Wisconsin Apple Kringle

If you’re looking for a delightful way to brighten your morning or impress your friends at brunch, then this Wisconsin Apple Kringle is just the ticket! This flaky, buttery pastry is not only a feast for the eyes but also a warm hug on a plate. Filled with spiced apple pie goodness and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s become a beloved recipe in my home. Whether you’re serving it at family gatherings or simply treating yourself on a busy weekday, this kringle brings joy to any occasion.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create something truly special that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s dive into why you’ll love making this Wisconsin Apple Kringle!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, so even if you’re new to baking, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves apple pie! This kringle is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From cozy mornings to festive gatherings, this treats fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake it fresh whenever you need it.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm apples and cardamom creates an irresistible taste that will warm your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You might already have some of these staples in your kitchen. Each one plays an important role in creating that tender, flaky crust and delicious filling.

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 can be! Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Switch Up the Filling: Try using cherry or blueberry pie filling for a fruity twist!
• Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts with the apple filling for extra crunch.
• Experiment with Spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg along with the cardamom for additional warmth.
• Make It Mini: Shape smaller individual kringles for personal treats—perfect for sharing!

How to Make Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, water, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy. This step activates the yeast and ensures that your kringle rises beautifully!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique helps create that flaky texture we all love!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your foamy yeast mixture and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir just until the dough comes together—this is key! Overmixing can lead to tough pastry instead of tender layers.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Form your dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least an hour. Chilling helps solidify the butter which results in those lovely flaky layers when baked.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your chilled dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. The size doesn’t have to be perfect; just make sure it’s big enough for your filling.

Step 6: Fill It Up!

Spread apple pie filling down the center of your rolled-out dough and sprinkle with cardamom. This warming spice pairs perfectly with apples!

Step 7: Fold and Shape

Fold the dough over the filling lengthwise while sealing the edges tightly. Shape it into an oval or horseshoe form before transferring it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake Your Kringle

Brush with some egg wash if you’d like (optional), then bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when it smells heavenly!

Step 9: Drizzle with Glaze

Let your kringle cool completely on a wire rack before mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over your cooled kringle and allow it to set before slicing into delightful pieces.

And there you have it! A Wisconsin Apple Kringle that’s sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a delightful endeavor, and with these pro tips, you can elevate your pastry to perfection!

• Use cold butter: Keeping your butter cold helps create a flakier texture in the dough. When the butter remains solid during baking, it produces steam that creates those lovely flaky layers.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Gently combining the ingredients is key to maintaining a tender texture. Overmixing activates gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher pastry instead of the soft, tender layers we desire.

• Chill before rolling: After making your dough, refrigerate it for at least an hour. This not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps the butter firm up again, which leads to that perfect flaky crust.

• Experiment with fillings: While apple pie filling is traditional, feel free to get creative! You can use other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry for a delicious twist on this classic recipe.

• Let it cool completely before glazing: Allowing your kringle to cool ensures that the glaze sets properly and doesn’t melt away into the pastry. Waiting also enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Serving Wisconsin Apple Kringle can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to present this delightful pastry beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors of the kringle.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A dash of cinnamon over the glaze can enhance the warm spices of the apple filling and add an enticing aroma.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the rich kringle and adds a pop of color to your plate.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering creamy yogurt with granola and berries makes for a wholesome accompaniment that complements the sweet pastry nicely.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs beautifully with your kringle, enhancing its flavors while offering a cozy beverage option for breakfast or dessert.
• Ice cream scoop: For an indulgent treat, serve warm slices of kringle with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The melting ice cream combined with warm pastry is simply irresistible!

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Wisconsin Apple Kringle! Whether it’s served warm from the oven or enjoyed later in the day, this treat will surely bring warmth and joy to any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat anytime. Whether you want to indulge in breakfast or dessert, planning ahead makes it easy!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate it for up to a week—just note that the texture may change slightly.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled Kringle tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the Kringle on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious Wisconsin Apple Kringle:

Can I make Wisconsin Apple Kringle without yeast?

Yes! You can use baking powder instead of yeast for a quicker version. Just mix it into your dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe.

How do I know when my Wisconsin Apple Kringle is done baking?

Your Kringle is perfectly baked when it’s golden brown on top and flaky. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I use other fillings besides apple pie filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with different fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry, or even try a combination of nuts and spices for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Wisconsin Apple Kringle as much as I do! It’s a wonderful blend of flaky pastry and warm spiced apples that’s sure to brighten your day. Whether you serve it at breakfast or save it for dessert, I know you’ll love every bite. Happy baking!