Wisconsin Apple Kringle
If you’re looking for a treat that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a delightful pastry that bursts with the flavors of spiced apple pie and comes drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast on a chilly morning or a sweet ending to your family dinner, this kringle will surely be a hit!
What makes this recipe special is its flaky, buttery layers that just melt in your mouth. And the best part? It’s easy enough for anyone to make, even on busy weeknights. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: You likely have most of these items in your pantry already, making this treat easy to whip up anytime.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet apple filling and tender pastry—perfect for gatherings!
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready—ideal for entertaining.
- Versatile delight: Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
- Impressive presentation: This beautiful pastry looks just as good as it tastes, making it perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Wisconsin Apple Kringle. These are items you can easily find at your local grocery store, and they come together to create something truly special!
For the Dough
- 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
For the Filling
- 2 oz apple pie filling
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tsp water (for glaze)
Variations
One of the best things about this Wisconsin Apple Kringle is how flexible it is! You can easily switch things up based on what you have or prefer.
- Try different fillings: Swap out the apple pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or even cream cheese for a twist.
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Spice it up: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg along with the cardamom to customize the spices to your taste.
- Glaze alternatives: Experiment with different glazes such as lemon or almond flavors for a unique finish.
How to Make Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, water, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This step ensures that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in making your dough rise beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep your butter cold; this helps achieve that flaky texture we all love.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the yeast mixture and egg. Stir just until dough comes together—do not overmix. Overworking the dough can make it tough instead of tender, so be gentle here!
Step 4: Chill Out
Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps relax the gluten in the dough while keeping everything nice and cold—a key factor in achieving those flaky layers.
Step 5: Roll Out Dough
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Rolling it out evenly sets up ideal conditions for folding over that luscious filling later on.
Step 6: Add Filling
Spread apple pie filling down the center and sprinkle with cardamom. The cardamom elevates this pastry with its warm spice—a perfect complement to apples!
Step 7: Shape Your Kringle
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. Sealing those edges ensures no filling escapes while baking!
Step 8: Bake Away!
Brush with a bit of egg wash (optional) and bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 9: Drizzle & Serve
Cool completely on a wire rack before mixing powdered sugar, vanilla, and water until smooth. Drizzle over cooled Kringle and let set before slicing. This final touch adds sweetness and brings everything together beautifully.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Wisconsin Apple Kringle! Share it with loved ones or savor every bite yourself—it’s truly delightful either way!
Pro Tips for Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle might seem a bit daunting, but with these handy tips, you’ll be a pro in no time!
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to achieving that flaky texture. It creates steam during baking, which helps to separate the layers of pastry, giving you that irresistible flakiness.
- Don’t skip the chilling step: Refrigerating the dough allows the gluten to relax and firms up the butter, making it easier to roll out and shape without melting. This step is crucial for maintaining the texture of your Kringle.
- Experiment with fillings: While apple pie filling is traditional, feel free to get creative! Try using other fruits or even a mix of nuts and spices for a unique twist on this classic pastry.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your Kringle a few minutes before the recommended time. You want that golden brown crust without overbaking!
- Drizzle generously with glaze: The glaze not only adds sweetness but also makes your Kringle visually appealing. Don’t be shy—drizzle away for an extra touch of indulgence!
How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Serving Wisconsin Apple Kringle is all about presentation and pairing it with delightful accompaniments that enhance its flavors. Whether it’s breakfast or dessert, here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience!
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar dusting: A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar adds elegance and sweetness, making your Kringle look perfectly inviting.
- Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon over the glaze will complement the warm apple filling and give an extra cozy flavor boost.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Kringle. Think apples, berries, and citrus for a vibrant plate.
- Yogurt parfait: Layering creamy yogurt with granola and fresh fruit next to your Kringle offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that make for a satisfying breakfast.
- Coffee or tea: A steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs beautifully with this pastry. The warmth from the beverage enhances the cozy experience of enjoying your Kringle.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress family and friends with your delightful Wisconsin Apple Kringle! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week. With just a bit of planning, you can have this delightful pastry ready whenever a craving strikes!
Storing Leftovers
- Wrap leftover Kringle tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week.
Freezing
- Allow the baked Kringle to cool completely.
- Wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw the frozen Kringle overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Kringle on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Wisconsin Apple Kringle.
Can I use other fillings in my Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the apple pie filling with other fruits like cherry or blueberry, or even try a cream cheese filling for a different twist.
How do I know when my Wisconsin Apple Kringle is done baking?
The Kringle is perfectly baked when it turns golden brown and has a flaky texture. A toothpick inserted should come out clean from the center.
What’s the best way to serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
Serve your warm Wisconsin Apple Kringle with a dusting of powdered sugar on top or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake this delightful Wisconsin Apple Kringle! Its flaky layers and warm spiced apple filling make it truly special, whether enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones—happy baking!
Wisconsin Apple Kringle
If you’re in search of a delightful treat that brings the warmth of home, look no further than Wisconsin Apple Kringle. This charming pastry features flaky, buttery layers enveloping a spiced apple filling, all topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for cozy breakfasts or as a sweet ending to family dinners, this kringle is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Easy enough for any skill level, it’s a versatile dish that can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh when ready. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting, delicious dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Brush with a bit of egg wash (optional) and bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before mixing powdered sugar, vanilla, and water until smooth. Drizzle over cooled Kringle and let set before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
