Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a delicious, flaky pastry that brings together the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples and a rich, buttery dough. Originating from Wisconsin, this delightful pastry is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. With its perfect blend of tender filling and crisp, golden layers, it’s a true Midwestern favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the classic kringle with a seasonal twist. The apples are spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cozy, comforting filling, while the buttery dough makes every bite melt in your mouth. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and once you bake it, you’ll have a stunning pastry that looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

• 3/4 cup milk (warm)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1-2 tablespoons milk

(Tip: You can use store-bought puff pastry dough for a quicker version, but homemade dough adds extra flakiness and flavor!)

Directions

Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

2. Add the warm milk and mix until combined. Stir in the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract.

3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Make the Apple Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt.

2. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the apples start to soften and the filling thickens.

3. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

Assemble the Kringle:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 12×18 inches on a lightly floured surface.

3. Spoon the cooled apple filling down the center of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space on each side.

4. Fold the sides of the dough over the filling to form a log or oval shape, pinching the edges to seal the kringle.

5. Transfer the kringle to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Make the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and drizzle-able.

2. Once the kringle is done baking and cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 8-10 servings. Prep time is 20 minutes (plus rising time for the dough), cook time is 30 minutes, and glaze time is 5 minutes, so it’s ready in about 2 hours (including dough rising).

Variations
I like to:

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for added crunch.

• Mix in a little caramel sauce in the glaze for a richer flavor.

• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top of the kringle before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.

• Use pears or peaches instead of apples for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating
Store the kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven for a few minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and assemble the kringle the next day.

Can I freeze the kringle?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked kringle. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake it from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes.

Can I use a different filling?
Yes, you can swap the apple filling for other fruits like berries, pears, or even a cream cheese filling for a different twist.

Conclusion
Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a delightful, buttery pastry that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. The spiced apple filling and crisp, flaky dough are a true treat, making it ideal for any occasion. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up at home, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a Wisconsin favorite!

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