Wisconsin Apple Kringle
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Wisconsin Apple Kringle is just what you need! This recipe combines the comforting flavors of spiced apples with a flaky, buttery pastry that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s a busy weekday breakfast or a sweet addition to your family gathering, this Apple Kringle is perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it has a special place in my heart—and in so many Wisconsin kitchens!
Imagine serving this gorgeous pastry to your friends and family. The aroma of baked apples and spices wafting through your home will make everyone feel cozy and loved. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it an excellent choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and ingredients, you can have this delicious kringle ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the sweet apple filling and flaky pastry—perfect for kids and adults alike!
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this kringle fits right in.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm apples and buttery pastry is simply heavenly!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this beautiful Wisconsin Apple Kringle. You probably have most of these staples in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:
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
The beauty of this Wisconsin Apple Kringle is its flexibility! You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:
- Add Some Nuts: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch!
- Mix Up the Fruit: Substitute with pear filling or even cherry pie filling if you want a different flavor profile.
- Try Different Spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg instead of cardamom for a unique twist.
- Make It Chocolatey: Consider drizzling melted chocolate over the glaze for an extra indulgent touch.
How to Make Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, water, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets nice and foamy. This step is crucial because it wakes up the yeast—ensuring your dough will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep that butter cold—it helps create those flaky layers we all love!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now add your yeast mixture along with the egg to the dry ingredients. Stir just until everything comes together; be careful not to overmix! Overworking the dough can lead to less flakiness.
Step 4: Chill Out
Form your dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling allows the dough to relax and makes rolling it out much easier.
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 step is where you start shaping that lovely pastry!
Step 6: Add Filling
Spread the apple pie filling down the center of your rolled-out dough and sprinkle with cardamom. The filling brings all those sweet flavors together—don’t skimp on this part!
Step 7: Shape Your Kringle
Fold the dough over the filling lengthwise while sealing the edges well. Shape it into an oval or horseshoe form before transferring it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake It Up!
Brush with an egg wash if desired (this gives it that gorgeous golden color) and bake for about 22–25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. As it bakes, enjoy that heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Step 9: Drizzle with Glaze
Once cool on a wire rack, mix together powdered sugar with vanilla extract and water until smooth. Drizzle generously over your cooled kringle and allow it to set before slicing.
And there you have it! A beautiful Wisconsin Apple Kringle that’s bound to become one of your favorite recipes too! Enjoy every slice!
Pro Tips for Making Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Creating the perfect Wisconsin Apple Kringle is easier than you might think with a few simple tips!
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Use cold butter: Cold butter is essential for achieving that flaky, tender texture. It prevents the butter from fully blending into the flour, creating pockets of steam during baking that give the pastry its lift and flakiness.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined helps maintain the delicate texture of the pastry. Overmixing can lead to a tougher final product, which we definitely want to avoid!
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Chill your dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour allows gluten to relax and helps in developing layers. This step is key for a light and airy kringle.
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Experiment with fillings: While apple pie filling is traditional, feel free to try other fruit fillings or even nut mixtures to personalize your kringle. This flexibility makes it a versatile treat for any occasion!
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Let it cool before glazing: Allowing your kringle to cool completely ensures that the glaze sets nicely rather than melting away. This way, you’ll get that beautiful drizzled finish that is both attractive and delicious.
How to Serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Serving your Wisconsin Apple Kringle can be as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this gorgeous pastry.
Garnishes
- Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
- Cinnamon sprinkle: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top enhances the warm spice notes of the apple filling and adds visual appeal.
- Sliced almonds: Adding slivered almonds on top gives a lovely crunch and an extra layer of flavor that complements the apple beautifully.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and balances the richness of the kringle—perfect for breakfast or brunch!
- Yogurt parfait: Serve with yogurt layered with granola and berries for a healthy complement. The creaminess of yogurt pairs wonderfully with the flaky sweetness.
- Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes an excellent accompaniment, enhancing the cozy experience of enjoying this delightful pastry.
- Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with a dollop of whipped coconut cream. Its creamy texture pairs well with the spiced apple filling while keeping things light.
With these tips and serving suggestions, your Wisconsin Apple Kringle will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Wisconsin Apple Kringle is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors any time you want! Preparing it in advance can save time during busy mornings or make a sweet addition to gatherings.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover Kringle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled Kringle tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Kringle on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Wisconsin Apple Kringle.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling for Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple pie filling works wonderfully and can save you time while still delivering delicious results.
How should I serve Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
Wisconsin Apple Kringle is delightful as a breakfast treat or dessert. Pair it with coffee or tea for a cozy experience!
Can I customize the filling in my Wisconsin Apple Kringle?
Yes! Feel free to get creative by adding nuts, raisins, or even different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste preferences.
Why is my Wisconsin Apple Kringle not flaky?
If your Kringle isn’t flaky, it could be due to overworking the dough or using butter that was too soft. Ensure your butter is cold and mix gently!
Final Thoughts
I hope this Wisconsin Apple Kringle brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! It’s such a special recipe with its tender layers and sweet apple filling—perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of making it, and don’t hesitate to share your creations. Happy baking!
Wisconsin Apple Kringle
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Wisconsin Apple Kringle, a charming pastry that combines spiced apples with a flaky, buttery dough. This recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy breakfast, an inviting brunch, or a sweet dessert to impress your guests. The aroma of freshly baked apples and warm spices fills your home, creating a sense of comfort and joy. With its simple preparation and ability to impress both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike, this Apple Kringle will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- 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
- 1 egg
- 2 oz apple pie filling
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tsp water (for glaze)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, water, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Add the yeast mixture and egg to the dry ingredients; stir until combined without overmixing.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough into a rectangle.
- Spread apple pie filling down the center and sprinkle with cardamom.
- Fold the dough over filling, seal edges well, shape into an oval or horseshoe on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar with vanilla extract and water; drizzle over cooled kringle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
