Wisconsin Apple Kringle
If you’re looking for a delightful way to brighten your mornings, look no further than this Wisconsin Apple Kringle! This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of cozy family gatherings and comforting breakfasts. With its flaky, buttery layers cradling warm spiced apple pie filling, it’s hard to resist. Whether you serve it at a holiday brunch or on a busy weekday, this kringle is sure to bring smiles all around.
The beauty of this Wisconsin Apple Kringle lies not just in its flavor but also in its warmth and nostalgia. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell heavenly while creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up this delicious pastry without any fuss.
- Family Favorite: Everyone loves a good dessert, and this kringle is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy freshly baked apple kringle any day of the week.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and buttery pastry creates a comforting and satisfying bite that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful Wisconsin Apple Kringle! These are all simple, wholesome items you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Get ready to create something truly special!
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
- 2 oz apple pie filling
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tsp water (for glaze)
Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and fillings based on what you love.
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Try different fruits: Swap out apple pie filling for other fruit fillings like cherry or berry for a twist on tradition.
- Spice it up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg along with the cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
- Make it chocolatey: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for a decadent touch!
How to Make Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, water, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast and helps your dough rise beautifully!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures that your kringle will be flaky and tender.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the yeast mixture and egg to your dry ingredients. Stir just until the dough comes together—be careful not to overmix! This helps keep your pastry light and airy.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps firm up the butter so that when baked, you get that perfect flaky texture.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your chilled dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. This will create those lovely layers we all adore!
Step 6: Add Filling
Spread apple pie filling down the center of your dough rectangle and sprinkle with cardamom. The filling adds sweetness and warmth that pairs perfectly with the buttery crust.
Step 7: Shape Your Kringle
Fold the dough over the filling lengthwise, sealing those edges well. Shape it into an oval or horseshoe form before transferring it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. This shaping makes each slice beautiful!
Step 8: Bake It Up!
Brush with a bit of egg wash if desired (this gives it that lovely golden color) then bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack—you want those flavors to settle!
Step 9: Drizzle with Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with vanilla extract and enough water until smooth. Drizzle over cooled kringle and let set before slicing into pieces. This glaze adds that sweet finishing touch we all love!
Enjoy preparing this delicious Wisconsin Apple Kringle; I promise every bite will remind you why homemade treats are simply the best!
Pro Tips for Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Making the perfect Wisconsin Apple Kringle can be a delightful experience! Here are some tips to help you achieve that flaky, buttery pastry with a delicious apple filling.
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Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter and chilled dough is crucial for achieving a flaky texture. The cold butter creates steam during baking, resulting in those beautiful layers.
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Don’t skip the resting time: Refrigerating the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and shape without springing back. This step ensures a tender pastry.
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Be careful not to overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, compromising that light and airy quality of the Kringle.
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Experiment with fillings: While this recipe features apple pie filling, feel free to get creative! Use other fruits like pears or berries, or even try a nutty cream cheese filling for a different twist.
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Let it cool before glazing: Allowing your Kringle to cool completely before drizzling on the glaze prevents it from melting away. This way, you’ll have that beautiful glaze that enhances both appearance and flavor!
How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Serving your Wisconsin Apple Kringle is just as important as making it! With its stunning presentation and delightful flavors, there are many ways you can elevate your dish when serving it.
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and an elegant finish to your Kringle.
- Cinnamon sprinkle: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top brings out the warm spices in the apple filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the richness of the Kringle while adding brightness and freshness to your meal.
- Yogurt parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a balanced side that contrasts beautifully with the sweet pastry.
- Coffee or tea: Serve with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. The warmth of these beverages pairs perfectly with the flaky pastry.
- Whipped cream: A dollop of non-dairy whipped cream adds an indulgent touch that’s perfect alongside this sweet treat.
Enjoy your time baking and sharing this delightful Wisconsin Apple Kringle! Whether it’s for breakfast or dessert, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage
The Wisconsin Apple Kringle is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat any time of day. Whether you’re planning a cozy breakfast or a sweet dessert, this pastry can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
Storing Leftovers
- Store the cooled Kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Always let it cool completely before storing to maintain its flaky texture.
Freezing
- To freeze the Kringle, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Kringle on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the Wisconsin Apple Kringle:
Can I make Wisconsin Apple Kringle without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to keep the recipe egg-free while still achieving a great texture.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
For added flavor, consider mixing in some cinnamon or nutmeg with your apple pie filling. Additionally, you could add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture!
What makes Wisconsin Apple Kringle different from other pastries?
Wisconsin Apple Kringle is unique due to its flaky Danish-style pastry base and delicious spiced apple filling, which sets it apart from more common desserts.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling for my Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
Absolutely! Using store-bought apple pie filling can save time and still yield a delicious result. Just make sure it’s free from any animal-derived ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delightful Wisconsin Apple Kringle as much as I do! It’s such a special recipe that combines warm spices and buttery pastry into something truly comforting. Whether you serve it at breakfast or as an afternoon treat, I’m sure it will be a hit. Don’t hesitate to share your experience with me—I would love to hear how yours turns out!
Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Brighten your mornings with a delightful Wisconsin Apple Kringle, a warm and flaky pastry filled with spiced apples that evokes cozy family gatherings and comforting breakfasts. This homemade kringle is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday brunch or a busy weekday treat. With its buttery layers cradling a sweet apple filling, this recipe will bring smiles to everyone around the table. The enticing aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is just the beginning of the joy this pastry will bring.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 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 whole milk, warm
- 2 oz apple pie filling
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tsp water
Instructions
- Activate yeast by combining warm milk, water, and yeast in a bowl; let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the yeast mixture and egg gently until dough forms; do not overmix.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and roll out chilled dough into a rectangle.
- Spread apple pie filling down the center and sprinkle with cardamom.
- Fold dough over filling lengthwise; shape into an oval or horseshoe on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown; cool on wire rack.
- Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled kringle before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
