Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the warmth of fall with this delightful Cozy Apple Kringle topped with a velvety vanilla glaze. Soft, flaky pastry encases a sweet apple filling, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or cozy family dinners, bringing a touch of homemade comfort to your holiday table.

Sam Johnson

Created by

Sam Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-05T14:28:21.394Z

This Cozy Apple Kringle is inspired by traditional recipes that celebrate the flavors of autumn. The combination of sweet apples and warm spices makes it a beloved dessert for family gatherings.

The Perfect Fall Dessert

As the leaves change color and the temperature drops, there's nothing quite like a warm slice of Cozy Apple Kringle to encapsulate the essence of fall. This delightful dessert brings together the sweet and tart flavors of apples, subtly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, making it an ideal treat for the season. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this Kringle adds a comforting touch. Imagine sitting by the fireplace with loved ones, sharing stories while savoring each bite of this delicious pastry.

What makes this Apple Kringle truly remarkable is its versatility. It can serve as the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table or as a sweet snack during cozy afternoon gatherings. Pair it with a cup of hot apple cider or a steaming cup of coffee, and you have a match made in autumn heaven. The flaky dough perfectly complements the rich apple filling, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that will surely impress your guests.

Easy to Make and Customize

One of the most appealing aspects of this Cozy Apple Kringle is how straightforward it is to prepare. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, even novice bakers can enjoy the satisfaction of making this delightful treat from scratch. The combination of sour cream and cold butter creates a tender, flaky pastry that’s easy to handle. This makes it a great choice for those looking to whip up a homemade dessert without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

Additionally, this recipe offers endless opportunities for customization. Feel free to substitute different varieties of apples or adjust the spices to suit your taste. For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling. If you're feeling adventurous, drizzle some caramel sauce over the glaze for extra sweetness. The possibilities are as vast as your imagination, allowing you to create a unique version of this timeless dessert.

Perfect for Sharing

One of the best parts about baking desserts like the Cozy Apple Kringle is the joy of sharing them. Food brings people together, and this Kringle is no exception. Its generous size makes it easy to slice into portions, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends. Whether you bring it to a potluck, serve it at a family gathering, or simply enjoy it at home, this delightful pastry is sure to spark smiles and conversation.

Additionally, the visual appeal of the drizzled vanilla glaze and the beautiful shape enhances its presentation, making it as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate. Each slice reveals the delicious apple filling hidden within the flaky pastry, effortlessly enticing anyone who sees it. Make this Cozy Apple Kringle a staple in your home, and you'll create lasting memories around the table, united by the love of good food.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Kringle

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

For the Filling

  • 3 cups peeled and diced apples
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Glaze

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

Gather these ingredients before you start to ensure a smooth preparation process!

Instructions

Steps to Prepare

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream and egg, then stir into the flour mixture until combined.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside.

Assemble the Kringle

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the apple filling down the center, then fold the edges over to seal the filling inside, forming an ‘S’ shape.

Bake and Glaze

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. While it cools, whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled kringle.

Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving your beautiful kringle.

Storing and Reheating

To enjoy your Cozy Apple Kringle over several days, proper storage is crucial. Once cooled, wrap the Kringle in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. This will help retain its freshness, keeping the pastry flaky and the apple filling flavorful. Stored this way, it should last about 3-4 days at room temperature. If you'd like to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispiness.

When reheating, the oven is your best bet. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the desired portion of Kringle on a baking sheet, and cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer a quicker method, you can use the microwave, though this may result in a softer texture. But no matter how you choose to reheat it, you'll still be able to enjoy the delicious flavors of this comforting dessert.

Inspiration for Serving

Elevate your Cozy Apple Kringle experience by pairing it with various accompaniments. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a decadent treat. The cool creaminess perfectly balances the warm pastry and spiced apples, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures. For those who appreciate a bit of tang, a scoop of cinnamon ice cream enhances the apple and spice flavor profile beautifully.

For a sophisticated touch, consider serving the Kringle with a side of homemade caramel sauce or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. This adds an additional layer of flavor, complementing the sweetness of the apples. You can even garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for visual appeal. Express your creativity when serving, and your guests will be treated to not just a dessert but a complete culinary experience.

Healthier Adaptations

If you're looking for lighter variations of the Cozy Apple Kringle, there are several substitutions you can make without sacrificing flavor. Consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content. For the butter, you can substitute a portion with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt, helping to reduce fat while still keeping the dough tender. These changes can allow you to enjoy a delicious dessert while being a tad kinder to your waistline.

Another way to reduce sugar in the filling is by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. When using these alternatives, adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly for consistency. You can also experiment with different spices to create subtle variations in taste. With these healthier adaptations, you can savor the comfort of a homemade dessert while adhering to your dietary preferences.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pastry dough?

Yes, store-bought pastry dough can be a quicker alternative if you're short on time.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Experience the warmth of fall with this delightful Cozy Apple Kringle topped with a velvety vanilla glaze. Soft, flaky pastry encases a sweet apple filling, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or cozy family dinners, bringing a touch of homemade comfort to your holiday table.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time1 hour 10 minutes

Created by: Sam Johnson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Kringle

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  3. 1/4 cup sugar
  4. 1/4 cup sour cream
  5. 1 egg
  6. 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

  1. 3 cups peeled and diced apples
  2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  4. 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  5. 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 large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream and egg, then stir into the flour mixture until combined. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside.

Step 03

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the apple filling down the center, then fold the edges over to seal the filling inside, forming an ‘S’ shape.

Step 04

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. While it cools, whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled kringle.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Sugars: 15g