sealed inside.
- Press the ends together firmly but gently to “lock” the shape and avoid leaks during baking.
- Use parchment paper to help transfer the kringle to the baking sheet. This keeps it intact and makes cleanup easier.
Taking your time during this step ensures a beautiful braided look and helps your kringle bake evenly without making a mess.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a sturdy, rimmed one helps the kringle keep its shape and catch any drips.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes clean-up much easier.
- Rolling pin – smooths out the puff pastry evenly without tearing it.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – perfect for cutting neat, even strips for the braid.
- Mixing bowls – for tossing the apple filling and whisking the glaze.
- Wire rack – lets the kringle cool evenly so the bottom stays crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or a mix of pears and apples for a sweeter, softer filling.
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts inside for crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Stir in raisins or dried cranberries with the apples to add little bursts of chewiness.
- Use cream cheese with a bit of cinnamon and sugar inside the filling for a richer, tangy twist.
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough and Filling:
- 2 sheets puff pastry (about 8 oz each), thawed
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cornstarch (optional, to help thicken apple juices)
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, an additional 35 to 40 minutes to bake, plus about 10 minutes to cool and glaze. So, plan on roughly one hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cornstarch if you’re using it. Let it sit while you get ready with the dough.
2. Assemble the Kringle:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your surface and roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a 9×12 inch rectangle. Spread half of the apple mixture evenly on the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
Place the second sheet of puff pastry over the top, press gently to seal, and trim the edges neatly with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Cut strips about 1 to 2 inches wide along each side of the pastry, keeping the center intact.
Now, braid the kringle by lifting strips alternately from each side and folding them over the center filling toward the middle. Press the ends to seal the shape and keep the filling inside.
3. Bake the Kringle:
Place your braided kringle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the pastry is puffed up and golden, and the apples feel soft and cooked. Keep an eye on the color to avoid burning.
4. Make and Add the Vanilla Glaze:
While the kringle bakes, mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract in a bowl, whisking until smooth. Adjust the glaze so it’s thick but pourable by adding more milk or sugar as needed.
Once the kringle cools for about 10 minutes on a wire rack, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top in pretty lines or as much as you like.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your apple kringle warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or warm cider. Enjoy the crisp layers and sweet-spiced apple filling with the smooth vanilla glaze on top!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the puff pastry sheets in the fridge overnight before using. This makes them easier to roll and prevents cracking or tearing.
Can I Prepare the Apple Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can slice and mix the apples with the spices and sugars a few hours in advance. Keep the filling covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble to keep the apples fresh.
How Should I Store Leftover Kringle?
Store any leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to refresh the flakiness before serving.
Can I Substitute the Vanilla Glaze?
Sure! You can swap the vanilla glaze with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with lemon juice or milk, or even drizzle melted caramel for a different flavor twist.