Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

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Golden, flaky, and bursting with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, this Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a braided pastry that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. It’s the kind of bake that transforms your kitchen into a cozy bakery, filling the air with buttery sweetness and fall spice. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just craving something special with your coffee, this kringle will deliver.

Inspired by traditional Scandinavian bakes, this recipe brings simplicity and flavor together in the best way. Store-bought puff pastry makes it easy and approachable, while the homemade apple filling keeps it feeling rustic and from-scratch. A drizzle of vanilla glaze adds the perfect final touch, making this a showstopper that looks way more complicated than it actually is.

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What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

Use all-butter puff pastry if you can find it—it’s richer, flakier, and lends a beautiful golden color. You’ll want to thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 40 minutes until it’s pliable but still cold. Avoid overworking the dough so you maintain those delicate layers.

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Ingredients for the Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Puff Pastry Sheets: The buttery, flaky base that holds everything together. Two sheets are perfect for this braided style kringle.

Apples: Use a firm variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold their shape well and balance sweetness and tartness.

Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a slight caramel-like flavor to the filling.

Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Essential warm spices that bring out the apple’s natural flavor.

Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it doesn’t leak during baking.

Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor of both the filling and the glaze.

Egg Wash (egg + milk): Helps create that beautifully glossy, golden crust.

Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, mixed with vanilla and milk until smooth and pourable.

Milk: Used to adjust the glaze consistency.

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How To Make the Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir gently until the apples begin to soften and the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle if needed. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make horizontal cuts (about 1 inch apart) on both long sides, leaving the center third intact. These strips will form the braid.

Step 3: Fill and Braid

Spoon the cooled apple filling down the center of the pastry. Starting at one end, fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braided look. Tuck in the ends and gently press to seal.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the braided kringle onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until deeply golden and puffed.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm kringle. Let it set slightly before slicing and serving.

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How to Serve and Store This Cozy Apple Kringle

Serve your apple kringle slightly warm, ideally within an hour of baking when the pastry is at its flakiest and the glaze is gently set. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steaming mug of chai tea. For brunch spreads, slice it into thick portions and let guests drizzle on more glaze if desired.

To store leftovers, wrap the kringle loosely in foil or place in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4 days. Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp up the pastry. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the flaky layers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my puff pastry from getting soggy?

Cool the filling completely before assembling, and avoid overloading it. The cornstarch also helps thicken the apple mixture to prevent sogginess.

Can I make this kringle ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the entire kringle and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh before serving for best texture.

What kind of apples work best?

Go for apples that hold their shape—Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn. You want a nice bite, not applesauce.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze the baked kringle (without glaze) wrapped well in plastic and foil. Thaw and reheat in the oven, then add glaze before serving.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, use a gluten-free puff pastry brand and check that your cornstarch and powdered sugar are gluten-free certified.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute with all-purpose flour or tapioca starch, but use slightly more for similar thickening power.

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Want More Pastry Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze, you might find your next favorite among these comforting treats:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a sweet, creamy finish.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for a fruity, tangy dessert served in perfect portions.
• Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby if you’re in the mood for a puffy, oven-baked breakfast showstopper.
• Amish Applesauce Cake for an old-fashioned apple dessert with warm spice and heritage charm.
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups when you want something quick, gooey, and shareable for breakfast or dessert.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pastry board so you can bake it any time the apple craving hits. You’ll find more cozy dessert ideas on my Pinterest: Life with Jam.

Did you add walnuts to your filling? Try a maple glaze instead of vanilla? I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own. Drop a comment or ask a question below—let’s bake together!

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