There’s something so cozy about biting into layers of buttery pastry wrapped around tender, spiced apples. With each forkful of this Apple Kringle drizzled in velvety vanilla glaze, your taste buds will do a happy dance. This delightful treat brings together the crisp tang of fresh apples, the subtle warmth of cinnamon, and the irresistible flakiness of puff pastry. It’s one of those recipes that manages to be both impressively elegant and surprisingly easy—perfect for those mornings when you want to spoil yourself (or your guests) without spending hours in the kitchen. The sweet vanilla glaze adds the finishing touch, creating a silky smooth contrast to the caramelized edges of the baked fruit. It’s the kind of dessert that smells like a hug and tastes like a celebration, making it ideal for brunch gatherings or a cozy weekend indulgence.
As soon as you pull this golden beauty out of the oven, that warm, fruity scent will start to fill your home and invite everyone over to the table. The first bite is a revelation: the crisp pastry gives way to soft, juicy apple slices that have soaked up a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend. And then the glaze—oh, that glaze—melts into every crevice, balancing each mouthful with just a hint of creamy vanilla. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a complete beginner, this recipe is designed to give you a fail-safe win. From the quick 20-minute prep time to the easy assembly steps, you’ll feel like a pastry pro in no time. So grab your apron, and let’s transform simple ingredients into a stunning Apple Kringle that will have everyone asking for seconds!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE KRINGLE WITH VANILLA GLAZE
Every great recipe starts with the right lineup of ingredients. In this section, we’ll break down each star component that makes our Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze shine. From the flaky pastry base to the final sweet drizzle, here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters.
- Puff pastry sheet
Provides the ultra-flaky, golden layers that cradle the apple filling. Its buttery texture puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating that signature kringle shape and delicate crunch.
- Medium apples
The heart of the filling, delivering juicy sweetness and slight tartness. Choosing firm, crisp varieties ensures the slices hold their shape and bake to tender perfection.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the apple slices and helps them caramelize as they bake, creating a lightly golden coating that amplifies the fruit’s natural flavors.
- Ground cinnamon
Adds warm, spicy notes that complement the apples’ sweetness. This classic pairing brings depth and a hint of autumnal comfort to every bite.
- Lemon juice
Brightens the filling with a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness and preventing the apple slices from browning before baking.
- Unsalted butter
Brushed over the assembled pastry to enhance browning and build a rich, glossy finish on the crust.
- Chopped walnuts (optional)
Introduces a toasty crunch and earthy flavor contrast against the tender apples. These nuts also add a pleasing visual texture.
- Confectioners’ sugar
Forms the base of the vanilla glaze, delivering a silky, sweet coating that drapes over the baked kringle for a café-style finish.
- Milk
Thinly blends the confectioners’ sugar into a smooth drizzle, ensuring the glaze sets just right on top of the warm pastry.
- Vanilla extract
Infuses the glaze with aromatic sweetness, elevating it from ordinary icing to a luscious complement that ties the whole dessert together.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE KRINGLE WITH VANILLA GLAZE
With our ingredients prepped and ready, it’s time to turn this recipe into a stunning pastry centerpiece. Follow these steps carefully to achieve that perfect balance of flaky crust and tender apple filling, all topped off with a dreamy vanilla glaze.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12×9 inch rectangle, aiming for an even thickness so it bakes uniformly.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Gently toss until every slice is coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring balanced flavor in each bite.
4. Arrange the apple mixture in the center of the puff pastry, leaving a 2-inch border around all edges to facilitate secure folding.
5. Fold the sides of the pastry over the apple filling, overlapping the edges and pressing gently to seal. Brush the top with the melted butter to promote a golden-brown crust.
6. If using, sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the apples for added texture and nutty flavor.
7. Place the assembled kringle on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and the apple slices are tender.
8. While the kringle bakes, prepare the glaze: whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until completely smooth and pourable.
9. Once baked, remove the kringle from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet—this helps the glaze adhere rather than run off.
10. Drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the kringle, using a spoon or a piping bag, and let it set for a few minutes before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE KRINGLE WITH VANILLA GLAZE
When it comes to presenting your Apple Kringle, the right accompaniments and styling can turn a simple bake into a memorable spread. Whether you’re serving breakfast guests, brunch buddies, or family members, these ideas will help you showcase your pastry in the best possible light.
- Brunch platter centerpiece: Place slices of the warm kringle alongside bowls of fresh berries and citrus segments. The vibrant fruit colors contrast beautifully with the golden pastry, and guests can help themselves to a variety of flavors.
- Coffee bar pairing: Offer slices next to a station of freshly brewed coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The sweet vanilla glaze pairs exceptionally well with dark roasts or floral teas—let guests customize their drink to complement those cinnamon-apple notes.
- Ice cream dessert twist: Top each warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or maple walnut gelato. The cold creaminess melds with the flaky pastry and sweet glaze for a decadent finale that feels both comforting and indulgent.
- Dusting and garnish: For an elegant touch, lightly dust the finished kringle with extra confectioners’ sugar and scatter a few toasted walnut halves or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top. This small flourish elevates the presentation and adds visual appeal.
HOW TO STORE APPLE KRINGLE WITH VANILLA GLAZE
Proper storage will help you enjoy every last bite of your Apple Kringle without losing its texture or flavor. Whether you have leftovers or want to prep ahead for a gathering, these tips will keep your pastry as fresh as possible.
When cooled completely, transfer the kringle to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent the pastry from absorbing moisture in the fridge. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F until the crust is crisp again.
If you’d like to freeze the kringle, wrap the cooled pastry in two layers of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to guard against freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to refresh the flakiness before applying fresh glaze.
For make-ahead brunches, you can assemble the kringle (without baking) and store it covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours. When ready to serve, simply brush with butter, bake, and add the glaze. This method streamlines your morning routine without compromising on freshness.
CONCLUSION
Thank you for joining me on this delicious journey through the creation of Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze. We’ve explored how simple ingredients—puff pastry, apples, sugar, and spices—can come together to form a stunning, flaky treat, all topped off with a luxuriously sweet vanilla drizzle. From the effortless prep and assembly to the final bake that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, this recipe is designed to delight both your palate and your loved ones. You’ll love how the crisp pastry contrasts with the tender spiced apples, and how that smooth glaze adds a café-style finish. Don’t forget that you can print this article or save it for later so you can revisit these steps anytime you’re craving a homemade pastry that looks as good as it tastes.
Below you’ll find a handy FAQ section to address any questions you might have about ingredient swaps, storage variations, or timing tweaks. If you give this Apple Kringle a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment with your tips, questions, or feedback—whether it’s about adapting the filling with pears or adding a nutty crumble. Your experiences help me refine recipes and inspire fellow home bakers. Happy baking, and here’s to creating sweet memories one flaky layer at a time!
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Description
Experience the warm aroma of baked apples and flaky pastry in this quick and easy Apple Kringle! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 12x9 inch rectangle.
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In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat the apples evenly.
-
Arrange the apple mixture in the center of the puff pastry, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
-
Fold the sides of the pastry over the apple mixture, overlapping and sealing the edges gently. Brush the top of the pastry with the melted butter.
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Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the apples if using.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
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While the kringle is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
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Once the kringle is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
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Drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the kringle before serving.
Note
- This Apple Kringle is perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
- You can substitute the apples with pears or stones fruits like peaches or plums for different variations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.
