Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delicious pastry that combines flaky, buttery dough with sweet and tender apple filling. The vanilla glaze on top adds a smooth, creamy touch…

By Luna • October 11, 2025 • Reading time: 7 min

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Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delicious pastry that combines flaky, buttery dough with sweet and tender apple filling. The vanilla glaze on top adds a smooth, creamy touch that makes each bite even more delightful. It’s the perfect mix of crisp apples, cinnamon spice, and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crust.

I love making this kringle when I want something cozy yet special. It’s one of those treats that feels fancy but is really simple to bake, which is great for when you want to impress without stress. The smell of apples and vanilla filling the kitchen always makes me smile and reminds me of chilly mornings and warm coffee.

My favorite way to enjoy this apple kringle is fresh from the oven or warmed up slightly with a cup of tea or coffee. The glaze makes it just sweet enough without being overpowering. It’s a great dessert or even a sweet breakfast to share with family and friends. I’m pretty sure it’ll become your go-to for a comforting, tasty treat too!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the dough rise and get fluffy. If you don’t have it, instant yeast works too but add it directly to the flour. Just remember the rising times might be a bit different.

Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great for balance—tart and sweet. If you want a softer filling, try Fuji or Gala apples. Be sure to slice them thin so they cook well inside the kringle.

Butter: Softened unsalted butter adds richness and tenderness. You can swap with margarine or a dairy-free butter for a vegan option. Keep it at room temp for easy mixing into the dough.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and depth to the apple filling. If nutmeg isn’t your favorite, just omit it or add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice instead.

Vanilla Extract: It’s key in the filling and glaze for mellow sweetness and flavor boost. If you don’t have vanilla, almond extract is a nice alternative but use less to avoid overpowering.

How Do You Shape and Twist the Kringle for That Beautiful Design?

The shaping and twisting part might look tricky, but it’s easy when you follow these steps carefully:

• After rolling the dough with filling into a log, place it seam side down on your baking sheet. This keeps the roll closed while baking.
• Use a sharp knife to cut lengthwise down the center of the log, about 3/4 through but not all the way.
• Gently lift and twist each side away from the center slit, alternating sides like a braid. This exposes the layers of filling and makes a pretty pattern.
• If the dough feels too sticky, dust your knife and hands lightly with flour to avoid tearing.
• Don’t over-twist. Just a gentle turn on each side will create the braided look without breaking the dough.
• Let the shaped kringle rest and rise again before baking, so it stays light and flaky.

Taking your time here will make the final kringle look professional and inviting. Plus, the layers of apple and cinnamon peek through the twists, making every bite a delight!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – for combining dough and filling ingredients easily.
• Rolling pin – helps you roll the dough out evenly into a large rectangle.
• Sharp knife – perfect for making lengthwise cuts without tearing the dough.
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
• Whisk – to mix the vanilla glaze smooth and lump-free.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap apples for pears or peaches for a sweeter, softer filling when apples are not in season.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that pairs well with the apples.
• Mix in raisins or dried cranberries to add bursts of sweetness and chewiness.
• Try a cream cheese layer beneath the apple filling for a rich and tangy twist.

Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (more if needed)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Time Needed

Overall, this recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish. You’ll spend roughly 20 minutes on prep, including making the dough and filling, 1.5 hours waiting for the dough to rise, 30-45 minutes for the second rise after shaping, and 35-40 minutes baking. Don’t forget some cooling and glazing time before serving!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it become foamy (5-10 minutes). In a big bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, salt, and egg. Stir in the yeast mixture, then slowly add flour, mixing until you have a soft dough.

2. Knead and Let Rise:

Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead in the softened butter until the dough is smooth and stretchy, about 8-10 minutes. Put it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, around 1.5 hours.

3. Make the Apple Filling:

In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and vanilla extract, mixing everything well so the apples are evenly coated.

4. Shape the Kringle:

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one long edge, roll tightly into a log and pinch to seal.

5. Twist and Prepare for Second Rise:

Place the dough seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut lengthwise down the center of the log every 2 inches about 3/4 through without cutting all the way. Twist the strips gently, alternating sides, to create a braided look. Cover with a towel and let it rise for 30-45 minutes.

6. Bake the Kringle:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the kringle for 35-40 minutes until golden and cooked through. If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.

7. Add the Vanilla Glaze:

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness, adding more milk or sugar as needed. Let the kringle cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze over the top.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Slice your kringle warm or at room temperature. It’s wonderful with coffee or tea!

Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?

Yes, you can use frozen apples, but it’s best to thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before using. This helps prevent the dough from getting soggy.

How Do I Store Leftover Kringle?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling.

What If I Don’t Have Vanilla Extract?

You can omit the vanilla or substitute with almond extract, but use less (about half) as it has a stronger flavor.