Name: Wisconsin Apple Kringle Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Scandinavian
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)

Imagine biting into a pastry that’s flaky on the outside, gooey at the center, and crowned with a sugary drizzle that tastes like a Midwestern hug. The Wisconsin Apple Kringle is an irresistible Danish-inspired treat, loaded with spiced apple filling and wrapped in buttery layers that practically melt away on your tongue. Whether it’s breakfast with a hot mug of coffee or dessert after a family meal, this Kringle brings the sweet aroma of cinnamon apples and rich, golden pastry to your table—all in under two hours. Once you bake it, your kitchen will smell like pure comfort!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Wisconsin Apple Kringle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Wisconsin Apple Kringle has a beautiful balance of simplicity and flavor, thanks to classic ingredients that offer both tender texture and lovely aroma. Each element plays a unique role, ensuring your finished pastry is impossibly flaky and full of deep apple warmth.

All-purpose flour: The building block for a soft, workable dough that puffs just right in the oven.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing out the buttery notes and countering the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the pastry dough for a balanced bite.
Unsalted butter: The secret to those irresistible flaky, golden layers; keep it cold for best results!
Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise gently and develop a subtle chewiness that sets Kringle apart.
Whole milk: Provides richness and a tender crumb—opt for full-fat for extra decadence.
Water: Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together smoothly.
Egg: Adds richness and binds the dough, so it bakes up beautifully golden and light.
Apple pie filling: The gooey, spiced heart of this Kringle; use your favorite for a personalized touch.
Ground cardamom: For a hint of Scandinavian spice that perfumes each bite—adjust for a unique flavor profile.
Powdered sugar: Essential for the creamy vanilla glaze that finishes the pastry with a sweet sheen.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the glaze with a gentle, fragrant complexity.
Water (for glaze): Loosens the icing so it can be drizzled artfully over your warm Kringle.

How to Make Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Let’s start with the dough—this is where the magic really begins! Begin by mixing warm milk, water, and yeast in a small bowl. Give it a few minutes; when it’s foamy and lively, you’ll know the yeast is awake and ready to help your pastry puff up light and beautiful. Meanwhile, whisk the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl, then mix in the cold, cubed butter. Working the butter into the flour with a pastry blender or your fingertips lets you create those essential flaky layers. Pour in your yeast mixture and the egg, and stir gently just until everything comes together into a loose dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour—patience here equals a heavenly, tender crust later!

Step 2: Shape the Kringle

Time to make this dough a Kringle! Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle (about 10×14 inches is perfect). Spoon that luscious apple pie filling right down the center, then sprinkle on the ground cardamom for a whisper of warm spice. Fold the long edges of the dough over the apple layer, pinching them together to keep all that goodness inside. Carefully shape the filled roll into an oval or horseshoe—traditional shapes for a Wisconsin Apple Kringle—and gently transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while your Kringle rests on the sheet pan. If you like a glossy finish, you can brush the top with a little egg wash before it goes in the oven. Bake for about 22 to 25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed, golden, and your whole kitchen smells like sugary apples and butter. Once finished, let the Kringle cool on a wire rack so the glaze doesn’t melt away!

Step 4: Add Glaze

To finish your masterpiece, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough water to create a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle this sweet glaze over your cooled Wisconsin Apple Kringle, letting it cascade into the nooks and ridges. Wait a few moments for the glaze to set—if you can stand the suspense—before slicing into your gorgeous creation!

How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Garnishes

For an extra touch of wow, try topping your slices with a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, a light dusting of cinnamon, or even thin apple slices to mirror the filling. These little flourishes add crunch, color, and a bakery-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

A warm slice of Wisconsin Apple Kringle pairs perfectly with hot coffee or black tea. For breakfast, serve it with vanilla yogurt and fresh berries for a light meal. If you’re going the dessert route, a scoop of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream on the side turns this pastry into a dreamy after-dinner treat!

Creative Ways to Present

To impress at gatherings, slice the Kringle into smaller bites and serve on a rustic wooden board with mini forks for easy sharing. Or, bake individual portions and package them in parchment as homemade gifts during the holidays. However you plate it, this Kringle always grabs attention!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Wisconsin Apple Kringle can be kept at room temperature for two days in an airtight container. If you want to extend freshness, you can also refrigerate it for up to four days—just make sure it’s well-wrapped to maintain that wonderful flakiness.

Freezing

If you’d like to make Wisconsin Apple Kringle ahead of time, it freezes beautifully! Just wrap the cooled, unglazed pastry securely in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze fresh—no one will ever know it wasn’t baked that morning.

Reheating

A quick reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes revives the pastry’s texture and brings that apple aroma wafting back. Avoid microwaving, which can make the dough chewy rather than flaky. If glazed, reheat loosely covered with foil to keep the icing from melting too much.

FAQs

What makes Wisconsin Apple Kringle different from other pastries?

Wisconsin Apple Kringle stands out because of its ultra-flaky, laminated dough, oval shape, and sweet fruit filling accented with warm spices. Unlike more compact Danishes, a Kringle is stretched and shaped for maximum crispiness, with generous glaze finishing every slice.

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling—especially with a touch of cinnamon and cardamom—can elevate your Wisconsin Apple Kringle to superstar status. Just be sure the filling is thick and not too runny, so it stays neatly inside the pastry as it bakes.

What if I don’t have cardamom?

No cardamom? No problem. You can omit it or substitute a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a slightly different but still cozy flavor profile. Cardamom is traditional, though, and worth trying if you love Scandinavian flavors!

Can I prepare the dough a day ahead?

Yes—you can make the dough ahead and keep it refrigerated overnight. This lets the flavors deepen and the gluten relax, making it even easier to roll out and shape your Kringle the next morning.

Is Wisconsin Apple Kringle suitable for vegetarians?

Definitely! This Wisconsin Apple Kringle contains no meat or gelatin, so it fits into a vegetarian diet. Just double-check your apple pie filling to confirm all the ingredients align with your preferences.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about sharing a homemade Wisconsin Apple Kringle—the combination of flaky pastry, spiced apples, and creamy glaze just makes everyone’s day a bit brighter. I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious tradition, and maybe even start a few new rituals of your own!

Wisconsin Apple Kringle Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need