Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a tender, flaky Danish-style pastry filled with warm, spiced apple pie filling and finished with a delicate vanilla glaze. Inspired by Scandinavian baking traditions and popular throughout the Midwest, this golden oval-shaped treat boasts layers of buttery pastry and a gooey apple center. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or festive gatherings, this kringle brings comfort and elegance to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery, flaky dough: Cold butter and careful handling create a light, layered texture.
- Warm apple filling: Sweet apple pie flavor spiced with cardamom gives cozy, nostalgic appeal.
- Crisp golden crust: Oven-baked to a beautiful finish that contrasts perfectly with the tender filling.
- Sweet vanilla glaze: Adds a smooth, elegant finish without overpowering the pastry.
- Classic regional bake: A beloved treat in Wisconsin with roots in Danish baking tradition.
- Perfect for all occasions: Serve for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or as a seasonal dessert.
- Make-ahead friendly: Dough can be prepped ahead and baked when ready.
- Easily adaptable: Switch up the filling to suit the season or your pantry.
- Visually impressive: The oval or horseshoe shape adds a bakery-worthy appearance.
- Family-friendly treat: Loved by all ages for its sweet filling and flaky crust.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- all-purpose flour
- kosher salt
- granulated sugar
- unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- active dry yeast
- whole milk, warm
- water
- egg
For the Filling:
- apple pie filling
- ground cardamom
For the Glaze:
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
- water
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, water, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the yeast mixture and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until the dough comes together—avoid overmixing.
- Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and rest the dough.
Shape the Kringle:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the apple pie filling down the center of the dough and sprinkle with ground cardamom.
- Fold the dough lengthwise over the filling to seal it, pinching the edges shut.
- Shape the filled dough into an oval or horseshoe shape and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake:
- Optional: brush the surface lightly with beaten egg for a glossy finish.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
Add Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2–3 teaspoons of water until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled kringle and let set before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)
Calories: Approximately 375 kcal per slice
Variations
- Cinnamon-spiced: Add cinnamon to the filling for a classic apple pie twist.
- Nutty version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before folding.
- Berry variation: Replace apple filling with cherry or mixed berry preserves.
- Maple glaze: Use maple syrup in place of water in the glaze for a fall-inspired touch.
- Cream cheese filling: Add a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese beneath the apples for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days; reheat before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave slices for 20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and proceed with shaping and baking the next day.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Yes, store-bought filling works well and saves time.
What’s the best way to shape the kringle?
Roll and fold the dough over the filling, then form a loose oval or horseshoe on the baking sheet.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, though the glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness and presentation.
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
Seal the edges firmly and avoid overfilling to prevent leaks during baking.
Is this a traditional Danish kringle?
It’s a Wisconsin adaptation inspired by Danish techniques and flavors.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and divide into two kringles for larger gatherings.
Can I add spices to the dough?
Yes, try a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the flour for extra warmth.
Should the butter be completely cold?
Yes, cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers.
How do I get a glossy finish?
Brush with egg wash before baking for a golden, shiny crust.
Conclusion
Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a rich and flaky pastry that marries Scandinavian tradition with comforting American flavors. With spiced apple filling wrapped in buttery layers and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, it’s a perfect centerpiece for brunch, holidays, or an everyday indulgence. Easy to prepare yet bakery-beautiful, this kringle delivers warmth, flavor, and classic charm in every slice.
PrintWisconsin Apple Kringle
A flakey, buttery Danish-style pastry filled with warm spiced apple pie filling and drizzled with vanilla glaze. This traditional Wisconsin Kringle is layered, tender, and sweet—with a crisp golden crust and a gooey apple center, perfect for breakfast or dessert all year round.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup whole milk, warm
- 2 tsp water
- 1 egg
- 2 oz apple pie filling
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tsp water (for glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, water, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the yeast mixture and egg. Stir just until dough comes together—do not overmix.
- Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Shape the Kringle: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread apple pie filling down the center and sprinkle with cardamom.
- Fold the dough over the filling lengthwise, sealing the edges. Shape into an oval or horseshoe form and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with a bit of egg wash (optional) and bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and flaky. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Add Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and water until smooth. Drizzle over cooled Kringle and let set before slicing.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly for easier handling and flakier layers.
- Use high-quality apple pie filling or homemade for best flavor.
- Cardamom adds a Scandinavian touch—adjust or omit based on preference.
- Store leftover Kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg