Wisconsin Apple Kringle

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try Wisconsin Apple Kringle. This flaky and buttery pastry is filled with spiced apple pie goodness and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together—perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this has become a cherished favorite in my kitchen!

Whether it’s served for breakfast with coffee or as a comforting dessert after dinner, this Wisconsin Apple Kringle is sure to impress. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm apples and buttery pastry creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a sweet treat! This kringle is perfect for kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake it just before serving, saving you time on busy mornings or during special occasions.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you won’t need anything fancy to create this delightful pastry.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as breakfast, snack, or dessert—it fits perfectly into any part of your day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating your own Wisconsin Apple Kringle is easier than you think! All you’ll need are some simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

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 and Glaze

• 2 oz apple pie filling
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tsp water (for glaze)

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to making this delicious kringle!

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily switch up the flavors to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Try Different Fillings: Swap out the apple pie filling for other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry for a new twist!
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg alongside the cardamom for more warmth.
• Make It Chocolatey: Add chocolate chips to the apple filling for a decadent dessert option that’s sure to please any chocolate lover.

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. Activating the yeast is crucial because it helps your dough rise properly, giving that lovely flakiness we all love in pastries.

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. This step ensures your crust will be buttery and flaky when baked.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the yeast mixture and egg to your flour mixture. Stir just until dough comes together—do not overmix! Overmixing can make your pastry tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Chill

Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the butter to firm up again which contributes to that wonderful flaky texture.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. A well-rolled dough ensures even baking and creates that beautiful shape we want.

Step 6: Add Filling

Spread apple pie filling down the center of the rolled-out dough and sprinkle with cardamom. This fragrant spice enhances the apple flavor beautifully.

Step 7: Form the Kringle

Fold the dough over the filling lengthwise and seal the edges. Shape it into an oval or horseshoe form before transferring it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake

Brush with a bit of egg wash (optional) and bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Watching it rise in the oven is part of the magic!

Step 9: Glaze Your Creation

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 that perfectly complements our apple filling!

And there you have it—a gorgeous Wisconsin Apple Kringle ready to be enjoyed by family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Making the perfect Wisconsin Apple Kringle is all about technique and a little bit of love! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your pastry turns out flaky and delicious.

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold, cubed butter helps create a flaky texture. As the dough bakes, the cold butter will melt and release steam, creating those delightful layers.

• Don’t overmix the dough: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything comes together. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture instead of the light and airy pastry we want.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator not only makes it easier to handle but also helps to keep the butter cold, which is crucial for that flaky finish.

• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your Kringle while it’s in the oven. Every oven is different, so check for that beautiful golden-brown color starting around 22 minutes to avoid overbaking.

• Experiment with fillings: While this recipe features a classic apple pie filling, feel free to mix things up by adding nuts or trying different fruit fillings like cherries or blueberries for a unique twist!

How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Wisconsin Apple Kringle is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a feast for your eyes! Whether you’re serving it at breakfast or as a sweet dessert, here are some ideas to make it even more delightful.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A dash of ground cinnamon can enhance the warm spices in your apple filling, giving each bite an extra cozy feel.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the rich flavors of the Kringle beautifully and adds a pop of color to your plate.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries creates a creamy contrast that balances well with the pastry’s sweetness—a lovely breakfast option!
• Coffee or tea: Pairing your Kringle with a steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea offers a comforting experience perfect for any time of day.
• Maple syrup drizzling: For those who enjoy an extra layer of flavor, serving with warm maple syrup allows everyone to dip their slices for added sweetness!

Enjoy every slice of this delightful Wisconsin Apple Kringle, whether you share it with others or savor it all by yourself!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is perfect for meal prep! Not only does it taste divine fresh out of the oven, but you can also make it ahead of time and store or freeze it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the fully cooled kringle tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label it with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, place the frozen kringle in the fridge overnight to thaw.
• Warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Wisconsin Apple Kringle.

Can I use other fillings besides apple pie filling for Wisconsin Apple Kringle?

Absolutely! While apple pie filling is traditional, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry. Just ensure they’re well-drained to avoid a soggy crust.

What makes Wisconsin Apple Kringle different from other pastries?

Wisconsin Apple Kringle is known for its flaky layers and buttery texture, combined with a delightful apple filling seasoned with spices. It’s a beloved treat that embodies the warmth of home baking.

How long does it take to make Wisconsin Apple Kringle from start to finish?

The total time for this recipe is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, which includes chilling time. It’s worth every minute when you taste that warm, delicious pastry!

Can I make Wisconsin Apple Kringle without cardamom?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of cardamom, you can simply omit it or substitute with cinnamon for a different flavor profile that still complements the apples beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Wisconsin Apple Kringle becomes a cherished recipe in your kitchen! Its flakey texture and sweet apple filling make it an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy the process of making this delightful pastry, and don’t hesitate to share your experience. Happy baking!