Wisconsin Apple Kringle
If you’re looking for a cozy treat that makes your kitchen smell divine, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is not just any pastry; it’s a beloved tradition that combines flaky layers with warm, spiced apple filling. Imagine slicing into this golden delight, revealing that gooey center drizzled with sweet vanilla glaze. It’s a wonderful way to start your day or to add a little sweetness to your afternoon.
Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch or hosting a family gathering, this Kringle will surely impress everyone around the table. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, so even novice bakers can create something truly special!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious flavor: The combination of spiced apples and buttery pastry creates a delightful experience in every bite.
- Easy preparation: With simple steps and ingredients, you won’t find yourself overwhelmed in the kitchen.
- Family-friendly appeal: Everyone from kids to grandparents will adore this comforting dessert.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for breakfast or let it cool for an afternoon treat.
- Make ahead convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and bake it right before serving for ultimate freshness.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Wisconsin Apple Kringle uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect flaky pastry and delicious filling.
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 and Glaze
- 2 oz apple pie filling
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tsp water (for glaze)
Variations
One of the wonderful things about making Wisconsin Apple Kringle is how flexible this recipe can be! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:
- Change the fruit: Swap out apple pie filling for other fruits like cherry or blueberry for a new flavor twist.
- Try different spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg instead of cardamom for a different aromatic profile.
- Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Make mini Kringles: Instead of one large pastry, divide the dough into smaller pieces to create individual servings.
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. This step is crucial because it ensures that your dough rises well, giving it that lovely flaky texture.
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. Doing this creates those buttery layers that are characteristic of a good pastry.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the yeast mixture and egg to your flour mix. Stir just until dough comes together—do not overmix. Overworking can lead to tough dough instead of tender layers.
Step 4: Chill Your Dough
Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling helps solidify the butter again, which results in flakiness when baked.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Make sure it’s evenly rolled; this will help it bake consistently.
Step 6: Add Filling
Spread apple pie filling down the center and sprinkle with cardamom. The cardamom adds warmth and depth to the sweet apples—a match made in heaven!
Step 7: Shape Your 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. Make sure it’s sealed well so all those delicious flavors stay inside!
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Brush with a bit of egg wash if desired and bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on it as it bakes—the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be hard to resist!
Step 9: Drizzle with Glaze
Cool completely on a wire rack before mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Drizzle over cooled Kringle and let set before slicing. This glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness!
And there you have it! A beautiful Wisconsin Apple Kringle that’s perfect for any occasion—or just because you deserve something sweet today! Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Making a perfect Wisconsin Apple Kringle is easier than you might think! Here are some helpful tips to elevate your baking experience.
- Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter ensures a flaky texture, as it creates steam during baking that lifts the layers of dough beautifully.
- Don’t skip the chilling time: Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator helps to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out and shape while ensuring a tender finish.
- Be generous with the filling: Don’t be shy when adding your apple pie filling; a hearty amount makes for a deliciously gooey center that contrasts wonderfully with the flaky crust.
- Experiment with spices: While cardamom adds a lovely warmth, consider mixing in cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the cozy essence of this pastry.
- Let it cool completely: Before drizzling the glaze, ensure your Kringle has cooled completely. This prevents the glaze from melting into the pastry and helps maintain its beautiful appearance.
How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle
This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is not just delightful; it’s also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast gathering or a sweet dessert after dinner, here are some ideas on how to present this treat!
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances its visual appeal without overwhelming sweetness.
- Chopped nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch and complement the soft apple filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the kringle and adds vibrant color to your plate.
- Yogurt parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with granola and fresh fruit makes for a wholesome side that pairs nicely with the richness of the pastry.
- Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea perfectly complements this pastry, enhancing its flavors while providing a cozy atmosphere for enjoying it.
- Ice cream: For dessert lovers, serving warm slices of kringle with vanilla or caramel ice cream creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist!
This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy its delightful flavors all week long. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious pastry.
Storing Leftovers
- Place any leftover kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for extended freshness, but be aware that this may slightly affect the texture.
Freezing
- Allow the kringle to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap.
- For extra protection, place the wrapped kringle in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- To reheat from frozen, let the kringle thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the kringle on a baking sheet.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your Wisconsin Apple Kringle.
Can I use different fillings for my Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
Absolutely! While this recipe features apple pie filling, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings like cherry, blueberry, or even a cream cheese mixture for variety.
How do I know when my Wisconsin Apple Kringle is done baking?
Your kringle should be golden brown and flaky on the outside. A good indicator is when it’s puffed up and has a lovely aroma filling your kitchen—this usually takes about 22-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Can I make Wisconsin Apple Kringle without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit until gelatinous) or use a commercial egg replacer.
How do I prevent my Wisconsin Apple Kringle from getting soggy?
Ensure that your apple filling isn’t too wet; you can drain excess liquid if necessary. Also, allow the pastry to cool on a wire rack after baking to avoid steam buildup.
Final Thoughts
Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle is not just about enjoying a delicious treat; it’s about creating memories around the kitchen with loved ones. This flaky pastry filled with spiced apple goodness is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s breakfast or dessert. I hope you find joy in making this delightful recipe and bring a little taste of Wisconsin into your home. Happy baking!
Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Indulge in the cozy flavors of Wisconsin Apple Kringle, a delightful pastry that’s perfect for both breakfast and dessert. This traditional treat features flaky layers enveloping a warm, spiced apple filling, all drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 warm whole milk
- 1 egg
- 2 oz apple pie filling
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, water, and yeast in a bowl; let sit until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Add the yeast mixture and egg; stir until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread apple pie filling down the center; sprinkle with cardamom.
- Fold the dough over the filling lengthwise and shape it into an oval.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely before drizzling with a glaze made of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
