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Wisconsin Apple Kringle Recipe

4.7 from 118 reviews

This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a classic Danish pastry beloved in Wisconsin, featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with sweet apple pie filling and a hint of cardamom. The dough is enriched with yeast for a soft, tender texture, baked to golden perfection, then finished with a smooth vanilla glaze, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough 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

Filling

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

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 23 tsp water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, water, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Cut the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the yeast mixture and the egg, stirring just until the dough comes together—avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  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 rectangle and sprinkle with ground cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor. Fold the dough over the filling lengthwise, sealing the edges to encase the filling. Shape your kringle into an oval or horseshoe shape, then transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet for baking.
  3. Bake: Optionally, brush the top with a little beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, or until the kringle is golden brown and flaky. Once baked, remove it from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
  4. Add Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2–3 teaspoons of water until you achieve a smooth glaze consistency. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled kringle to add sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is very cold for a flaky dough texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough to prevent a tough pastry.
  • Chilling the dough before rolling helps with handling and develops the texture.
  • Use a sharp knife to seal edges completely to avoid filling leaks during baking.
  • Allow the kringle to cool completely before adding glaze, or the glaze may melt and not set properly.

Keywords: Wisconsin Apple Kringle, apple pastry, Danish pastry, apple pie filling, cardamom pastry, homemade kringle