Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Warm up your holiday gatherings with this cozy Apple Kringle, featuring flaky pastry filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for Thanksgiving desserts, this delightful treat will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to make and beautifully presented, it’s the ultimate showstopper to celebrate the season.

Emma Johnson

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-05T14:43:31.076Z

This Apple Kringle is not just a dessert; it's a warm hug during the chilly holiday season. With each slice, you'll experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a must-have for gatherings.

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

The Cozy Apple Kringle is more than just a delicious dessert; it's an experience that enhances any holiday gathering. Its inviting aroma fills your kitchen, drawing friends and family together as they eagerly await the first slice. This beautiful pastry not only satisfies sweet cravings but also adds a touch of elegance to your table, making it the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast or holiday celebrations.

With its flaky layers and delightful apple filling, this kringle pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. It's a versatile treat that appeals to both young and old, ensuring that everyone at your gathering finds something to love. Whether you're hosting a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday party, this dessert is sure to be a hit.

A Simple Yet Elegant Treat

Appearing more complex than it really is, the Cozy Apple Kringle surprises with its simplicity in preparation. You don’t need to be a professional baker to create this stunning dessert. With just a few straightforward steps, you can impress your guests with a homemade treat that looks and tastes exquisite. Each bite reveals a flaky crust followed by the warm, spiced apple filling, making it a comforting dessert option.

Incorporating techniques like chilling the dough and cooking the apples provides great textures and flavors without overwhelming preparation. This recipe allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying precious moments with loved ones, reinforcing the spirit of the season.

Versatile Flavor Customizations

While the traditional apple filling is undeniably delicious, the Cozy Apple Kringle offers plenty of opportunities for creative adaptations. Consider replacing some of the apples with pears for a unique twist, or adding dried cranberries for a burst of tartness. Mix in some nuts for added texture or a dash of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

The vanilla glaze lends a delightful sweetness, but don’t hesitate to experiment with different extracts or even spices in the glaze—like almond or maple syrup—for a personalized touch. This flexibility makes the recipe suitable for various occasions and taste preferences, encouraging you to make it your own!

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cold water

For the Filling

  • 3 apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Instructions

Instructions

Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cold water until dough forms.

Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In a pan, combine diced apples, cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool.

Assemble the Kringle

Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Place the apple filling in the center and fold the edges over to seal. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled kringle.

Enjoy Your Dessert

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your Cozy Apple Kringle, consider serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm pastry and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that enhances the overall experience. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of salted caramel for an added flair.

For a cozy gathering, slice the kringle and serve it on a beautiful platter with some additional cinnamon apples on the side. This not only makes for an appealing display but invites your guests to indulge in a truly comforting dessert experience.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store your Cozy Apple Kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it to extend its freshness for up to a week. However, be aware that refrigeration may alter the crispness of the pastry slightly.

For longer storage, consider freezing your kringle. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for about three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and warm it in the oven for a few minutes to revive its delightful crispiness.

Making It Ahead of Time

One of the great aspects of the Cozy Apple Kringle is its adaptability for make-ahead preparation. You can prepare the dough and filling a day or two in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply assemble the kringle and pop it in the oven. This way, you save time on the day of your gathering.

Another option is to bake the kringle ahead of time and reheat it just before serving. This allows you to enjoy the festivities without spending all your time in the kitchen, maximizing your time with loved ones while still offering a homemade touch to your desserts.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance and assemble just before baking.

→ What types of apples work best?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of sweet and tart apples works beautifully.

Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Warm up your holiday gatherings with this cozy Apple Kringle, featuring flaky pastry filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and drizzled with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for Thanksgiving desserts, this delightful treat will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to make and beautifully presented, it’s the ultimate showstopper to celebrate the season.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time1 hour

Created by: Emma Johnson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Dough

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  3. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  4. 1/4 cup sugar
  5. 1/4 cup cold water

For the Filling

  1. 3 apples, peeled and diced
  2. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup sugar
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons milk
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cold water until dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 02

In a pan, combine diced apples, cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool.

Step 03

Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Place the apple filling in the center and fold the edges over to seal. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 04

In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled kringle.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 3g