Wisconsin Apple Kringle Recipe

The Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a wonderful treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of baked apples and buttery pastry, creating an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. This delightful Danish-inspired pastry features layers of tender, flaky dough wrapped around a spiced apple filling, finished with a luscious vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, the Wisconsin Apple Kringle offers a slice of warmth and comfort that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Wisconsin Apple Kringle lies in its deceptively simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the flaky, buttery dough to the sweet and spiced apple filling, these basics come together to create magic in every bite.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and that tender crumb you love.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness and deepening the dough’s taste.
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the fruit filling perfectly.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Key for flakiness, ensuring every bite is buttery and crisp.
• 2 tsp active dry yeast: Gives the dough a gentle rise and adds a light, airy texture.
• 1/3 cup whole milk, warm: Activates the yeast while softening the dough without making it heavy.
• 2 tsp water: Helps awaken the yeast, getting it ready to work its magic.
• 1 egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness to the final pastry.
• 2 oz apple pie filling: The star of the show, bringing sweet, spiced apple goodness to the center of your kringle.
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom: A fragrant spice that adds a subtle Scandinavian-inspired twist.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Integral for the glaze, lending smooth sweetness to finish the kringle.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor of the glaze with its warm, aromatic notes.
• 2–3 tsp water (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze consistency to make it perfectly drizzlable.

How to Make Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by activating the yeast with warm milk and water, letting it sit until it’s delightfully foamy—this is when you know it’s ready to work. Meanwhile, combine your dry ingredients and carefully cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for building those flaky layers that make the Wisconsin Apple Kringle so special. Once the yeast mixture and egg are added, mix just until the dough comes together. Overworking will toughen the dough, so gentle handling is key. After forming the dough into a ball, wrap it well and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting period helps relax the gluten and solidify the butter, setting the stage for a beautifully flaky pastry.

Step 2: Shape the Kringle

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface—this shape makes it easy to encase your luscious apple filling. Spread the apple pie filling evenly down the center of the dough and sprinkle with fragrant cardamom to add that subtle hint of warmth and complexity. Carefully fold the dough over the filling lengthwise, ensuring the edges are sealed tight to prevent any bubbling out during baking. Shape your kringle into a charming oval or horseshoe form, then transfer it gently to a parchment-lined baking sheet for its transformation into golden perfection.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

If you’d like, brush the top with a bit of egg wash to enhance the golden hue and add a subtle sheen. Bake the kringle for 22 to 25 minutes until it’s beautifully golden brown and has that signature flaky crust that crumbles delightfully with each bite. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before glazing; cooling ensures that the glaze will set nicely without melting away or becoming too runny.

Step 4: Add the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough water to create a smooth, drizzling consistency for your glaze. Drizzle this luscious icing generously over the cooled kringle, allowing it to pool in the crevices and seal in that irresistible apple spiced goodness. Let the glaze set completely before slicing to enjoy perfect, clean cuts and maximum flavor.

How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Garnishes

Adding garnishes to your Wisconsin Apple Kringle can elevate its presentation and flavor. Freshly chopped nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft filling. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can also enhance its inviting look. For a luxurious touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this pastry into a decadent dessert experience.

Side Dishes

Serve your Wisconsin Apple Kringle alongside a cup of rich coffee or a warm spiced chai to complement the cozy flavors of the pastry. A simple bowl of fresh fruit or lightly sweetened yogurt balances the richness of the kringle, making the overall meal feel vibrant and well-rounded. Even a glass of cold milk works beautifully, especially for those craving a nostalgic comfort snack.

Creative Ways to Present

To make your Wisconsin Apple Kringle visually stunning at gatherings, consider serving it on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks as decor. You can also slice the kringle into smaller portions and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for a festive touch. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine makes for charming, gift-worthy treats that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Wisconsin Apple Kringle is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, preserving the flaky texture and fresh flavors. If you like a slightly softer crust, wrapping it in foil or plastic wrap helps retain moisture without making it soggy.

Freezing

To keep your kringle fresh for longer, freeze it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven to bring back that freshly baked texture.

Reheating

Reheat your Wisconsin Apple Kringle in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This gentle reheating revives the buttery flakiness and soft apple filling without drying out the pastry. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the dough tough and rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh apples can be peeled, sliced, and cooked down with sugar and spices to create a homemade filling. Just be sure to cook them until tender to avoid excess moisture which may affect the dough’s texture.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which is critical for creating the flakiness and helps the dough relax, making it easier to roll and shape.

Can I make the Wisconsin Apple Kringle dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk while keeping the rest of the process the same. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

What does cardamom add to the flavor?

Cardamom lends a warm, aromatic, and slightly citrusy note that enhances the apple filling beautifully, giving the Wisconsin Apple Kringle a subtle Scandinavian flair.

How should I slice the kringle for serving?

Once the glaze is set, use a sharp serrated knife to slice the kringle crosswise into individual portions, ensuring each slice has an even amount of filling and crust for the perfect bite every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a homemade Wisconsin Apple Kringle with friends and family, complete with its buttery layers, warmly spiced apples, and sweet vanilla glaze. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor, and create moments of joy around the table. Give this lovely pastry a try — it’s bound to become a treasured part of your dessert repertoire and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser anytime of the year.

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