Name: Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed); 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk or cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Golden, flaky layers filled with tender spiced apples and finished with a generous vanilla glaze — this Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is fall wrapped in pastry form. It’s a heartwarming bake that combines the elegance of laminated dough with the rustic charm of homemade apple filling. When it comes out of the oven bubbling and beautifully bronzed, it’s nearly impossible to resist cutting a warm slice.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, celebrating the holidays, or just in need of a treat with your morning coffee, this kringle fits every cozy moment. It carries that homemade warmth that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen, while still feeling like something from a bakery window. Serve it warm, drizzle that glossy glaze over the top, and let the sweet comfort take over.

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Bakery-style at home – With puff pastry as your base, this dessert feels and looks professionally made without the labor of scratch-made dough.
Perfect balance of flavors – The apple filling is lightly sweetened, spiced with cinnamon, and perfectly soft, while the vanilla glaze brings a sweet finish that ties it all together.
Impressively simple – It looks intricate but comes together quickly using a few smart shortcuts.
Versatile – Enjoy it as breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or an after-dinner dessert.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive in, make sure your space is prepped for a smooth baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need to bring your Cozy Apple Kringle to life:

Baking Sheet + Parchment Paper: Essential for easy cleanup and even baking.
Rolling Pin: Helps to gently shape and stretch the puff pastry without tearing it.
Pastry Brush: For brushing on the egg wash or butter for that golden, glossy crust.
Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: Used for slicing and layering the apple-filled strips.
Mixing Bowls: Needed for the apple filling and the glaze – use medium and small sizes.
Measuring Cups + Spoons: Precision is key for the filling and glaze.
Cooling Rack: Allows the kringle to cool while maintaining its crispiness on all sides.

Every tool plays a role in giving this bake its inviting texture and look. Proper tools make this feel less like a chore and more like a joyful ritual.

Ingredients for the Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Puff Pastry Sheets – This ready-made dough offers buttery, flaky layers without the intensive work of laminating dough from scratch.
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Their crisp texture and slight tartness create a perfect base that holds its shape when baked.
Brown Sugar – Adds richness and depth to the apple filling.
Ground Cinnamon – The classic spice for warming apple desserts.
Lemon Juice – Prevents the apples from browning and brightens the flavor.
Cornstarch – Helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t seep out during baking.
Butter – Adds flavor and helps caramelize the apples slightly.
Egg (for egg wash) – Ensures a golden, glossy crust.
Powdered Sugar – The base for the sweet vanilla glaze.
Milk or Cream – Loosens the glaze to the right drizzling consistency.
Vanilla Extract – Gives the glaze a warm, aromatic sweetness.

How To Make the Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and thinly slice your apples. In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and butter. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft but not mushy, and the mixture has thickened slightly. Let this cool completely.

Step 2: Roll and Layer the Pastry

Unfold your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out slightly to even the edges. Slice into strips (3 inches wide) and layer each strip with the cooled apple filling. Stack and slightly offset the layers vertically into a loaf shape.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the stacked pastry to a lined baking sheet. Shape into a log or curved kringle shape. Brush the outside with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

Step 4: Make the Vanilla Glaze

While the kringle bakes, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Once the kringle is baked, let it cool on a rack for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle generously with vanilla glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving and Storing the Cozy Apple Kringle

Serve this kringle warm for the best experience — the pastry is buttery and flaky, the apples tender, and the glaze slightly melty. Pair it with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a full dessert moment.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4. Reheat slices in the toaster oven or oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Cool the apple filling completely before assembling, and use parchment paper for better air circulation underneath.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! You can prep the apple filling and roll the pastry in advance. Store them separately and assemble right before baking.

What apples work best?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and offer the right balance of tart and sweet.

Can I freeze the kringle?

Yes, bake and cool it first, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute with flour or arrowroot powder to thicken the apple filling.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts and golden raisins blend beautifully with the apple filling.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Cozy Apple Kringle, try these unique dessert inspirations from the blog:

Rose Pistachio Cheesecake Ice Cream for a floral and nutty frozen delight.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake that blends two classic favorites into one unforgettable treat.
Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread for cozy Southern comfort.
Amish Applesauce Cake if you’re looking for another rustic apple dessert.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake that’s easy and bursting with flavor.