The scent of Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze baking in my oven transforms an ordinary morning into something magical. There’s something about the buttery, flaky pastry layers wrapped around spiced apple filling that makes even the gloomiest day feel cozy. I discovered this Danish-inspired treat during a fall weekend at my grandmother’s lake house, and it’s become my go-to recipe when I want to impress breakfast guests. The vanilla glaze adds that perfect sweet finish that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee. Trust me, this kringle will have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe!
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Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a warm, flaky pastry ring filled with spiced apples and drizzled with sweet vanilla icing. Perfect for holiday brunches or cozy weekends, it’s deceptively easy and undeniably irresistible!
Ingredients
**For the Dough:**
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
**For the Filling:**
2 apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon flour
**For the Vanilla Glaze:**
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: sliced almonds or coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cook 4–5 minutes until apples are softened and mixture is thick. Stir in vanilla and let cool slightly.
3. Unroll puff pastry and lightly roll out into a 10×12 rectangle. Spoon apple mixture in a line down the center lengthwise.
4. Fold pastry over the filling and seal the edges. Shape into a ring or oval and pinch ends together.
5. Cut slits on top of the pastry for venting. Optional: brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sliced almonds or sugar.
6. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown and flaky. Cool for 10 minutes.
7. Whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over warm kringle. Serve slightly warm or at room temp.
Notes
• Make ahead and reheat before glazing for best texture.
• Swap apples for pears or add chopped pecans for extra crunch.
• Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Scandinavian-American
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
The magic of this Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze lies in its perfect contrasts. The exterior pastry shatters delicately with each bite, revealing layers of buttery dough that practically melt on your tongue. Inside, the apple filling offers tender fruit chunks swimming in a cinnamon-spiced sauce that’s neither too sweet nor too tart. I love how the apples maintain a slight firmness, giving you something to sink your teeth into. The vanilla glaze creates a sweet cap that ties everything together with its subtle vanilla warmth and satisfying sugar crackle.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One thing I adore about this Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is its impressive flexibility. You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead, then assemble and bake when you’re ready. I’ve even frozen unbaked kringles for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking! The vanilla glaze takes literally two minutes to whisk together while your kringle cools. This make-ahead capability has saved me countless times when hosting brunches or holiday gatherings. Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen that morning!
Essential Tips & Tricks
Mastering the Flaky Pastry Layers
Creating those signature flaky layers in your Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze requires a few key techniques. First, keep everything cold—I chill my flour, butter, and even my mixing bowl beforehand. Work quickly when incorporating the butter, leaving visible pea-sized pieces rather than fully incorporating it. This creates those beautiful layers during baking. When folding the dough, think of it like a letter: fold into thirds, then rotate and repeat. For the best results, chill the dough between folds to keep the butter from melting. Your patience will be rewarded with an incredibly flaky texture that’s worth every minute.
Perfecting the Apple Filling
The heart of any Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is its apple filling. Choose firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape during baking. I dice mine into uniform 1/4-inch cubes for even cooking. Pre-cooking the filling is my secret weapon—it prevents a soggy bottom and ensures the apples are perfectly tender. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors, and don’t skimp on the cinnamon! I also add a pinch of nutmeg and clove for depth. Let the filling cool completely before spreading it on your dough to prevent melting the carefully layered butter.
Serving Ideas & Creative Variations
Seasonal Pairings
Your Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze becomes even more special with thoughtful seasonal accompaniments. In fall, I serve slices alongside warm apple cider or spiced chai tea. For winter holiday brunches, pair with cranberry mimosas for a festive touch. A dollop of maple-whipped cream takes this treat to new heights—just whip heavy cream with a splash of real maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon. For a quick breakfast, toast leftover slices and spread with a thin layer of salted butter. The kringle also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salads for a balanced brunch spread.
Creative Flavor Twists
While the classic Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is divine, don’t be afraid to experiment with flavor variations. Try adding dried cranberries or chopped walnuts to the apple filling for texture and flavor contrast. For a caramel apple version, drizzle with homemade caramel sauce instead of vanilla glaze. Pear-ginger filling makes a sophisticated alternative—just substitute ripe pears for apples and add minced crystallized ginger. For a decadent twist, fold chocolate chips into the filling or drizzle the finished kringle with melted chocolate alongside the vanilla glaze. These variations keep this recipe exciting year-round!
Storage & Troubleshooting Guide
Proper Storage Methods
Your Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days when stored properly. Keep it at room temperature in an airtight container for the first day to maintain that perfect flaky texture. After that, refrigerate any leftovers—just bring slices back to room temperature before enjoying, or warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw at room temperature or reheat from frozen in a 325°F oven until warmed through. I find the glaze remains surprisingly intact even after freezing!
Common Issues & Solutions
Even experienced bakers encounter challenges with Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze, but most problems have simple solutions. If your dough becomes too sticky to work with, don’t add more flour—instead, chill it for 15 minutes before continuing. Filling leakage usually means the dough wasn’t sealed properly—use egg wash as “glue” around the edges before crimping. If your kringle splits during baking, your oven was likely too hot—next time, start at a lower temperature and increase gradually. For a glaze that’s too runny, add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time; if too thick, thin with tiny amounts of milk until you reach that perfect drizzling consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought puff pastry for Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze?
Yes! While homemade dough creates the authentic texture, quality puff pastry makes a fantastic shortcut. Thaw according to package directions and roll slightly thinner before filling and shaping.
What’s the best apple variety for this recipe?
Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith work best as they hold their shape during baking while providing a balance of sweetness and acidity that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute plant-based butter in equal amounts and use coconut cream in the glaze. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom on my kringle?
Pre-cook your apple filling to release excess moisture, cool completely before assembling, and bake on a preheated baking sheet to create immediate heat on the bottom.
Can I prepare this the night before serving?
Yes! Either refrigerate the assembled unbaked kringle overnight and bake fresh in the morning, or bake ahead and refresh in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Kringle with Vanilla Glaze has become more than just a recipe in my kitchen—it’s a tradition that marks the changing seasons and brings comfort on chilly mornings. There’s something magical about watching friends and family gather around the table, drawn by its irresistible aroma. The beauty of this kringle is in its perfect balance: impressive enough for special occasions yet approachable enough for weekend baking projects. I hope you’ll make this recipe part of your own tradition and share it with those you love. For more seasonal inspiration, check out my Pinterest collection of fall baking favorites!