Wisconsin Apple Kringle Recipe

Introduction

Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet apple pie filling and a hint of warm cardamom. This delicious treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert and brings a taste of the Midwest to your kitchen.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 2 teaspoons water, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3: Add the yeast mixture and egg. Stir just until the dough comes together—do not overmix.
4. Step 4: Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle.
6. Step 6: Spread apple pie filling down the center of the dough and sprinkle with ground cardamom.
7. Step 7: Fold the dough over the filling lengthwise, sealing the edges. Shape into an oval or horseshoe and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Optional: brush the pastry with a bit of egg wash. Bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and flaky. Cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Step 9: To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2–3 teaspoons water until smooth. Drizzle over cooled kringle before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try substituting the apple filling with cherry or blueberry pie filling.
• Use cold butter straight from the fridge and handle the dough as little as possible to keep the pastry flaky.
• Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the filling enhances the warm, spiced apple flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a low oven to restore flakiness before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out and filling.

What can I use instead of cardamom?

If you don’t have cardamom, a small amount of ground cinnamon or nutmeg works well as a warm spice alternative.

Wisconsin Apple Kringle Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 131 reviews

This Wisconsin Apple Kringle recipe delivers a flaky, buttery pastry filled with sweet apple pie filling and a hint of aromatic cardamom, finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this traditional Danish-inspired treat is baked to golden perfection and glazed for a sweet finish.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Filling

• 2 oz apple pie filling
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tsp water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, water, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the yeast mixture and the egg, stirring just until the dough comes together; be careful not to overmix to maintain flakiness. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
2. Shape the Kringle: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Spread the apple pie filling down the center of the dough and sprinkle with ground cardamom for added spice. Fold the sides of the dough over the filling lengthwise, sealing the edges to trap the filling inside. Shape the folded dough into an oval or horseshoe form and transfer it carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake: Optionally, brush the top of the shaped kringle with a bit of egg wash to encourage a golden, shiny crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. Once baked, remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack to set the structure and prevent sogginess.
4. Add Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 teaspoons of water until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle or spread this glaze evenly over the cooled kringle to add sweetness and moisture for a beautiful finish.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is cold when cutting into the flour to create a flaky pastry texture.
• The apple pie filling can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference.
• Refrigerating the dough helps relax the gluten and makes the dough easier to roll out and shape.
• Allow the kringle to cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
• For a more robust flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit filling.

Keywords: Wisconsin Kringle, Apple Kringle, Danish Pastry, Flaky Pastry, Apple Dessert, Sweet Pastry, Holiday Recipe