Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Apple kringle with vanilla glaze came to life one holiday morning when I wanted to impress my guests without spending hours in the kitchen. I had puff pastry and apples on hand and thought why not turn them into something that looks bakery-fancy but is secretly so simple? The result was this gorgeous golden ring with layers of flaky pastry, tender apples, and a drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze that wowed everyone.

Since then it’s been my go-to for brunches, coffee mornings, and even lazy Sundays when I want something warm and special. The combination of crisp pastry and soft cinnamon apples inside a beautiful braided wreath always feels festive and inviting, and the best part is it’s so easy to pull together with just a few everyday ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Puff pastry – Forms the light flaky golden crust of the kringle
• Apples – Provide a tender fruity filling with natural sweetness
• Brown sugar – Melts into the apples and gives a rich caramel flavor
• Ground cinnamon – Warms up the filling and brings classic fall vibes
• Cornstarch – Thickens the apple mixture slightly to keep it neat inside the pastry
• Unsalted butter – Helps soften the apples and adds richness
• Egg – Used to create that golden finish on the pastry
• Powdered sugar – The base for a silky vanilla glaze
• Milk or cream – Loosens the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency
• Vanilla extract – Brings sweet, creamy flavor to the glaze

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium Skillet – I use it to cook down the apples into a soft spiced filling
• Knife & Cutting Board – For peeling and dicing the apples evenly
• Mixing Bowl – For stirring together the glaze ingredients
• Baking Sheet – A large one lined with parchment works best
• Pastry Brush – For brushing the egg wash over the pastry
• Rolling Pin – To gently stretch the puff pastry if needed
• Cooling Rack – Lets the kringle cool enough for glazing without getting soggy

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a skillet I melt the butter and add the diced apples brown sugar cinnamon and cornstarch. I cook them over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re soft but not mushy then I let them cool.

Step 3:

I roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly and transfer it to the baking sheet. Then I cut small diagonal slits down both long sides leaving the center intact for the filling.

Step 4:

I spoon the cooled apple mixture down the center strip and fold the cut strips over the top, alternating sides to create a braid.

Step 5:

I shape the braided pastry into a ring and pinch the ends to seal it into a wreath shape.

Step 6:

I brush the whole thing with a beaten egg to give it that shiny golden finish then I bake it for 25 to 30 minutes until puffed and deeply golden.

Step 7:

While it cools slightly on a wire rack I whisk together powdered sugar vanilla and milk until smooth.

Step 8:

I drizzle the glaze over the warm kringle and let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

I always use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith so they don’t turn to mush

The kringle can be assembled ahead of time and baked fresh in the morning

If the edges brown too fast I loosely cover them with foil during the last few minutes

A sprinkle of chopped nuts or dried cranberries inside makes it even more festive

Ways to Serve

As a centerpiece for holiday breakfast or brunch

Alongside coffee or tea for an elegant afternoon snack

Warmed slightly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert

Sliced and wrapped as gifts for friends and neighbors

With a dusting of powdered sugar instead of glaze for a lighter touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pie dough instead of puff pastry for Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze?

You can but puff pastry gives that light flaky bakery-style texture that really makes the kringle shine.

Does Apple Kringle need to be refrigerated?

If there are leftovers I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I freeze Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze?

Yes. I wrap the unglazed kringle tightly and freeze it after baking. When ready to serve I thaw it and add the glaze fresh.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope this apple kringle with vanilla glaze finds a spot on your table soon! Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a slice all to yourself it’s a treat that feels special without being complicated. Let me know how it turns out I’d love to hear your twist on it!

Happy Cooking!

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