Wisconsin Apple Kringle

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a taste of Wisconsin right to your kitchen, then you’re in for a real treat with this Wisconsin Apple Kringle! This beloved pastry is not only beautiful to look at but also captures the cozy flavors of spiced apples wrapped in flaky dough. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

What makes this kringle so special is its buttery layers and gooey apple filling, topped off with a sweet vanilla glaze that’s simply irresistible. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast pastry with your morning coffee or as a dessert after dinner, this recipe will surely become a cherished favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll create something truly special without any fuss!
• Family-friendly: This kringle is sure to please everyone—kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake it fresh when you’re ready.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of spiced apples and buttery pastry creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Impressive presentation: This stunning pastry looks like it came from a bakery, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle requires simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to bring this delicious treat to life!

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 best things about this Wisconsin Apple Kringle recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to fit different tastes and occasions.

• Change the fruit: Instead of apple pie filling, try using cherry or blueberry for a fruity twist!
• Add nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice it up: Mix in some cinnamon or nutmeg along with the cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, combine warm milk, water, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy. This step is crucial because activating the yeast ensures that our dough rises perfectly!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter creates those lovely flaky layers we crave in a kringle. Then add the yeast mixture and egg. Stir just until the dough comes together—overmixing can lead to tougher pastry.

Step 3: Chill Out

Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps relax the gluten and makes rolling easier later on.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out that chilled dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. This shape is perfect for holding all that delicious apple filling!

Step 5: Add Your Filling

Spread your apple pie filling down the center of the dough and sprinkle with cardamom. The warm spices will infuse throughout as it bakes, creating mouthwatering aromas.

Step 6: Shape Your Kringle

Fold the dough over the filling lengthwise, sealing those edges tight! Shape it into an oval or horseshoe form and transfer it carefully onto a parchment-lined baking sheet—this will help prevent sticking.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Brush with a bit of egg wash if you’d like (this gives it that beautiful golden color) and bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Let it cool completely on a wire rack so that all those flavors settle beautifully.

Step 8: Drizzle with Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Drizzle over your cooled kringle and let it set before slicing—it’s hard to wait but so worth it!

Now you have your very own Wisconsin Apple Kringle! Enjoy every buttery bite—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure yours turns out perfectly every time!

• Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to achieving that flaky texture. It creates steam as it melts during baking, resulting in layers that are light and airy.
• Don’t rush the chilling process: Refrigerating the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and shape without tearing. This step is crucial for maintaining its tender quality.
• Measure your ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so using precise measurements ensures that your dough has the right balance of moisture and structure for the perfect pastry.
• Experiment with fillings: While apple pie filling is classic, feel free to try other fruits or flavor combinations like cinnamon or nutmeg. This variation allows you to customize your kringle to your taste!
• Let it cool before glazing: Allowing your kringle to cool completely before adding the glaze prevents it from melting into a puddle. This way, you get that beautiful drizzle effect.

How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Wisconsin Apple Kringle is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes! Here are some creative ways to present this delightful pastry at your next gathering or family breakfast.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the sweetness of the kringle.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A dash of ground cinnamon over the glaze gives a warm spiced aroma that complements the apple filling beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the rich flavors of the kringle.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy counterpoint that pairs well with the sweetness of the pastry.
• Hot beverages: Serve with coffee or tea; their warmth complements the flaky crust and sweet filling while providing an inviting atmosphere for breakfast or dessert.
• Scrambled eggs: For a heartier breakfast option, fluffy scrambled eggs can add protein and make this dish more filling, perfect for starting your day off right!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is not only a delightful treat to enjoy fresh out of the oven, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Kringle to cool completely at room temperature.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the Kringle is fully cooled.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, slice before freezing for easy serving later.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the Kringle on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy crispy edges!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Wisconsin Apple Kringle.

Can I use a different filling for Wisconsin Apple Kringle?

Absolutely! While this recipe features apple pie filling, you can swap it out for other fruits like cherries or pears. Just adjust spices accordingly!

How do I achieve the perfect flaky texture in my Wisconsin Apple Kringle?

The key to a flaky texture lies in using cold butter and not overmixing the dough. Make sure to handle the dough gently when folding and shaping.

Can I make Wisconsin Apple Kringle ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store or freeze it as needed. Just follow our storing and freezing tips above!

What should I serve with my Wisconsin Apple Kringle?

This pastry pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it warm with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream for dessert!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Wisconsin Apple Kringle as much as I do! It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that brings warmth to any meal—perfect for breakfast or dessert. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and sharing good food with loved ones, so don’t hesitate to try this recipe out! Happy baking!