Wisconsin Apple Kringle

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that warms the heart and pleases the palate, let me introduce you to my favorite Wisconsin Apple Kringle. This delightful pastry has a flaky, buttery crust that envelops a luscious spiced apple filling, all drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weekday breakfast or a festive family gathering, this kringle is sure to impress!

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to prepare. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find joy in rolling out the dough and watching it transform into something delicious. Enjoying a slice of this Wisconsin Apple Kringle can turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this masterpiece.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves warm apple pie flavors, making it perfect for both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready for a fresh treat!
• Versatile serving: Serve it as breakfast or dessert; it’s delightful any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this scrumptious Wisconsin Apple Kringle, you only need simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Filling

• 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

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tsp water (for glaze)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your own twists on the classic Wisconsin Apple Kringle.

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to your filling.
• Try different fruits: Swap out apple pie filling for cherry or peach filling for a fun flavor twist.
• Infuse with spices: Experiment by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling for extra warmth.
• Make it chocolatey: Drizzle some chocolate over the top instead of vanilla glaze for a decadent treat.

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 becomes foamy. This step is crucial because activating the yeast will help your dough rise beautifully!

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. This creates those lovely flaky layers we all adore in pastries.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the yeast mixture and egg into your flour mixture. Stir gently just until everything comes together—overmixing can lead to tough dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Form your dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps solidify the butter so you get that perfectly flaky texture when baking.

Step 5: Roll Out Your Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out your chilled dough into a large rectangle. This will be the canvas for our delicious filling!

Step 6: Add Filling and Shape

Spread apple pie filling down the center of your dough and sprinkle with cardamom. Fold the dough over lengthwise to seal in that tasty goodness. Shape it into an oval or horseshoe form before transferring it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake It Up!

Brush with a bit of egg wash if desired (this gives it a beautiful shine) and bake for about 22-25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 8: Glaze It!

Once cooled completely on a wire rack, mix powdered sugar with vanilla extract and water until smooth. Drizzle over your cooled kringle and let set before slicing into delightful pieces.

Enjoy every bite of this charming Wisconsin Apple Kringle—it’s more than just food; it’s an experience filled with warmth and happiness!

Pro Tips for Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Creating the perfect Wisconsin Apple Kringle may seem daunting, but with these tips, you’ll be a pro in no time!

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and milk cold ensures that the dough remains flaky and tender. Warm ingredients can lead to a tougher pastry.
• Don’t overmix the dough: When adding the yeast mixture and egg, stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a dense kringle.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating your dough for at least an hour allows it to rest and makes it easier to roll out. It also helps maintain those lovely flaky layers when baking.
• Experiment with fillings: While apple pie filling is delicious, feel free to get creative! Try using cherry or blueberry filling for a fun twist on this classic recipe.
• Glaze while warm: Drizzling the glaze over your kringle while it’s still slightly warm will allow it to soak into the pastry just enough for an extra indulgent treat!

How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle

Serving your Wisconsin Apple Kringle can turn a simple dish into an impressive centerpiece at any gathering. Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top enhances the spiced apple flavor and brings warmth to each slice.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the sweet richness of the kringle.
• Greek yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt provides a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the pastry beautifully.
• Coffee or tea: Serve with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy breakfast experience or afternoon snack that guests will love.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, your Wisconsin Apple Kringle will not only taste amazing but look stunning too! Enjoy this delightful treat any time of year.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, ensuring a delicious treat is always on hand. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your Kringle to maintain its delightful texture and flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate it for up to a week, but be aware that this may affect the flaky texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cooled Kringle tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your package with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave; heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds—but note that this may not keep the pastry as flaky.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Wisconsin Apple Kringle:

Can I use other fillings besides apple pie filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry for a unique twist on this classic Wisconsin Apple Kringle.

How long will Wisconsin Apple Kringle last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Wisconsin Apple Kringle will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Is there an alternative to egg wash for my Wisconsin Apple Kringle?

Yes! You can use a mixture of non-dairy milk or aquafaba (chickpea water) brushed over the top before baking for a vegan-friendly option.

Can I make Wisconsin Apple Kringle gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add some separately.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Wisconsin Apple Kringle as much as I do! Its flaky crust combined with warm spiced apples makes it truly special. Whether it’s breakfast or dessert, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors and toppings—after all, cooking is all about having fun! Happy baking!