Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a delightful treat that perfectly blends flaky pastry with a warm, spiced apple filling and a sweet vanilla glaze. This traditional pastry is ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting brunch or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon snack. With its irresistible layers and buttery goodness, the Wisconsin Apple Kringle stands out as both a breakfast favorite and a comforting dessert throughout the year.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough
• For the Filling
• For the Glaze
• How to Make Wisconsin Apple Kringle
• Step 1: Activate the Yeast
• Step 2: Prepare the Dough
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients
• Step 4: Chill the Dough
• Step 5: Preheat Oven
• Step 6: Add Filling
• Step 7: Shape the Kringle
• Step 8: Bake
• Step 9: Prepare Glaze
• How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle
• With Coffee
• With Ice Cream
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
• With Fresh Fruit
• As Part of a Brunch Spread
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• How to Perfect Wisconsin Apple Kringle
• Best Side Dishes for Wisconsin Apple Kringle
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Wisconsin Apple Kringle
• Reheating Wisconsin Apple Kringle
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
• How can I customize my Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
• Can I make Wisconsin Apple Kringle ahead of time?
• What should I serve with Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of apple pie filling and cardamom creates a deliciously spiced taste.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
• Beautiful Presentation: The braided shape and glaze make this Kringle visually stunning for gatherings.
• Comforting Aroma: Baking this pastry fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Wisconsin Apple Kringle, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness for layering.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing dry ingredients and ensuring a consistent dough texture.

Ingredients

A flakey, buttery Danish-style pastry filled with warm spiced apple pie filling and drizzled with vanilla glaze. This traditional Wisconsin Kringle is layered, tender, and sweet—with a crisp golden crust and a gooey apple center, perfect for breakfast or dessert all year round.

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)

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.

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.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the yeast mixture and egg. Stir just until dough comes together—do not overmix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.

Step 6: Add Filling

Spread apple pie filling down the center of the dough rectangle and sprinkle with cardamom.

Step 7: Shape the 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.

Step 8: Bake

Brush with a bit of egg wash (optional) and bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Drizzle over cooled Kringle and let set before slicing.

How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, this pastry pairs beautifully with different accompaniments.

With Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors and makes for a perfect morning pairing.

With Ice Cream

• Serving a slice of warm Kringle with vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast between hot and cold.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Adding caramel sauce brings an extra layer of sweetness that complements the apple filling wonderfully.

With Fresh Fruit

• Slices of fresh fruit like pears or berries provide freshness and balance the richness of the pastry.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include Wisconsin Apple Kringle in your brunch buffet alongside other pastries and breakfast items for a festive touch.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on top makes for an indulgent treat, especially when served at dessert time.

How to Perfect Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Creating the perfect Wisconsin Apple Kringle requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your pastry turns out flaky and delicious.

• Use cold butter – This ensures a flaky texture. Keep the butter cold until you’re ready to mix it into the dry ingredients.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough pastry rather than tender layers.
• Chill your dough – Refrigerating the dough helps it maintain its shape while baking and enhances flakiness.
• Monitor oven temperature – Make sure your oven is preheated correctly for even baking. Use an oven thermometer if necessary.
• Allow cooling time – Letting the Kringle cool completely before slicing prevents it from becoming mushy and helps maintain its shape.

Best Side Dishes for Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Pairing side dishes with Wisconsin Apple Kringle can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice – A refreshing drink that adds a zesty flavor to balance the sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a healthy, satisfying side.
3. Bacon Strips – Crispy bacon provides a savory contrast to the sweet pastry, making each bite more exciting.
4. Cheese Board – Include mild cheeses to complement the flavors of the apple filling while adding variety.
5. Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal can serve as a wholesome side, providing heartiness alongside your sweet treat.
6. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad dressed with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out the richness of the Kringle.
7. Herbal Tea – A soothing cup of herbal tea enhances relaxation while enjoying a slice of this delightful pastry.
8. Granola Bars – For those on-the-go, granola bars make for an easy snack option that pairs well with coffee or tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle can be delightful, but there are common mistakes that can affect your final product. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using warm butter: Make sure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing. This helps create a flaky texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough pastry rather than a tender kringle.
• Skipping refrigeration: Always refrigerate the dough for at least one hour. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring tools. Accurate measurements ensure consistency in your baking results.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on the oven; baking times may vary based on your specific appliance. Check for a golden-brown color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item: Store leftover Wisconsin Apple Kringle in an airtight container.
• item: It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Wisconsin Apple Kringle

• item: Wrap the kringle tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for freezing.
• item: It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Wisconsin Apple Kringle

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about making Wisconsin Apple Kringle.

What is Wisconsin Apple Kringle?

Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a flaky Danish pastry filled with spiced apple pie filling and topped with vanilla glaze. It’s perfect for any time of day!

How can I customize my Wisconsin Apple Kringle?

You can customize your kringle by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or try different fillings such as cherry or cream cheese.

Can I make Wisconsin Apple Kringle ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Assemble it and bake when ready to enjoy fresh!

What should I serve with Wisconsin Apple Kringle?

Pair it with coffee or tea for breakfast, or serve it with vanilla ice cream as a delightful dessert option.

Final Thoughts

Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a versatile pastry that makes any occasion special. With its buttery layers and sweet apple filling, it suits both breakfast and dessert perfectly. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or toppings to make this recipe your own!