If you have a soft spot for flaky, buttery pastries filled with tender, sweet apples and finished with a luscious drizzle, then you absolutely must try this Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. It’s a delightful Scandinavian-inspired treat that perfectly balances crisp, cinnamon-scented apples wrapped in a tender, rich pastry. The vanilla glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess to elevate every bite. Trust me, once you make this, it will become your go-to recipe whenever you want to impress family or simply indulge in comfort baked goods.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating something truly special. Each one, from the flour to the vanilla sugar glaze, plays a key role in the texture, flavor, and look of this amazing Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough for a tender but sturdy kringle crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough itself.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Provides richness and creates that flaky, buttery texture you crave.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the dough moist and tender while adding subtle tang.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: The star filling, bringing sweet and tart freshness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon to create a caramel-like topping for the apples.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides that classic apple dessert warmth and spice.
- 1 egg, beaten: For egg wash to give your kringle a gorgeous golden shine during baking.
- For Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the perfect pourable consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds that extra layer of sweet fragrance and flavor.
How to Make Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. This base combines the essential dry ingredients that will ensure your pastry has the right balance of flavor and structure.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the chilled cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key to creating that lovely flaky texture in your final kringle.
Step 3: Add Sour Cream and Vanilla
Next, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract gently until the dough just comes together. The sour cream adds moisture and richness, making for a soft yet flaky pastry crust.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling relaxes the gluten and firms the butter—which means easier rolling and flakier crust.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will be your kringle’s resting place before it turns golden and beautiful in the oven.
Step 6: Roll out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Think of this as your crust canvas, ready to hold all that delicious apple goodness in the middle.
Step 7: Fill with Apples
Arrange the thinly sliced apples down the center of the dough, leaving a generous 2-inch border all around. These apples provide the sweet, tender center that makes this Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe so irresistible.
Step 8: Sprinkle with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the apples. This combination adds warmth, depth of flavor, and a hint of caramel once baked.
Step 9: Fold the Dough
Fold the short edges of the dough over the apples, then fold the long sides, overlapping just a bit to fully enclose the filling. This careful folding traps all those fruity juices inside while baking.
Step 10: Apply Egg Wash
Place your kringle seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with the beaten egg. This will create a beautiful golden brown sheen that makes your pastry look bakery-worthy.
Step 11: Bake until Golden
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the surface is golden and flaky, and the apples inside have softened to tender perfection. The smell alone will have your kitchen feeling like a cozy café.
Step 12: Cool and Glaze
Let the kringle cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth vanilla glaze. Drizzle this heavenly finishing touch over the kringle right before serving.
How to Serve Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Garnishes
Your kringle is stunning on its own, but garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few thin apple slices can add extra charm. Fresh mint leaves can also provide a lovely color contrast and subtle freshness.
Side Dishes
This pastry pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add richness. For a truly comforting combo, serve it alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the kringle into individual servings and placing each on a small plate with some fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You could even cut it into bite-sized squares for easy sharing at brunches or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover kringle tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The pastry will remain tender, and the flavor stays just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to save your kringle for longer, freeze it before glazing. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked crunch. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and lose its flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of apples for this kringle?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches work wonderfully, but you may want to adjust the sugar depending on the fruit’s sweetness. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even baking.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended because it creates a smoother texture inside the kringle and prevents chewy bits of skin. However, if you like a bit of texture, you can leave the skins on, just be sure to wash them well.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made and chilled up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll it out and assemble the kringle.
Is it possible to make the kringle gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
What is the best way to slice the kringle?
Use a sharp serrated knife to gently slice through the kringle without crushing the flaky layers or spilling the filling. Cutting when it is slightly cooled helps maintain the shape.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe combines simple ingredients into a stunning, flaky pastry that’s bursting with warm apple flavors and sweet vanilla goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, it promises to be a crowd favorite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears at your table!
Print
Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 0m
- Cook Time: 0h 35m
- Total Time: 1h 35m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
Description
This Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, this classic Scandinavian-inspired treat combines tender apple slices with a rich, tender dough, finished with a sweet, glossy glaze.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar to ensure they are evenly combined, forming the base for the dough.
- Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the dough just begins to come together, forming a rough dough.
- Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This rest time firms the dough and makes it easier to handle.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches to prepare for filling.
- Arrange Apples: Lay the thinly sliced apples down the center of the dough, leaving about a 2-inch border on all sides to allow for folding.
- Add Sugar and Cinnamon: Mix the brown sugar with cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples to add sweetness and spice.
- Fold Dough: Fold the short sides of the dough over the apple filling first, then fold the long sides to overlap slightly and fully encase the apples.
- Egg Wash: Place the kringle seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with the beaten egg to enable a golden, shiny crust.
- Bake: Bake the kringle in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the apples inside are tender.
- Cool: Remove the kringle from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack, making it easier to handle and slice.
- Make Glaze: While the kringle cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a creamy vanilla glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the kringle before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
- You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it chilled until ready to use.
- If you prefer a crispier glaze, allow the kringle to cool completely before glazing.
- This pastry freezes well either before or after baking; thaw completely before serving.

